Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1873-08-18
REV. mr.. sfeaRArIt's DIS
COURSE.

Piper's Opera House was crowded
in every part. filled to Overlooking,
last evening. with people of every
grade and of every religious opinion
to listen to Mr.. McGrath. As 1t was
the introduction Of new departure in
religious sentiments, there was no lack
Of critics.
We can present to the readers Of the
News n brief and imperfect outline
only of the reverend gentleman's dis.
course. and in justice to Mr. McG rath,
we should also state that he made no
attempt in the way OF a measured,
stiff discourse. The speech was of.
hand. and delivered in an easy, natural
style-suitable. We thought, alike to
the occasion. the place aud the people.
Mr.. McGrath said he abandoned the
Orthodox party because. tirst-The
Church did not allow It's ministers the
right OF individual Judgment; articles
of faith were prescribed. ald 10
preacher was allowed to differ FROM
them.
Second-He could no longer believe
or preach the so-called Orthodox doc
trines; he deemed many Of them to
be u%ascriptural unsound and unworthy
Of God; he especially disapproved Of
the doctrine which teaches that a short
life OH Garth is a probation which fixes
forever mans destiny o: Joy or misery;
he could sec no justice, mercy, love or
goodness In such a fate.
lhird-He withdrew from the Meth.
odiSt Church on account Of Its law
which compels It's ministers to nov at
the end OF three years ut the most; he
did not feel at liberty to leave Virginia
City, for II he left the place hundreds
of people would be deprived OF n pas
tor who represented their sentiments;
they would not attend Orthodox
Churches; he could do more good ny
remaining with them. than by going to
a strange place; he had also formed
social ties which he did not feel at lib
erty to sever; his affections. growing
stronger year by year, bind him to
Virginia.
Mr.. McGrath then stated the aims Of
the Liberal Society. 1t allows aud EN-
eourages investigation in all the realms
Of thought. and accords to every n
full liberty Of opinion. That Is Its
Theological creed. IL enforces moral
obligation, aud in~culcates love to God
and love to man. Its rule Is, "Uo
unto others as ye would that they
should do unto you"
The preacher thought all men car
unite on such 4 platform.
Mr.. McGrath spoke on the above
points three quarters Of an hour, aud
wished To know II he could detain the
people u quarter Of an hour longer.
The audience responded by applause,
aud the speaker continued.
Moral obligation, lie said, did not
depend on church relations. They
were anterior to church organizations,
and called churches into being. Church
or 10 church. men were bound 10 DO
right. No one can escape the conse-
onences OF violated law. Some people
had predicted the failure Of the new
movement, because Mr.. McGrath wa
associated with sinners. lie replied,
We are al! sinful, and our aim Is for a
higher. purer life, the need OF which
We all feel. Jesus came to call o the
righteous, but sinners, TO repentance.
Mr.. McGrath expressed his willing
ness, In rather strong language, to
share the common fate OF his fellows
here aud hereafter. -,
The reverend gentleman occupied
over an hour, aud there Was no indica-
ton of unrest OIL the part Of the vast
throng. On the other hand the preacher
greeted with numerous rounds OF
applause. 1t Is naughty to cheer a
preacher, but 1t must b. remembered
that the Opera House has its influence,
the preacher was animated. anu In
dead earnest, aud the whole affair Was
4 New Departure"
We think the collection must nave
been large. tor the plates were e
filled, and ladies and gentlemen III the
boxes e 4 shower Of shinlng silver
down on the stage. Father Mct3rath
tried to dodge, but 1t was no use, he
was handsomely pelted with half
,lnilars.