The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1912-03-07

49SO.SzcSzsS9.t9Llll)- T o IN the tie xt: =
"The blessing Of
the Lord, it maketh rich; and He add
eth no sorrow Herewith" proverbs
x, 229 He said
The thing which strikes me specially
as L visit your great city for the first
time is the marked contrast between
the palaces of your superior quarter
ana the novels of Blacktown-the con-
trast between great riches and great
poverty. But think not that I have
come into your midst to speak words
which would engender strife or even
discontent. Rather my message will
be one Of peace. 1 bear you the Mes
sage Of the Kingdom Of Gods dear
Son-the Kingdom for which we have
all so long prayed, "Thy Kingdom
come; Thy will be done on earth, as
1t is done in heaven"
Tile inequalities, mental and phys-
zeal, which prevail amongst us as men,
pers or fallen race, produce naturally
our inequalities as respects. wealth and
social conditions; it is well, therefore,
that we should not accept the rabid
views entertained by many, but we
should think soberly, dispassionately.-
we should not be quick to think
or the wealthy as robbers Of the DOOR
ana Injurious to the general welfare,
wholly selfish and under Divine repro,
hation. We should remember that God
Himself IS very rich. AL the gold and
the silver are His, and the cattle upon
4 thousand hills. with Infinite power,
beyond human comprehension
We should remember that it is writ
ten that abraham was very rich" and
That his riches did not interfere with
the fact that he twas the friend OF
God,' and that to him God gave that
great promise secured by the Divine
oath, which is the basis of all hone for
the blessing Of the world: ''In thee and
IN thy Seed shall all the families Of the
earth be blessed" Other noble char
acters on the pages of history are noted
as having possessed great wealth.
Many Of us have erred in thinking that
the wealthy are to be measured by 9TH
or standards than are the poor. And
could anyone properly urge that If rich
ana poor be measured by the same
moral standards the poor would be
FOUND more noble minded than the
rich? We think not
we should therefore view the mat
ter Of poverty and riches philosophi-'
rHlly. Both poor and rich should be en-
c"uraged TO use faithfully the opportu--
mites which they possess and to wait
patiently for the Lords time and way
Tor the introduction Of the new order
or things which He has promised, as
Slred that it is not in our power to ell,
tier hasten or delay the Divine pro-
gram.
Bible Counsel For the Rich.
The Apostle says, Charge those
amongst you who are rich that they
trust not in uncertain riches" The
history Of centuries corroborates tho
Apostles words. The rich and prom
lnent or one day become the poor ana
forgotten OF another. Riches take
Wings in manner that poverty rare
~ initiates.
The talents and opportunities which
have brought great wealth to some Of
our prominent Americans have brought
"Au prosperity III SIuulISr
measure to those associated with them
In their enterprises. Indeed, in some
respects the entire world, and partic-
ularly America, owes them q debt Of
gratitude for their energy and perse~
vcrance In the exercise Of their talents
ana opportunities along such broad
lines. And If some Of these have been
negligent Of their opportunities for tho
re- redistribution Of their wealth In the
interests Of their fellow men. all tho
more should this throw halo of hon.
u about the heads Of those who have
:emembered that wealth, like all 9TH
II great talents, is to be used, not too
but for the public good.
MY mind took this course of reason
ng as / looked at the handsome edi-
ice occupied by the Y. NJ. O. a. of
his city, and I was informed that it
vas the gift Of one Of our American
merchant princes, Mr.. John Wana-
maker, Of New York and Philadel-
mia. l. said to myself, Behold an in
tance in which riches have been gem
rously expended, even in a for-ofr
and, for the benefit Of the masses and
With desire to promote clean and no.
lie manhood along Christian lines
Another Of my countrymeu, Mr..
Rockefeller, has done much to promote
he enlightenment Of the world by the