The Abominations of Modern Society

"The Abominations of Modern Society" by Rev. T. De Witt Talmage is a moralistic and social critique written during the late 19th century. The work tackles the pervasive issues of social immorality, including drinking, gambling, and the excesses of fashion and entertainment in urban life, with a focus on New York City as a microcosm of these societal problems. Talmage aims to awaken the conscience of both men and women throughout society, urging them to recognize and combat these "abominations." The opening portion of the text starts with a preface that sets the tone for the book, describing it as a warning buoy to help guide society away from moral wreckage. Talmage critiques the pride that individuals take in their cities while turning a blind eye to the rampant vices that threaten the fabric of communal morality. The subsequent sections outline various societal issues, from drunkenness to the damaging influence of fashion, that not only affect individuals but also have broader implications for social ethics. He emphasizes the impact on families, particularly the youths, and calls on the public to acknowledge these sins that lurk within the city, warning that ignoring them poses a risk to future generations. Through vivid imagery and impassioned rhetoric, Talmage crafts a narrative aimed at societal reform. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas De Witt Talmage was a preacher, clergyman and divine in the United States who held pastorates in the Reformed Church in America and Presbyterian Church. He was one of the most prominent religious leaders in the United States during the mid- to late-19th century, equaled as a pulpit orator perhaps only by Henry Ward Beecher. He also preached to crowds in England. During the 1860s and 70s, Talmage was a well-known reformer in New York City and was often involved in crusades against vice and crime.