The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-08-25
The Rlch Mans Hard Time.

Inc ElAEn Mans E1GE0
The International Sunday school
Lesson for August % is, The rich
young ruler, Mark los 1871 The
Golden Text is, eff any man viii
come after me. let him deny him
self and take up his cross and 1ol--
low me-" Matthew 1924
BY. WILLIAM T. ELLIS.
He problem of poverty has
become petrihed phrase;
for centuries the world has
been familiar with It, just
now however, we are near
- ing strangely little about 1t
The problem of today by curious
anomaly. is the problem Of the rlcn-
Society is not half SO greatly concern
ed with how to house and feed and
educate the poor, as with the bigger
question Of what to do with the ex-
This is the topic that gives most
gcareheads to the current issues OF
the newspaper The trusts, and their
far-ramifying and baneful influence
are merely an expression OF the PROB
lem of the rich man. The power OF
the plutocrat is a fertile theme Tor
authors Of innumerable books and for
Ynagazine writer's who trace most OF
the ills that affect politics, commerce
and society directly to the door Of the
man Of vast wealth. It is undouDted-
" the Haunting arrogance ana ex-
fravar ance of the very rich that IS
resDonsible for the tide of Socialism
that is sweeping over America. Like
wise the formal entrance OF labor
f7nionisna into national politics, thus
necessitating an ominous class cleaV-
age. is due solely to the part that cor
porate wealth and power have played
in legislation.
Looking Up a Big Question
whoever wants to inform himself
- ,e44,r a
Is bound to look up all available re-
liable authorities on the subject NO
serious-rninded person dare to be in
different to it. OF course, 1t at once
becomes necessary to learn the opln-
ION Of the worlds greatest Teacher of
morals and social relationship upon
this question Which means that the
incident of Jesus and the rich young
ruler is of current interest; that II
Is the present Sunday school lesson is
a timely coincidence.
Jesus on his way through the coun-
try east of the Jordan, during the last
month preceding his crucifUon, had
been talking about the kingdom Of
heaven. His words had been very
impressive and alluring, and Ger
tain wealthy young man Of fine parts,
a prominent citizen, was so attracted
that he came running to the Teacher,
and kneeling-an extraordinary mark
Of Difference. inquired, Good Master,
what shall I do that may inherit
eternal life %
Money had not atrophied this young
mans finer qualities Indeed, rightly
used. money is the greatest means to
true culture. On the other hand, there
are celebrated men in Wall street to-
day who VIGOROUSLY have metal
hearts. close and constant contact with
gold has deadened their spiritual ma
lures They are now little more than
animated money bags; mere misers-
Il
Overprized. 1t dulls the spirits finest
sensibiiities. There is scarcely any
fate more to be dreaded by a young
person Of noble qualities than that Of
becoming immersed in money-getting
and money boarding Fortunately this
danger had been escaped by the rich
young ruler Like the young man who
Is heir to Americas largest for
tune he possessed good impulses, and
a sense Of the value of spiritual things
He wanted more than he had he was
ambitious for real life. and he had
learned that possessions do not con-
stitute life
&c 'Tis life whereof our nerves are scant.
TITS life not death, for which we pant;
More life and fuller. that we want"
Goods and Goodness.
Both goods and goodness were this
fortunate young mans possession. In
answer to the question of Jesus, he de-
clared that he had kept the command
ments from his youth I'D. He must
have spoken modestly, and as truly as
he knew how for Jesus was drawn to
him in affection; he was the type of
man whom the Master would love to
have for a disciple and companion.
So to test the depth of the seekers
desire, Jesus lbade him sell what he had
and give to the poor, and then to join
the band Of disciples who followed
Jesus. This was severe requirement;
It touched the man in his most sensi-
tive spot. Not until we come to lay a
finger upon the financial nerve do we
prove the innermOst character of "A
person. Plenty Of persons are con-
verted-au except their pocketbooks.
AS the phrase has it, this young mans
eager devotion was not a .purse-and-
all conservation" Jesus applied the
money test. not for the sake Of the
money. but for the sake of the young
man. God still asks for our gifts, be-
cause he wants us. It was proof of
allegiance to the uttermOst that the
master sought.