Its Moral Aspects

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 9, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 47.

Its Moral Aspects.

No MATTER how the earthquake came, whether from causes scientifically accounted for, or by divine instrumentality, it had a powerful moral effect. All the houses were open. People fled from them, forgetting to lock doors, or were afraid to delay that long, and hence a vast quantity of valuables was at the mercy of the thief, but no thief came. A terrible fear of consequences held the most wicked heart in thrall. And even in the parks, where people promiscuously huddled together, and pocket picking was the easiest thing in the world, not a farthing was lost.

Immorality was suddenly brought to a stop. The lewd characters left their gilded homes and took to the open lots, nor gave their gewgaws a thought. They could be seen sleeping prone upon the ground, or drawn up against each other; some in silks hastily grabbed in sudden flight, or in scanty night wear, in which they had been overtaken, and were afraid to delay to change. A noted character was seen reverently reading the Bible. Some one approached her and offered to engage in conversation with her, but she was too absorbed to be disconcerted, and seemed thoroughly in earnest. It is not believed that the impression will be lasting, but as brief as it was, it shows where poor humanity goes in its moments of extremity.

Some weeks prior to the shocks a lady in the upper wards was robbed of a lot of fowls. The conscience-stricken thief returned them the day after the shock by throwing them into the premises. So that restitution was one of the effects of the calamity. There was likewise a remarkable absence of profanity. Men who scarcely open their mouths unless to let out oaths, were as careful of their language as though they were under the halo of the presence of ladies. What a pleasure it would be if the moral effect of the earthquake would continue. As heavy as the pecuniary loss of the city has been, if it were affected by an equal amount of moral improvement, it would temper the situation.—Charleston (S. C.) Dispatch.