The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-06-29
APPLAUSE.
"a. b. Williams in the Richmond
News Lcadcr.)

a calm philosophy OF Abraham in
the presence of Dives, as told in the
parable, is one of the most terrific and
the most fearfully and vividly truth
full pictures in literature. The man
once rich. pampered and surfete with
the luxuries Of this world, was in
hell, we are told, tormented by fame
which never ceased, interm!tted or re-
laxed it's blistering, slow, remorseless
fury. Desperately looking about him
for relief, horribly tired Of mono
tony Of pain, he saw Abraham, afar
of, comfortable and pleasantly placed
in heaven. In his despair he called
pitifully on the father Of his race to
have mercy on him and send Lazarus
TO dip finger in water and lay it on
his rarched tongue, that for one bless
ed instant the eternity Of torment
might be broken by the delicious taste
Of moisture, that in that one fash Of
sine as against an endless period of
suffering he might know refreshing
ease.
Abraham evidently was contcntcd
with the situation. His answer to
his son and brother man and fellow
sinner roasting and writhing in hell,
was clearly logical, screncly cool, prop
er and correct, adormitory and remi-
nisccnt. lie was not at all disturbed
nor perturbcd by the fierce flames as
sailing the person in the fire nor by
his urgent supplications. He would
not send the drop of water if he could,
and he took occasion to recall happy,
peaceful, pleasant and luxurious days
spentscn earth-the fessting, the wine
drinking, when the palate was be-
sought to know new pleasures and
Aavors, the smiles and laughter and
music and the allurements and charms
of beauty, the roses yielding their
fragrance under the still, white light
of Oriental moons, while mystic har
monies filled the dreamy air and rest
full sleep followed safety. A happy
contrast that, for the man in hell.
Besides, come to think Of it, he could
not send the moment of comfort, even
If his purpose were ever so benevo-
lent. Because between us and you
there is great gulf fixed" Any.
how, he did not mean to trouble him
self to try. Dives might roast and
and parch and twist in his agony and
CRY out. Nor would Abraham send
message to Dives brethren. They
had Moses and the prophets. Their
personal business was to accept the
lights:before them and profit thereby
and follow Abraham, OF else to go and
scorch with Dives. Not one CLEAN
or scintilla or suggestion Of fight or
peace or comfort or hope for the
man in hell. He is there undergo
ing his everlasting torture. Let him
stay, while we saints on the right
side Of the gulf look on and philos-
ophize.
1t is not intended as narrative of
an actual occurrence. 1t lisa parable;
and with all reverence due the holy
and Almighty source of it, there is
kind Of wonderful humor in it. It
tells us 30 accurately how our poor,
presumptious assumptions Of supe-
riority ard holiness and aloofness
would look if applied in the vast,
eternal, living and real world of the
mighty hereafter. It is sarcasm from
the hoiiest lips that ever spoke Cox cs
Pharisees. It is the speaking Of the
soul that knew all the mysteries be-
hind the veil to US respectable and
pure and exhalted who dare to look
down upon our brethren and sisters in
hell and to say that between us and
you there is great gulf fixed. Abra-
ham was respectable man in lis
day, wealthy man, az vealth vent
then, and good and hospiishle citi-
zen.
So, for all we know and are told,
was Dives. No doubt he paid his
taxes, had made his money honestly,
was most honorable and honored
person in Lis community. He illue-
trates life aB We know it. His brother
Lazarus lay at his door, victim Of
some loathsome and obvious disease
of poverty, eager for the casual OF umbs
falling from the rich mans overladen
table, welcoming the stray street dogs
who licked his sores because the taste
and salt of human blood was pleas.
ant to them. Dives was Indifferent
to Lazarus. Perhaps negligently and
idly or for the fun of it, or obeying q
Dassinp sup1eatinn of cnnacience he