Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-10-03
TIE MODERN PULPIT.

The following is condensed extract from a photo
graphic article in the New York World, Of recent
date:
AS popular" With biblical criticism they have nothing
TO do They hardly dcgn TO read the connection III
Mhich their text lies the sacred page All they want
the Bible for is furnish them motto for he discourse
or essay which they intend to read or rece from the pl
pit They think that biblical sermous out OF date. Men
don't want say they, TO listen TO day homly on the
meaning OF this or that portion Of Gods Sord Ihe de-
maud is for something noye 'y anu m
sermon to go Down EST PENN mu or dconn nop tonic
of popular interest Ii be Of christianity in geuer
al as opposed to infi,y; II must derive its interest
from some passing Of great importance, as rail-
road accident Ii the preacher has talent Tor desorp
ton and satire, he may go against the prevailing wees
such as profanity impurity and dishonesty; aud, provi
ded he does the thing we'll who are addicted to
these vices will cit and applaud say they never heard
such an eloquent discourse before.
But the popular preacher is careful how he touches
upon certain od-ashoncd doctrines such as total de-
pravity the enmiy Of the carnal heart against Cod the
necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and eter-
nal retribuon These are doctrines which eloquence
can make acceptable popular; and so they are left
out or drcately handled. Don't you believe them p
"Oh vcs - answer the preacher, but We don't think it
profitable be harpipg upon them. You cant drive
men to Heaven, you must drd~ th,m.'
The popular preacher thinks great deal oil the effect
which his sermon will have the audience. lie don't
intend it shall disgust offend, drive anybody away
He likes TO see the seats filed aud the audience in rap
and admiring attention He plays upon their ieeiings.-
lie eyokes a tear or awakens smle and when the
amen is pronounced he almost hears the congratu-
aons OF his audi ora on the rich treat which they have
had from the eloquent preacher. The congregation
breaks up in a sort Of operac delight. Religion never
appeared so beautiful aud attractive before
There is another kind of preacher but We fear any
description of him would be regarded as very tame
and commonplace snf,ir. He is a man, hoEever, Of
deep piety But while that renders peculiarly fit for
work. it does not make him generally popular. The
mass of hearers do wish TO feel the orse OF such
trait on their moral habits They choose rather TO have
A minister of more social aud plant qualities.
ye is close student of the Bible, believing that he is
set for the defence and iucucaon Of its truths He
preplres his sermons with much prayer under the con-
vicon that the Holy spirit must first teach him, IN order
that be NAV properly aud eecluly teach others. lie,
too is thinking of effects and the question with him IS,
how he shall shape the message as TO produce convc'
ton in the minds of the unconvered and lead the saints
to becom. more holy and heavenly minded He seeks
not 10 please men, He wishes concentrate their
praises on himself lie hides himself behind the cross
and knows nothing among men but JkSvs CHRIST, and
him crucfsd With these views he brings forth all the
doctrines however offensive 20 the carnal heart, aud
presses them upon him. Quietly be keeps on biz
purposed path of usefulness aiming the appreciation
of God and of his osn conscience. His nam is seldom
In the ne Wspapers nor is he houored with frequent inv
tatons to preach lecture great occasions Yet in
the hearts of the few who appreciate moral worth and
ministerial aithfuness he holds high place. and when
he dies, the tears of an aecIlonate people bedeW us
grave.
Let the congregations in pursuit Of minister decide
which Of the above kind will be likely TO prove bless
ing TO them and to their household