Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-11-18

Windham, Oct, 1910.
For the Telegraph.
MORAL HONESTY OF THE
CHURCH.
Text" Render therefore 10 all, their
dues. "-Rom. Is: s.
The Christian religion has been divided
/ by theologians into three parts Dacteaalat,
/ aperiB1aataL and Practical.
Christians are very liable, with the hest
intentions, to be particularly interested in
one Of these paris, to the neglect Of the.
other two.
One man prides himself on being a doc
triaaJ christian. Meet him whenever you
may, if religious conversation is introduced,
I his theme is christian doctrine. If the at
tempt be made to lead him to speak of ex,
| perimental or practical goodness, in conVers-
] ing upon these he seems away from home
If he makes any inquiry about brother, or
minister, it is, Is he sound 10 the faith 2"
| l. e. Does he believe just as | believe? IL
il is ascertained that the brother does not
exactly agree with ham, he is denounced as
unsound in doctrine: If such a man is
heard to speak in religious conference, his
language more generally is, fireman stead
fast in the faith" He may be found, year
after year, steadfast, immovable, always
Astounding, not in the q0orE of the Lord,
bat in what he believes to be the doctrine
Of the Lord. s..-e.. ....-.
| Another is altogether devoted to erperi-
mental religion. The supreme wish of this
man is, always to feel well. IL he can con-
stantly feel that he is son the wing for
glory" it is all he desires. He goes to the
religious meeting; and if he feels well, he
is active for the time being, and says, "My
soul is happy! Rejoice with me, brethren
feel as though had nothing to disturb my
peace from day TO day. l hope, by-and-by,
to land my soul upon the fair banks Of ever
lasting deliverance." ..-. ..-.-
Now, wish not to be understood as con
demning, or speaking lightly of doctrinal or
experimental religion. Both are of vast
importance. But if in our devotion to these,
we forget the practical part, we are in dan
ger Of bringing a reproach upon the chris
tlan cause. For instance, it is said Of
certain apparently devoted christian, who
does not regard his engagements, I" He is !
so devoted to religion that he forgets his |
promises" Is it so? Does real devotion |
to God make men forget their promises |
Then we have religion that causes. men
to neglect to do right. Whatever may be
our belief or experience, if we neglect prac-
ticaL religion, we shall not be able to con- |
vince men, that there is any virtue in the
religion that we profess. .~.ss.s
The Apostle Paul is called doctrinal
and an experimental preacher. Most GER
tainly he aoas PRACTICAL preacher. He
has given US these, among other precepts-l
" Providing for honest things, not only in |
the sight Of the Lord, but also in the sight
OF men, owe no man anything" Rem
der therefore to all their dues"
At the present time, wish to call your
attention 10 that part of practical religion
L |
THE MORAL HONESTY OF THE CHURCH. |
In proceeding I shall notice
I. The negligence of churches in com
plying with the preeept contained in the
text Render therefore to all their dues"
II. Some Of the most prominent excuses
rendered for such negligence.
III. The evils resulting from such prac-
tees.
/. Tie negligence Of churches, IN COM
plying aDitb The precept contained IN The
neat. -. -
/ Il will not be expected that all the cases
I.of negligence upon this subject can be
pointed out and exposed in a single dis
course. design to mention only some. of
the more prominent, with which am par
licularly acquainted as have come
under my own observation. This will lead
your minds TO the subject, and doubtless
bring 10 your recollection other cases of
similar character, having like evil tenden-
cies.
/. Very few churches are punctual in
meeting their pecuniary engagements.
(a) In supporting the gospel.
j A committee is appointed by the church
for the purpose of supplying the pulpit
They engage a minister, and, perhaps, agree
10 pay him for bis services $500 per year,-i
to be paid quarterly. Where is the church
in any of our country towns that regards
and meets such engagements What pull
pit-committee, or church treasurer, come to