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Evening Star, Issue 14963, 24 August 1912, Page 3

WEALTH AND POVERTY TO-DAY. At St. Paul's Cathedral on July 7, Canon Simpson, in the course of his address, reproved those owners of property who are bitterly opposed to the new social legislation. " Pamphlets which profess to expose the monstrous errors of Socialism are sent to the ministers of the church. They are asked whether these are times to touch the property of any institution which is doing useful work. There is something ominously unchristian," said the Canon, " in the temper with which the possessors of property are regarding the new legislation." He told how at the door of a West End church not long ago two men had mentioned to him that the collection for hospitals was smaller than usual, and one of them added : " How can you expect us to provide medical aid for the masses when these fellows have their hands on our own throats?" " They expect me to sympathise with them," added the preacher, with a touch of scorn. "It was not that they had less to give than formerly, but they trembled for the rights of property as the heart of Eh trembled for the Ark of God." How much depends on the attitude towards a swiftly developing situation of those who by education and opportunity ought to be the leaders of the people. . . . This has been an age of unexampled commercial prosperity. The net has indeed been cast on the right side of the ship, but has the operation brought us the vision of God? Is there any disposition to fall down at Jcsus's feet, and to say with the fishermen of Galilee: 'I am a sinful man, 0 Lord'? If so, then we have heard that voice of victorious hope that bids us fear nothing, since henceforth we shall catch men. We have made the great surrender. Wealth to us is henceforth only valuable if used for the purposes of God, We have left all and followed Jesus."