Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-06-24
VOLUME XIII, NO. 149.
PulpI. Poli,ie.-seHsib,s view.

: From the Church JOurnal-Prstsstsnf Episcopal
The very remarkable sermon by the Rev DR.
N /. Rice (Old School Presbyt yterian) entitled
" The pulpit its relations to our nstiona
crisis, is one Of the signs Of the times On the
general subject of the degree to which the clergy
are bound or have right to Use their Office fOI
the agitation Of the question of the day he ia
precisely right, covering the same ground and
with, in some cases, almost precisely the
same illustrations that our readers are familiar
with in our columns. The evil of which be com
plains has, to some slight drgrse, been felt
among as also but is operation has been as
nothing compared to its raVages among the
Protestant denominations around u.s. which have
been ground as between the upper and the meth
er millstones We give rather a long extract,
but Il means vast deal, of which we shall learn
more and more with every year that passes over
our heads. Speaking of his own entirely cor
rect statement Of the difference between things
spiritual and things secular, as connected with
the exercise Of the ministerial Office, he says:
" II anything could be surprising 10 such q
day as this, it would be-that principle 50 mani
testly true and criptural-principles admitted
ana asserted By the abest theological writers
Tor three hundred years, have met with an
almost universal condemnation by the religious
press Why, il was only the other day that ]
saw, in enc Of our religious papers, the plain de-
nal that any line be drawn between the /
secular and the spiritual. Well, if christian /
ministers hold au Office without metss and 4
bounds, they. may preach on all subjects, and /
ought to understand them all. But the idea is |
absurd No civil government could exist il the /
functions OF the different Offices were not defined
and limited. The ministerial Cfice exerts on
the interests Of men a wider influence than anv
other and as, within its legitimate sphere, it is
an lnestlmable blessing, so, when perverted, it
Is teartully mischievOus
a. Fha tir,a is h,nd Al.
ton respecting the limits with which the tnnc-
tons OF the ministerial office are to be exercised
must be earnestly discussed. For, it IS admit
ted, that to very great extent the proper work
OF the ministry is neglected, while thoss clothed
with the sacred office have travelled beyond the
limits OF their commission in search of exciting
and popular topics and the prevailing excite
ment VIII render 1t extremely difficult to arrest
the downward progress Of the pulpit
The demand is made upon ministers Of the
Gospel not to instruct their people in the truth
OF Gods Word, not well understood, not TO in
cuicate some important precept Of the G spel
demanded by the state of the community, not to
hold forth some error or vice becoming prsys-
lent, but to define their position respecting some
exciting question Of the day-a question, il
may be, the examination of which falls not | {
within the sphere Of their studies But the
pubic have become excited, and the minister
must define his position. 1t is not enough that
ne IS chargesble with no word or act TO which '
exception can be taken. 1t is not enough that I
ike Paul, he does not shun to declare the whola
counsel OF God. His private opinions of the G
exciting topic must be brought out and it q
must be known whether bis sympathies are all Q
light The feelings Of his heart in the matter 2
must be brought out Now, 50 far as my read B
ng goes, there is scarcely anything in the his
ory OF despotism that can equal this popular I
tyranny. The Inquisition OF Rome has never 7
;arEied matters so far. Yet we boast of our fre.
country Where will the thing stop
What are the consequences The minister D
fields to the clamor, and declares his position.
Vow, since, in the nature of the case there must
,e differences Of opinion about such questions, l
he preachers deliverance gives otfense to some II
f his people. Then begin debates, and strifes C
md divisions. Wien ] entered the ministry, Il
he Presl ytensn church was one noble BODY.
t is now divided into FIVE, and there is reason c
o fear further divisions. Other churches have
,assed through similar experience Where is s
his thing to terminated do not hesitate to ex- l
,ress the conviction, thst, uness churches and
minister's can be aroused to see the danger that Z
less than FIVE years their liberties will be gone
Every time you yield to the elamOr, you but in
rease It's boldness. Admit that ministers may Il
e called out in this way, and the day is at hand
hen mObs will dictate the doctrines you shall q
ear, and the prayers that shall be Of red in the
hurches."