The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-08-10

church congress, the revival ana tent
and outof-loor service, the musical
service, ornate ritual, eloquent dis
courses. scholarly essays, novel Tea.
lures ad i1fnitum, but the things that
count more than any of'these, than all
these in imEressing the world and
gaining adherents, in making converts,
is the example. the daily life and con-
versation of the individual Christian.
Gospel preaching must be supported
and attested by Gospel living, church
going by Christlike service during the
work days. The ungodly often set up
higher standard for the Christian
than the Christian for himself. 1t IS
the worlds unconscious tribute to holl-
ness. This standard eXacts eXempllfl-
cation of righteousness, self-mastcrlng,
kind considera ton for others. self-de-
nial. self-sacrifce. They watch with
an eagle eye for any infringement upon
or deviation fro'u this standard. When
the Christian goes wrong there is
triple wrong done to himself, to the
cause he represents and to those who
look up to him for an example and a
leading toward godly life. And by a
godly life I do not refer to mere neg
ative form of goodness. e., absti-
nence from all the sinful desires of tn
fesh-only this and nothing more.
We must en6cavor to make our con-
duct attractive and winning. especially
when we take into account or have
dealings with those who are unfriendly
to Christianity. We oftcntimes have
to do with Christians who are curt,
crusty, severe. unkind and disagree
able in word and manner. We should
not be surprised tc hear the remark,
and we cannot but sympathiZe with 1t
when made with reference to such
cases: If this be Christianity, pray
thee have-me excused. I want none OF
it,
In order to do our part there must be
not merely q refraining from what is
unbecoming and contrary to the Chris
tan professiol. but there must be
positive showing and shining forth IN
kindness and love of the divine life we
feel within. Not only correct lives, but
beautiful deeds. In accounting for
what had impressed and convinced and
converted the world we must give high
rank to beautiful deeds. The history
of the Christian Church literally teens
with them. When the pagans deserted
their near relations in 4 plague 1nd
left the afflicted ores to die like dogs.
Christians came and ministered to the
sick and dying. Wien the pagans left
their dead unburicd after battle and
cast their wounded into the streets.
the Christians fastened to relieve the
suffering and give the corpses decent
interment.
We have had some very conspicuous
and very sad examples recently or men
high in position and the confidence or
the community, placed there largely
because they were Christian in name
and by connection, proving themselves
to be utterly deficient in such funda-
mental and necessary virtue as COM
mon everyday honesty. Bank presl-
dents and cashiers and even boards OF
directors have not hesitated to specu-
late with other peoples money lntrust-
ed to their keeping and they have been
found out only because they. had lost
all they could beg, borrow and steal.
Because of the frequency of these de-
falcations the Controller of the United
States Currency felt impelled to speak
in the plainest terms to the National
Bank Cashiers Association. at its meet
inc the other day. He declared that
outside speculation was the cause OF
the greatest number of bank failures,
and he characterized speculation as the
greatest financial evil of the day. He
asserted with great emphasis that no
man should be allowed to hold a man.
agerial place in a national bank who
engaged in outside enterprises 1or
profit to himself rather than the BANK.
He intimates that the temptation TO
double dealing in such case is hard
to resist. Why if the impression be-
comes general that Christian is not
to be trusted, instead of breaking down
the prejudice that exists in evil minds
against Christianity and the church, 1t
will be added to and there will be not
only prejudice but detestation and de-
and what's more, it will De
deserved.
The stress and strain and endeavor
seems to be only for money and power
and position and worldly -uccess. as II
these were the only things needed, as
if getting these means getting all that
is wanted. But. men and women OF
Christ. be not deceived or diverted
from the things more necessary and
more desired. The worlds need, the
longing Of every man. woman and child
on earth. the longing of your heart and
mine. is for love, sympathy, kindness.
The Christian is the only one profess
ing and obligated by his VOW to minis
ter to the universal human need. The
world, however evil-speaking. men,
however distant and critical, look to Us,
expect us to help them. If we: the.
servants of the Most High, fail them,
there is no help. In the name OF the
Lord Jesus, beloved, let us do and DO
our best. to build up the good and the
beautiful and the true in the hearts ana
lives of men, and thus transpose the
enmity. hatred and scorn Of the world
into a higher and sweeter key of praise
and glory to God. 1t will mean JOY and
gladness to ourselves, life and grace
TO others who know them not now,
and honor. high and worthy honor, to
the Father in Heaven.