Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1874-08-07

The New York OJsgrcr, religious
journal Of wide circulation and influence,
commenting on the Beecher scandal, gives
such sensible remarks that all will honor
rs n production highly worthy of rehec-
tion. The developments Of the Brooklyn
tale OF sin and sorrow are directing public
attention to the question Of relation be-
tween the pastor and his female pari5hion-
er. The grave danger to the clergyman,
and the still graver danger TO religion,
which may follow indiscretion or want of
acquaintance with human nature, mascu-
line or feminine, demand that this matter
meet the serious consideration of the clergy
and society. Any teaching, doctrine, or
usage which allows priest or preacher, or
anybody else, to step in between husband
and wife, is wrong and dangerous TO socie-
ty. II is based on social conditions, hap
PLY gone forever, ard which the constitu-
tion Of American social life and our ideas
Of selfrespect and personal independence
will never allow to come around again.
The common custom, for instance, of the
minister's taking the first kiss at marriage,
is pointed Illustration. This usage dates
back to the time of feudal robbery OF privi-
- leges and private rights. 1t is indecorous
now, and is probably the shadow and relic
Of an observance more than indecorous.
1t is INDUCED in, Of course, now without
though. Of any history in the past or any
meaning in the present, but it is this very
thing Of thoughtlessuess which we are con-
dcmning.
Let the OJSercer speak, however:
The establishment of such relations be-
tween pastor and bis focks as shall secure
for him that intimacy which ought to exist
only in the domestic circle is an evil OF
fearful tendency and unspeakabe danger.
Ministers are ccnsurabe in a high degree
who encourage their people, men or women,
TO come TO them with family matters OF
secret sores. Some men are themselves
gOssips, and delight TO get and give all they
can of social news, and the more secret the
richer The Prize. They encourage revela-
tions when their cars should be deaf to
everything approaching 10 scandal. All
juGlc.0Gs pastors discourage familiarity on
the part Of their people, especially OF the
female denominations.
For this way lies the danger 4 silly
woman. pious perhaps, but very soft and
shallow. hears the stirring words of her
eloquent pastor is reused, warmed, sooth-
ed, ex9ulted-shc thinks edited - and
strairhtway she believes him to be the man
sent to DO good. She goes TO his study to
tell hin so how much enjoyment she finds
In his words; or she writes him a letter
and pours out her little soul full Of twaddle
about her gratitude for what her dear pas
tor has done for her; how she sis lifted
app by his instructions how she loves
him as a friend given 10 be her guide and
comfort, and so on, more and worse run
ming into a mawkish sentimentally, a sick
ening man worship, disgusting to every
sensible person, but very nectar to n vain,
worldly preacher, who seeks only TO make
his hearers "tcel good" Such people never
90 10 their pastor to ask '.what they must
do to be saved ?'' 1t is to tell him how
good they feel 4; how he is ''eXaltng'' them,
'Glling them with JOY, peace, and love. -
We cannot 60 into particulars without Of
Tending the tastes of every reader. We
make our meaning plain. We wish to be
understood as saying that what worldly
preachers and sentimental women call
communion ofsoul''and "Eindred spirits, -
mutual help'' and 'holy sympathy - and
words in the same strain, is not religion
it is not even religious. 1t is of the earth.
earthly. 1t is "carnal conceived in sin. -
1t is simply the lower nature, the human
passion Of one creature toward another.
God is not in it.