Write It on a Rum-Cask.—Rev. Baron Stowe
Once preached from the words, “In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, ‘Holiness unto the Lord,’” etc. The sermon was of a practical character, and enforced the truth that in every transaction of life, in everything in which we engage, this should be the great principle which should govern us. “Inscribe these words,” said he, “on every implement of trade; upon the yardsticks upon your counters; upon your scales and measures; let it be written at the head of every page of your day-book and ledger—‘Holiness unto the Lord.’” There was a man in that audience (a stranger) who was largely engaged in the rum traffic. As Mr. Stowe closed his sermon he said, “Some one has remarked that he can judge of the propriety of an idea if you can paint it out on the wall. Let us apply this text: Inscribe over the entrance to the house of God, ‘Holiness unto the Lord;’ nothing could be more proper; let it be inscribed over your court-houses and colleges, over your hospitals and charitable institutions, and nothing could be more suitable. But suppose we inscribe over the entrance to a drinking-saloon or gambling-house the words, ‘Holiness unto the Lord;’ or suppose we go down on the wharf and inscribe on those casks of liquid fire that burn men’s bodies and destroy their souls, ‘Holiness unto the Lord.’” He closed here. The rum-seller went out, cursing the preacher and the sermon. Why, he only asked the question how the words “Holiness unto the Lord” would look inscribed on a rum cask; but that single question had a more terrible effect on that man’s conscience than a whole hour’s denunciation of the rum traffic.—Presbyterian.