The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-07-31
SERMON.
THE RICH AND THE FO)R.
BY THE LATE REV. R. o. WILLIAMS.

Prov. xxi y.
The sacred writer, in this passage
has made an affirmation concerning
two great classes of community
which are known to exist, and to
be distinguished from each other
throughout nearly the whole world.
Tt is true there are different grades of
rich. and also of poor, and it might,
perhaps, be a difficult matter to de-
termine exactly where the dividing
line should be drawn. But in refer
ence to these classes, the wise man
has applied principle which is
equally applicable to other classes of
men. He has referred to the fact
that, in some respects, there are diff
ferences, or distinctions among men;
and yet, in other important particu-
lars, they are all alike, and possess
equal privileges, and are laid under
equal responsibilities. The distinc-
lions among them are some of them
natural, and others artificial; but
their points of equality, their priv
leges and obligations depend en- a
power over which they have no con-
troll. As the artificial distinctions
are sometimes injurious to the inter
ests of society, awakening and cher
ishing feeling of criminal and de-
moralizing nature, feelings which a
due consideration of the great points
in which all men are equal, alone can
remove and correct, it may be very
appropriate, and very profitable, in
the present discourse, to consider
briefly the points of distinction and
the points of equality among men,
/. 1t is a great principle, and
Justly held in high estimation by the
American people, as the basis of their
civil institutions-"that all men are
created equal" 1t was sufficiently
true to answer the purposes of those
bold and interrupted patriots who
signed the declaration Of American
independence; and it is sufficiently
true to answer all the purposes of
civil government. But still it is not
absolutely correct principle when
viewed in all its bearings. There are
some natural differences among men
in consequence of which it is not
strictly true.
a. Amongthese may be reckoned,
in the first place, the difference in
physical strength and activity, that
every where exists among men. This
is fact so notorious that no person
will pretend to call it in question.
The differences in this respect extend
to nations as we'll as to individuals.
Naturalists have divided the human
race into four or five great classes,
between whom there are many
strongly marked differences, both in
form, size and features. These diff
ferences extend, in many cases, to
their relative muscular power and
activity; some nations, as general
cmass, being much superior in these
particulars to other nations. Yet
still, when we descend from general
to particular survey, we shall find,
in the nations of the least muscular
power, many individuals who equal
in strength, many others who are
sprung from the nations of the great
est muscular strength. There is a
more strongly marked and percep-
tible difference in this respect among
individuals to whatever nation they
may belong. This difference be-
tween weak men and strong men is
so common among ourselves, differ
ence that seems to begin from the
very cradle and continue even to the
grave-and is SO we'll understood
that it is quite unnecessary to make
any extended remarks upon it. 1t
must then, be admitted, that, in re-
spect to muscular strength, and ac-
tivity, all men are not created equal.
(2) In another point there is an
equally perceptible difference-and
that is, in talents, or intellectual ca
pacities. Everyone is sensible that
nature has not been equally profuse
in the bestowment of equal genius
and talent upon all mankind.
Though the natural differences in
this point of view may not be so great
as on a mere superficial survey might
be supposed-though much of the
dignity, and expansion, and energy
OF the human intellect depends on
industry and perseverance in its cul-
tivation-yet the state ofsociety, and
the difference of improvement fur
nish sufficient evidence that there is
difference in the power of the intellect
itself.
There are many nations now ex-
listing whose intellectual capacities
are evidently much inferior to those
of other nations which are now also
on the stage of action and occupy
their appointed place in the earth.