Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1860-11-21
Muscular Christianity.

battle with the passions and p.eiudices of
men. We believe that sand mems in Sdno
ccypors applies to parsons as well rs to par
ishioners, and that saints bodies as we'll
rs sinners are none the worse for an hour
at the dumb bells or the weights.
We have been led TO this subject by
meeting in the gymnasium, as a regular
attendant, leading and eloquent divine
OF this city. He swings the dumb bell in
q manner that few even of the adopts can
approach. He is feet of foot on the track,
and scores his half mile in belt time. He
climbs the ladder; goes through the bars
walks the treacherous tight-rope, Ia
blondin in fine, develops his muscle with
all the ardor and interest of the youngest
tyro. Possibly Mr.. Pecksnif or my lady
Potiphar, who attend church quite punc-
tiliously, may sneer at our reverend friend
OF the strong arm and chest, and if they
knew who he was would drop their reli-
gous patronage; therefore, we shall not
crafty their curiosity by mentioning his
name, at the risk of lessening the number
of his flock.
But, seriously, are the sinners the only
ones 10 develop the human frame, by inN
vigorating exercises? Shall the sheep
gambol all day upon the hillside, and the
sheppard lazily doze in the sun ? Must
he wage his great warfare with the enemy
OF mankind, tied down with the impede
menta of an enervated and wasting body?
Does he not by vigorous physical regimen
during the week bring to his pulpit fresh
stock Of strength, a new activity and vlgrf,
genial and kindly christianity, which
shall commend itself TO all men, at all
times, and at all places Are not half the
sins Of the day the result of lazy, puny,
good. or.nothing bodyH
We verify believe that if all our minis
ters would cultivate their muscle" there
would be less need for voyages 10 Europe,
less bronchitis and dyspepsia, and coun'
tenances as white as the neck cloths be-
| low them; that we should have better
sermons of a Sabbath sermons with more
of the milk of human kindness in them,
and clad with new force and power,
which would at once seize upon and hold
captive that most deceatful of all things,
the heart; that religion would be stripped
of all that Chadbandism which, if not a
reality, at least has the outward seeming.
Were not the twelve better fishers OF men
because of their previous occupation? We
cannot picture Paul with the bronchitis
or dyspepsia, or making long annual plea
sure trips over into Europe for his health.
But one man, miserable Eutychus, slept
under his preaching, and he fell out of a
window in consequence. OF tho eight
Greek fathers, who have come down TO US
as the leaders but Ambrose, Athanasius
and Augustine? They were strong ana
robust, and admirably adapted for the un-
compromising fight they waged with the
Byzantine heather.
We hope moro Of our ministers will
devote attention to the body as well as
the spirit. A good heart in a rood body
is, in our opinion, q much better sacrifice
than good heart in miserable body.
A certain admxture of innocent animal
life with the spiritual, will infuse vigor
into it which the midnight oil shall not
waste. We may question the propriety
of Peter Cartwright's stopping his sermon
at filthy to fog an insulting rowdy, or
the Allegheny minister who pounded the
grace of God into the Methodist-mirister.
hoggne blacksmith but we really think
little more muscle in the pulpit would
lsure less sleepy heads ia the audience,
and that the physical Zion conduces
largely to the growth and Importance OF
the spiritual Zion.
1t has too long been the notion that
physical strength and spiritual sanctity
are incompatible. The days OF those
feeble young saints are numbered. "The
good die first" because the good too often
have poor stomachs and lungs. We are
of the opinion that many may fear "God
and walk thousand miles in thousand
hours" and that he will fear God all the
better for it, We welcome the advent Of
Kingsley with his stout Amyas Leigh
Beecher with his sinewy arm, Chaplin with
his dyspepsia a-defying frame, and oul
Chicago divine swinging his hundred
pound dumb-bell. - Chicago Journal