The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-11-05
MASONIC TEMPLE.
REV. Q. b. ROCKINGHAM ON 1.-THE BUSINESS OF
DrrrrroN

1Kv. o. b. ROCKINGHAM ON ''IHE BUSINESS OF
RELIGION"
The religious services hold the auspices OF the
Independent Society Masonic Temple Twen-
tythird street and Sixth avenue, after week
becoming moro and more tho centre OF attraction.
The late corners rather severely rebukcd by the
Bow o. b. rockingham, who, before entering upon
she regular subject Of hts DISCOURSE reminded tho au-
dience that though they did not assemble q conse-
Grated church. he trusted that all the decorum appro
pirate to place Of worship would be observed.
BUSINESS RELIGION.
Mr.. Buckingham then announced that the subject
OF his would be The Business OF Religion
and ascertain what religion forbidden do by
modern society II might be odd 10 speak OF religion
business; still 1t really he said the
vcrsal business ON of EARTH owing to tho
various obscrvances connected with the general
trust in a Supreme Power, tho respect paid to
the priesthood aud the ndusen in sacrifices even
Almost every other business was virtually a child
OF one: the creature OF religious feeling
md thought, and even material commerce owed its
existence religion. Had not religion mis-
sionaries, made thcm go into tho wild anas pcnc-
tratc forests that u temple might be built their
midst2 And still religion conducted less busi-
ness principles than any other VOCATION although
dowcd by wealth. 1t succeeded less than any other
occupation because failed TO gather their energy
upon points which might BIO made successful Rengicn
also often cndeavorcd 10 regulate the social affairs OF
men. II had laid down the laws oil matrimony; who
should who should not marry; what forms should
be observed; what required TO solemnize
marriage IL had even gone further and prescribed
how long man and woman sh did Two together and
had extended ANAL authority even IN modern society
tins most difficult problem. But IL
70 happened that social philosophers had some
thing 10 say on this subject and that the
young and old both interests at stake Ia this
matter which cried aloud to religion to keep It's hands
on from these questions, which II only knows how TO
confuse not how TO regulate The next question that
religion often uedded was the education OF youth.
u presumed TO dictate what text books should be used
IN puzzle or prvate schools, what history should DO
studied, what systems and what schemes should be
followed universities and schools OF learning Tho
question never entered the head oil priests or pastors
whether young men and women nave been fairly
treated, ana he hoped the time would como
when tho education OF young Americans should de-
pend the dictum Of tneoiogians.
CHURCH ASD STATE
religion often Itself In affairs OF State
II mad often itself the task dictate
monarchy or republic be tho best form Of
rovernmenI The Pope OF Rome TO- day undertook 10
~ vss,h.r The n,ne,eenth century was baila,ng nm
Abingdon oil hoaven or pointing TO Kingdom OF stu.
These very men claimed the right o. statesmanship
without having mastered the meanesl problem OF
modern society. The Church meddes politics, now
vorlng this KING or that emperor. We hear the
Roman Catholic church is spreading 1t marvel,
Indeed, that u does not spread more for arc ali
tender, we sentimental Tho show OF that Church
lasc;nates mankind, and hence no wonder that
10 many go 10 IL from Professionalism; for
indeed, II 10 not only tho religion OF
row. IL Is also tho religion oil hopo
OF truc brotherhood. II the Roman Catholic Church
would only disavow the attempt TO control States
ana apjuro temporal affairs and devote itself exclu
svely 10 tho culture OF spiritual affairs among
would attain grandeur aud sweetness never yet
tanned BY any religion. Then its grand ana imposing
syrtem would maintain ts glorious dominion In the
hearts oil mankind. 1t throws away It's opportunity
and marshas against u the very powers II needs Tor
ia own dcfence-powers that, however, now will
crush H.
Professionalism, again, mas The great advantage OF
posssssng book considered sacred read by millions
81 pcople-a most wonderful DOOR, The most wonderful
hong which expresses the deepest sentiments tho
A. man hsart and containing IN lie hymns constant
anvught OF mans relations 10 this world. And yet
do.s tism understand this bookf Its
nresses itself in glorious and beautiful moral lincs
ana are SO grand and inspiring that u We want 10
soaoh certaia idea wo SO 20 snat very book. And