The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-07


That is Unjust in the Least is Unjust
in the Greatest"
After illustrating how little things be-
token character. DR.. Barbour passed TO
an application Of this 10 mans relations
to the Government Of God. lie said: Here,
too. men are tried by their character
and every thing counts-eVery word
every action. Nor is this a TWO vigorous
treatment Of man. 10 is the way man
treats his fellows il it IS not bard and
unmericirul in our judgment OF others
it is not hard and arbitrary IN God
dealing with MS; moreover IL l5 ~ per-
feet keeping with the analogy or the ma
terlal universe. The falling OF an apple
suggested to Newton the magnificent gem
eralization OF gravitauon. tie saw ~ the
falling apple the falling planet. Indeed
every action Of the universe was repre-
scented I'm that falling apple Tn harmony
with this every action IN IRE. however
trivial report the character of "a man.
and has its bearing ON the moral uni
verse. Yet there are men who admire inc
exquisite finish Of the material creation
who object 10 the same order and delicacy
and reach Of law IN Gods moral uni
verse. They mark with admiration the
generalization Newton drew from the
annie. hut are horr0r-strckcn when we
show the reach Of moral law iu that
apple story I'm the garden. But man was
tested there as he has been tested ever
since-by a very little thing-and the sim
plicitv Of the transaction so far from
excuslng our first parents added 20 the
Nervousness 81 their sin. They were Will
ing TO dare the displeasure Of God TO turn
from Eden's bowers with an their luscious
fruits 10 take Of the one thing forbidden
them I'm the garden"
MONUMENTS OF CIVILIZATION.
The speaker here reminded his hearers
that the monuments Of civilization were
distinctly n tho direction OF orthodox
evangelical christianity. The enemies of
distinct religious life were fond Of dwell
ing upon tho Puritanical preciseness and
minuteness OF the church's oversight OF
the believers life. But they were not
consistent here. The better thought OF
the world never so looked after the small
things as it does to-day. Sociology is based
upon the fundamental rights and obll-
cations Of the smallest man. our cduca-
tional system looks after the schooling
OF the poorest child. Science is just be-
ginning to study thoroughly infant lie.
Arb once painted madOnnas. and battle
scenes and portraits of royal personagos.
Now the picture Of two peasants bow
ing in the furrow az the call 10 prayer is
the typical creation Of the period. what
is the germ theory i'm science but the
realization that the smallest conceivable
animal life counts. and counts large. BY
am these aids we should be able 20 rise
10 the majestic compass Of the Bible
morality. 1t touches every idle word; every
idle thouht: nay. the very fibre OF the
heart For an thcs things mn shall give
account on the day Of Judgment.
GOD ~ EVERYTHING.
The preacher here introduced the con-
s0iing thought that God Himself was
subject 10 this test His character too.
was at stake I'm the smallest transactions.
lie that gives the snowflake with it's
opalescet splendors and paints with
perfect art am insects wing may De seen
and read in the smallest incident OF q
human life. How can one. then doubt
the reality Of prayer? Men forget that
God has the heart of a God and that His
very name IS love.
The preacher closed by urging that this
view gives dignity 20 life. 10 invests n
an with importance. II makes life rich
and beautiful by film Il with kindncsses
and facilities. "Ah my friends" be- said.
"the little things tell. Tho least things
are the greatest; for they cnshrine the
gentle and the tender. thcy make us Ike
unto the meek and lowly Jesus. and 90
our living here we make ready for the
promotions Of heaven. 10 is not the pub
LEFTY Of our life. Sos phasanhernalia. IT'S
equipagos. ~ is IT'S fruitmlness that
tells. 'Be thou faithful until death ana 4
Will give thee the crown of lifc.'