Customs and Conditions, Religious and Moral
By CHAS. GRIN
Customs and Conditions, Religious and Moral
THE people of Belgium are genial, hospitable, and generally intelligent. They make excellent workmen in all classes of industry. They are also a people which, in general, love neatness. When the miner has finished his day's work, he washes himself from head to foot, and changes his garments. The housewife takes great pains, and spares neither water nor soap, to maintain the cleanliness of her dwelling. The curse of intemperance rests heavily upon this country. In spite of the efforts of several temperance societies, which have been working for a number of years, there are about two hundred thousand taverns, which annually sell nearly seventy-five million liters of alcohol, or eleven and one-half liters per capita. The annual expense for alcoholic drinks is one hundred million dollars, or over fifteen dollars per capita. Tobacco is also excessively used. It is by no means rare to meet children of eight or ten years of age, or even younger, completely given up to this pernicious habit. As would be naturally expected, debauchery marches hand in hand with drunkenness. The corruption of society is greatly hastened by the “kermesse,” or village bacchanalians. The police are unable to stem the inrolling floods, so crimes, thefts, and public assaults of all sorts multiply, especially in the centers of industry. Among the working class, a considerable number of adults do not know how to read or write, but the government has greatly improved the public instruction, and in most places there are a sufficient number of good communal schools; but a large number of children are placed in the factories at the age of ten or twelve, and many soon forget what they have learned. Besides several thousand Protestants, the population is mostly Catholic or unbelievers. In the industrial centers, socialism and incredulity predominate, while in the country places the priests still possess much influence. A society has been working for the evangelization of Belgium for more than sixty years. The churches of this society have a membership of about six thousand, the majority of whom are indifferent in religious matters. From its beginning, our work has met with the opposition of the clergy. The message has been received by some Protestants who desire to follow the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. The work among the Catholics will demand perseverance. Many regard Catholicism as only a form, but remain attached to it to ease their consciences, or to secure material advantages. The love of the truth, and the spirit of sacrifice and self-abnegation are greatly lacking among those who profess Christianity. Nevertheless God has a people in the midst of this Babylon, and they will finally respond to his appeal. Now is the time to sow, the doors are open wide, and liberty exists to announce the message and spread abroad our printed matter. May the Lord of the harvest send workers into his field, that the last message may be proclaimed throughout the country. Who will respond to the urgent call?