New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-03-29
TIE RENTING OF CHURCH PEWS.

A WRONG sYsTEM-sINNERs DRIVEN AWAY FROM
CHURCHEs-THE HIPPODRoME CROWDED AND
COSTLY CHURCHES EMPTY ON SUNDAY
To the Ed,tor or The Tribune.
SIR: We offer a strange exposition OF our
American Christianity this centennial year of
ton at Philadelphia and New-York, where repre-
scntatives from all parts OF the world are ex-
pected 10 assemble, there to observe and con
slider our system of religion, and make report accord
ngly We show that at times by extraordinary effort
au opporunity afforded for the common people" to
worship as il In the preparation OF an immense
depot in city, and circus building in the other as
temporary places of worship In these services are con
Quoted by cody and earnest men, but BY men who have
never been set apart such service by any legitimate
authority which they amenable and by which they
can be kept ordery-in fact being only convences-and
while such place Is constantly crowded with sincere
worshpcrs we show within the OF vision numerous
costly and spacious houses OF worship, which are c0nse
Grated to the same God. and well appointed in all re-
aurements Of worship where every thing can be done
decontly and in order" each having its company OF
Christian believers united IN common profession OF
faith and each its pastor priest set apart by laying on
of hands minister at its altar and yet these temples,
TO which the people commanded TO come and do rev.
crence the sanctuary Of God stand Silent and vacant
or when opened the Sabbath attended by select
few OF the weltodo only-a class which cannot be nu
meTOus IN any community.
W,
religion TO assembled people Of various religions
And why are these things sol The first question leave
unanswered TO other reply by the assertion that
this incon gruOus this antiChrstla situation Is brought
about by the system OF pewrenting But for the pro-
hibtion which this system enforces the people woulc
more gladly TO the churches than to Kinks or HIP
podromes or any other conventice. But they cannot
attend upon the appointments OF Gods house while this
system is in force without renting seats which the many
are not able to do and those who through these extra
ordinary efforts and opportunities induced to enter
upon a new life must II unable to rent pews be
left as sheep without a shepherd; aud undoubtedly
many will consequently turn back to IrelIgion
and destruction. There has recently been an
assembly OF Christians in Philadelphia to discuss the
questions how 10 reach nonchurch-goers, and how TO
gather in of the revival There no end to
the nonsense evolved In that discussions while with
churches to the people of grace was wholly
iCnofed when the house OF God IL opened To them as
order TO dsrss further There Is to be similar con
venOn In NewYork on the 29lh and SON OF TINS month
II il 10 be hoped that this question will then be reached
in this matter but TO open our houses OF
them come and partake OF the water Of life
freely" fit be said that were the churches made free
penes paid it can be said in reply that the first IS
hte upon feowworshpers, aud the seconds libel
upon the Great Head OF the Church. Now, many-per
hans the most Of church-gOersdO not realize the
existence OF this Of affairs; but these ncongu
ties TO this great wrong In the churches we must be
awakened There must be reform. Let this evil con-
tnue-let but those who are able TO pay largely
enjoy the mnistra,ion Of the Gospel III churches
and the revival will far short Of what might
compsh; in fact there can be no great work. But IL
the Lord IL false testimony by Gods chosen wit
nesses concerning divine things: 1t Is stultiiying the
is causing spiritual decline IN our membership, and II Is
converting the House OF God into private clubhouses.
Therefore the time Is at hand when must have free
C6ieago March II. 1876 wATcHMAS.