The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-08-22
Lord Bless and Pity us.

Lord Bless and Pity us.
In Abbeville there Is a little mission con-
gregation OF Associate Reformed Presbyter-
ians who are striving to establish church
in this city.
The Synod assessed that congregation N5,
which assessment was paid in full
About the same time an agent authorized
by Synod, come along asked money for an
enterprise in Mexico. Some members re.
sponded and others who did not do SO, were
embarrassed by their necessary refusal.
And now members of that little church
which is STRUGGLING for an organized and
self supporting existence is TO have their
patience or generosity further taxed. This
time for good and worthy cause. And this
time by authority Of the Home Mission
Board.
Here Is the cheerful intelligence as convey.
ed in the last weeks issue OF the church
paper:
"On accou MT Of the fact that the canvas for
Little Rock is not being made this year, the
Board Of Home Missions has authorized Rev.
A. j. Ransom, our missionary in Sparlanburg,
TO visit all the churches OF the Synod In the
Interest OF the work in Spartanburg. Ht
may be expected to preach on the dates and
hours named, and receive such aid as Gods
people may be inclined 10 give TO this work.
full hearing is most respectfully asked as
follows: Abbeville. Aug g."
Without authority from any one, and the
editor speaking his own Individual senti-
ments, thinks there is limit there Is time
when people ought have rest.
AS We might just as well be hanged for q
sheep as lamb We protest at the sacrligeous
or irreverent use OF the Name OF the Great
Head OF the Church. The soliciting OF gifts is
business proposition and we submit that
neither solicitors OF gifts nor bill collect
ors have right TO use the Name of Gods
people in that way. We do not now recall
any expression that is more offensive to our
ears than Goods people" And, IF our Church
paper wonld allow suggestion from lay.
man we would say that the church paper
should set up an example in the reverent
use oftbe name which no one should talk
upon bis lips except in reverentisl awe.
The irreverent. II not the flippant use Of the
Name Ia. too common In both the pulpit and
in the religious newspapers. Instead Of
teaching as reverence they too often give US
examples OF making a foot ball or play thing
ofthe Name.
We would respectfully ask our brother TO
tell us to whom he has reference when he
speaks of"God's people,"
In our blindness, in our ignorance or in our
( darkness there is no com bipation of any two
words In the language which is more often
Rive 10 our ears than Goods people. VIII our
good brother please tell US who are Gods
people?" or, will he tell us who are not Goods
people?" VIII he put q mark on them 30
that We may recognize them when We meet
them in the street? Do Goods people look
like ordinary people? Do canvassers seeking
Z money for church purposes, among torment.
I or embarass all sorts Of people, or only Goods
people?" This editor Is at q loss TO know who
are "God's people," II we are not included
in the number we would not Ike to but in"
when we are not wanted except for the
/ money that might be made out ofus.
a But, whatever 10 meant or whoever Is in.
ciuded as DIS people," the expression is
irreverent profane and sinful by whomsoever
made. A preacher Of the gospel and an
editor OF q religious, or a church paper, should
teach MS rev verence and not give US Examples
3 of hIppant and irreverent use OF the sacred
Name.
In some OF our churches We have separate
{ rooms for Sunday school classep, or else the
Sunday school is taught at a different hour
nom the regularly appointed time for religi-
ous service. In like manner We think the
GUESSING class might be organized SO as to
hear their lessons at different hour, so thai
the cussing class may have their exercises
separate and apart from the religious
exercises. The Sunday school does not in ter
fere with the morning services, and We
think lessons in cussipg or In profanity
should be given at difierept hour, SO thai
Z the ears Of those religiously and devoutly
inclined hearts may not be offended
The editor Of the Press and Banner alone
il responsible for this appeal for reverence
and not profanity, in both The religious press
and in the pulpit where the sacred Name is
70 often made play ything or foot ball. And
We believe that those who offend in this
particular should be cited before the Church
Court.