The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-07-04
FOR TIE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
STREET PREACHING and CITY MISSIONS

How far the clergy fall short, and need to
be supplemented by eloquent laymen is a
question. Whether the cause of gospel
truth is promoted by the harangues of un-
trained and irresponsible, though Jealous
men, is another question. Every good man
wishes that all the Lords people were pro-
phets. But no sensible man thinks that all
the Lords people are prophets. Every one
in his own order, is revelation, and law
of nature. 4" "CuiHbet IN saa arte."
Well, may be it will not do to be too par
ticular. Only let Christ be preached, and
provided decencies, and prOprieties, and
seemlnesses are not offended, let US therein
rejoice. And yet "while in the street" and
in the places of common resort enthusiastic
brethren are lifting up the voice and crying,
SO that passer by is at loss to know
whether the orator is selling patent cement
or preaching the gospel, there, right in those
same ways, is Baal worshipped and heathen'
ism practiced.' There the net and the drag
are revered, offerings are deliberately made
to mammon-and alas alas who are these
all that make the suppliant throng to bend
the knee
Oh there are strongholds of Satan very,
very near US. And strangely are they de-
Tended and occupied There are secret
places and Businesses held by the enemy all
about our streets, all about our land. Where
two or three are gathered together to trade,
alas, how surely will Satan be in the midst
of them
1t is lamentable to the man that moves
about in our cities among these business
men to see how wholly they are given to
idolatry, and money and distinction are own
ed as the supreme good-honestly to be
reached if possible dishonesty if necessary
Religion is an after-thOught, the beauteous
scarf to cover the blackened form.
The strongholds and fastnesses referred to
must be reached by means, a Legitimate con
sequence of preaching, but not by preaching
itself. The minister of the gospel propoundi
great general principles. He can go only
to certain extent in illustrating them. i
is absolutely impossible for man who hal
not been engaged in business to know ol
have any appreciation of the complications
the intricaces, the hidden dangers, snare
and deaths" that are all along and about tn
way of the business man, that beSet him
, the dangers that threaten him, the tricks ant
short cuts and by,ways that offer themSelVe
, as ways of escape, and means of safety. l
is in these intricacies, it is facing thes
temptations, it is along these by,wayS tina
, the layman is called on for street preachin!
and city mission WOrk., A simple, unpre
tending, but steadfast and unquestioned re
) fusal to entertain corrupt proposition, al
act of self-denial in behalf of plain duty,
clear preference of the right though unpor
ular and losing side, steady but unostenta
f tious acknowledgment of the law of Christ
, of uuselfshness and purity and love, all theS
!. are the sermons that are felt and laid t
q heart near and far. And when the layma
i. comes to be identified with Christian primo
ples, to be known as good man, his wal
and conversation, his very name becomes
d sermon unceasing and irresistible.
IS We do not need street preaching; we d