The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-05-27
Our Churches ana Their Pastors.

emily garner. JOHN BURGESS.
Our Churches and Their Pastors.
The persistent existence of creeds-their
multiplication with the development of the
race and the progress of civilization may
fairly be assumed as legitimate proof of their
Antagonist is condition of
growth. Modern philosophy restricts thought
to the Limited and the Conditioned. ALI
is of the phenomenal. If the
philosophical system Of Herbert Spencer be
true; if all of phenomena is Evolution-a
change from an indefinite incoherent homo
gently to definite coherent heterogenity-
then creeds are indispensable to the spiritual
of man. Then, further, creeds
are false with a soul of Truth-truth that is
absolute and relative. Absolute truth is the
terminus of all Philosophy );
because consciously existent only
to the Deity-the Absolute Infinite Great
First Cause. 1t is in creeds but not to be ap-
nrehended Relative truth is the more
marked attribute Of creeds, and is conceiva-
BILE; we apprehend it because it is henome-
nal. 1t is empirical. We have its NANTES
tations in the history of belief. These mani
festations through all the past, the modifca-
tons and complete reyulsions of belief be-
come our teachers, showing the relative truth
and falsity of creeds. They are teachers OF
liberalism. They are oracles of charity,
Il ofA
fecting the bonds of unity between all the
members of a race whose destiny of progress
is one, and unfolding wisdom for the future
by showing not only the fallacy but criminal
ity of bigotry and illiberality in the past ex-
perience of man. While creeds are neces-
sary; while conflicting beliefs are evidently
of Divine appointment and are stamp ped upon
Gods economy of Government while they
are the more or less effective agencies in the
common search for truth, while there should
be the largest measure Of harmony and good
will between all these seekers. we believe in
denominations in the earnest consolidated
organized work Of members of common
belief. Friendship, the most entire amity,
throughout farming community is admira-
ble-it is greatly strengthened by having good
substantial fences about each farm.
One of the marked features of the religious
thought end action of the day is the phase OF
it known as Liberalism. 1t is more noticeable
perhaps from the impress 1t has made upon
other creeds than in itself as an organization
T.. ~
Keep up the fences. Faith, Hope, Charity,
these three are one and the greatest of these
is charity. The Longfellows, Bryants !,
Mann's, Whittiers, Everetis. Preseotts', and
Channings, of Unitarianism will rot be charged
with viciousness, dishonesty. or their work
for liberty, truth and right condemned by any
fair minded christian, whatever may be
thought of their creed.
Twelve years ago last October was the
incipiancy Of the movement which resulted in
the organization here of the Unitarian Soci-
ETY.. Rev. M. Fuller, Unitarian Minister at
Quincy, had previously preached here few
times. The first meetings were il school
room on Third street between Main and
johnson streets. Rev. L. WHITNEY was
called to the pastorste Of the Society.
His was peculiarly organized mind, power
full and clear; he was master Of massive
logic; a distinctionist rather than builder !;
thoroughly good man withal. The services
were held then in Concert Hall, later called
+" Unitarian Hall, on Fourth, between Main
and Blondeap streets. In three years from the
initial organization Of the society, the present
large and fine Church, corner Of Fourth and
High streets WAS erected. 1t was dedicated
Nov. 81, 1856. Subsequently Mr.. WHITNEY
resigned. He was followed in Sept.
1851, by Rev. ROBERT MOORE, young man
of high order of talents, an untiring student,
an attractive speaker, with perfect symmetry
of character, and of most exemplary life.
His health failing he resigned and in the fall
of 1868 he WAS succeeded by the present
pastor, Rev. ROBERT HAssALL, who without
possessing the magic touch of oratory that
electrifies an audience, has vigorous schol-
arly mind, is good preacher, an earnest
faithful minister, thoroughly excellent man.
He has rendered his resignation and his pas
toral connection with the church ceases in
the Fall
The church was erected and finished at
cost of about $4,000, and is one of the
largest and most elegant in the city. The
sabbath school has some one hundred pupils
or more, and a good corps of teachers. Rev.
Mr.. HAssALl. is Superintendent.
Unable to get data to note any of the vet
unnoticed churches at this time as wewish we
restrict ourself to the one society. Will come
again.
TILTING HooPs.-When, during the incon-
veniently windy winds that prevailed last
month, we took the part of "Lucyn against
those miserable, gazing, ungallant, buffoon-
ish street-corner specimens of masculine
humanity that delighted themselves with
watching the difficulties of feminine locomo-
ton, we disclaimed defense of Lucy if she
wore fitting hoops. Now, that was yery
absurd in us. Lucy may have been wearing
them. She may have penned her note when
her delicate self was hidden away somewhere
within the voluminous circumference of "til.
ters." We don't know. At any rate we
should dislike to expose oarself to such
raid as the following. The editor of the
Ha'ckeye expressed slight hostility to this
new phase of crinoline, and lady correspon.
dent retorts thus:
although you appear to be stubbornlv
opposed to that Ito you) obnoxious article nf
female apparel, called filters vet | donht
| rot Won will he imna rtio1 onorch' =.