COLGATE, SAMUEL

(1822–1897), was an American soap manufacturer and philanthropist. He expanded the business of his father, William Colgate, into one of the largest establishments of its kind in the world. His father was also noted for giving at least a tenth of his net yearly earnings to charities, and organizing both the American Bible Society and the American and Foreign Bible Society. Samuel Colgate was a benefactor and trustee of Madison University in Hamilton, N.Y., which was renamed in 1890 to Colgate University.

Being an influential American manufacturer and philanthropist, Samuel Colgate avouched:

The only spiritual light in the world comes through Jesus Christ and the inspired Book; redemption and forgiveness of sin alone through Christ. Without His presence and the teachings of the Bible we would be enshrouded in moral darkness and despair.

The condition of those nations without a Christ, contrasted with those where Christ is accepted, reveals so marked a difference that no arguments are needed. It is an object-lesson so plain that it can be seen and understood by all. May “the earth be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”2562