The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-04-04

Is noticed, tnat portion OF our religious
Community has Get STAGE against the present re-
viva's Thus we find the presses representing the
High Church Episcopalians and the strictly
Roman Catholics finding fault with thcse prayer
meetings pronouncing them irreiigious, mis-
chievous and blasphemous. Most OF the clergy of
these two denominations entertain similar OPT
Mons There are some exceptions in the Epis-
ccpal Church, but not many.
The philosophy Of this conduct lies pretty
near the surface, and is explained without much
difficulty. The Anglican and Romish churches
claim antiquity, regular descent, orders, and a
legitimate ecclesiastical authority. Their pro-
fessed systems not only 60 back to the Head of
the Church, but are attempted to be sustained
by the actual and continuous succession of
priests armed with powers as valid as His own.
OF course, beyond such pale as theirs there
can, it is often asserted, be no salvation. II
any be saved. say these high churchmen, out
Of our communion, they will be only by the
uncovenanted mercies Of God" These OPT
MONS have been frequently expressed from cur
pulpits, md in the discussions undertaken by
the dOgpaatists Of these two denominations II
follows, then, that these, although they differ
essentially on some points Of doctrine, do not
as regards the validity Of their descent nor the
character nor efficacy Of their respective sacra-
ments. All who wish to get to heaven are ex-
pected 10 enter into their gates, and pay toll as
they pass through. Their modes Of preaching
and praying, their Interpretation of the
Scriptures and no other, their supervision of
church membership apd discipline through life
Grated cemeteries, are insisted on as the way,
the truth and the triumph Thousands, hun
dreds Of thousands-yes millions Of persons
willingly yield assent, and hand over their souls
to the care and management of the priesthood.
Kings, peoples, nations have come under the
yoke, and have upheld the power of these great
church establishments. History is compelled
to 60 into cloisters and cathedrals for a large
share Of its materials; and every spire that
sdorns city is a monument Of religious supre-
macy and influence.
But these revivals present q very different
aspect to those who live by the ALTAR,
claim its sacrifices aud expect its obla-
ing consistory, or sin an upper chamber" a
crowd of people may assemble during the
hours of business, pray for each other without
license or diploma Or the imposition Of hands
if they meet on equal terms, discard all reli
giOus differences and disputes, change at once
their purposes of life and ordinary conduct, and
if they gladly receive the inward conviction
that the grace of God has touched their hearts.
then what, in heavens name, is the use of all
the church mummery and machinery the pom
pous rituals or priestly domination which are
held so openly and tenaciously to be the true
"means Of grace" and the foundation for ''the
hope Of giory?" If men can be and are con
verted from their sins outside of churches,
without regard to liturgies or FORMS
without the instruction of the priests
and apparently by the immediate and
direct descent of the heavenly spirit, then what
becomes Of the high and exclusive claims Of
those Journalists who stick to, maintain and
fight for their creeds and ceremonies as
necessary TO salvation ?" II is asserted
ligious convictions through these daily AS
emblages for prayer within the last few
weeks than during twenty previous years of
clerical effort and sacramcn.al offerings IL It
any wonder, then, that they are looked upon
with distrust, If not dislike by those whose
whole strength lies in their antiqusted forms and
their plans OF interceszion in their supposed
power Of The keys, and their right TO send to
perdition all who do not come in through their
portals
In the times of the Apostles thousands were
converted in day by The plain enunciaton of
the simple truths Of Christianity. The Rcfor-
nation witnessed similar scenes, where from the
lowest ranks the opposition to the Romish
church fret commenced. and the religion of
Europe became ono Of simplicity and spiritual
elements. We ere now witnessing remark
able spread Of religious feeling throughout this
nation without the intervention OF any extra
ordinary means. and apparently independently
Of church control-ccrtaiuly of church dogmss
Bishops, priests and deacons rather hold
back on this occasion-some of them do not
hesitate 10 warn their focks against this habit
OF worshipping God In business hours, aud
Offering prayers not written for them hundreds
Of years ago. When men publicly come
forward and acknowledge their previous
bad conduct, and promise TO amend
their lives, we think they should be encouraged
10 proceed. If the shavers, usurers aud de
faulters Of Wall street actually come forward.
even for bali an hour, and ask forgiveness of
God and man for their numerous villaues. we
are disposed TO let them on on trial. IT bet
ter and more moral tone Of feeling is entering
our social circles; if truth, virtue. self denial,
humility. charity, and the love Of our neigh.
bors are shortly TO find their home in the
avenues and around the squares we say amen
to the blessed work now going on and as to
those high -hcelcd churchmcn who believe they
have the exclusive right TO convert sinners aud
rule their lives and conscieuccs, VIC can assure
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