The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-02-23
Views Of can Old-FashiOned
Christian"
HOLIC CL AIM S
Ne New Notions or Reform
Ideas" Required.
Conflicting Statements by Differ
ent Correspondents.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALp-
As one who believes himself honest in his desire
TO the Christian Church. whatever its denomina-
ton. restored to its influence ana wholesome au-
thority over mankind and in the name of all sim
cerely religious men, thank you for your calm.
able and useful editorial published in last Sundays
HERALD. and called forth by the letter of your corr
respondent asking the question. lis Chris
tianity a Failure?' and the one / myself took
the liberty to address to you Your apology
for the utterapces of secular journal such sub
ject unnecessary. II the publication Of the
churches is desirable-and this will scarcely be
questioned-we must look for aid III the good work
to the than to the religious press, for
several good reasons Secular journals reach larger
class OF readers more independent in the express
sion of their views, FREQ from the trammels
of alliances and friendships with Church
authorities and both more studied and
feared the opponents OF public
sentiment than journals specially devoted
to religious matters. 1 do not by this intend any
reflection the religious press. 1t does it's work
with ability and fidelity. But it reaches church men,
bers almost exclusively. and is naturally lenient
toward the shortcomings of the ministry. great
independent newspaper is the most powerful political
journal that exist for the that it is not
made for partisans alone but reaches all classes.
views political questions without Partially preju-
Dice and thus makes converts. SO q secular journal
may become efficient agent in religious purifca-
tion because it treat the subject fearlcssly and
without bias favor and apply the scalpel where
it is needed with firm hand while its words reach all
sorts and conditions Of men. 1 regard the sound
and judicious comments of the HERALD last Sunday
valuable aid in the cause of religious reform.
by which expression l mean an awakening within
the churches to sense of the faults and errors Of
the churches and to desire tor their eradication
an essential to the restoration of docity, obedience
and harmony in the congregations.
entirely agree with the HERALD that the specific
for religious anguor sceptcism is the uprising OF
IMAM OF genius and truly apostolic fervor who will
kindle religious sensibiities akin to his But
it my design to suggest the thought whether the
churches. by selfpurhcaton practised in time.
themselves excite religious emotion and obviate
the necessity for the advent of such 'holy and
sainted man Of God" as John Wesley whose example
the HERALD happily cites. Complaint is made in
all the pu pits of indifference inattenon to religious
duties and yearning after strange gods
the sre the the evils sSs of the
way for the ervent men who lead in great religious
uprsings with apostolic fervor; and for these evils.
will themselves undertake the work Of reawakenng
there will be no room for the establishment OF new
sects 1t will not be necessary for encroach the
HERALD valuable space by citing examples to prove
the plain statement that great religious movements.
such as are alluded to by the HERALD have always
been called forth by the shortcomings and faults Of
the Church. In every instance the decay. sloth or
disease which has spread through the followers of the
Church and called forth the efforts of those great
religious leaders whose achievements the most
striking monuments that mark the different stages
Of religious progress in the world S history.
Can not check the evil which is now, fear only
too apparent within the modern Church? Can
not induce simpler habits and stricter lives the
ministry? Can we not prevail on the churches to
open their gates freely poor and lowly and to
labor for those whom Saviour loved to teach and
to heal? Can we not above all things arouse the
great heads and high authorities of all the churches
to the important duty of uprooting the I'M
wholesome and noxious weeds that have
sprung up In the garden of religion and
fratv, tl.,t f.n1.
and immortality ? The HERALD doubts whether
"merc exposures OF the dilapidated state of
isting Christianity calculated to do much good
and asks. Are not such exposures rather fitted to
discred religion and to confirm scoers and sceptcs
In their opinion that religious professions de-
ceitul cloak p II the HERALD means that the mere
exposure of scandals within the Church without the
punishment OF TIE guilty parties viii not do
terpretation of its words-I entirely in the
proposition. But the exposure and punishment OF
offences against morality on the part OF those
within the Church, / insist is duty which the
Church cannot dare to evade or neglect without
striking a deadly blow at all religion. 1t
Is duty taught by our Saviour and
dishonesty, debauchery and lust to exist in the
Church and still call it the temple OF God. We can
not afford to suffer immoral practices the part of
punished. We must drive out impurity in every
form if We would keep the temple pure. The idea
that those TO whom the young and innocent look with
yeneration for the first Instructions in religious
duties should be spotted lepers Is frightiul to
template. can ma no Justification for church
which overlooks immortality and lust the part of
any. even the humblest of its ministers, for the
false delicacy which hestates to drive forth these
sins publicly with scourges wherever and whenever
they may be found In this trust shall meet the
approval Of the HERALD. whose large influence and
broad intelligence may do much in the good work of
cleansing and purifying all the churches IL 1t will
only lend its powerful aid in that direction:
AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN.
JAMES OWEN o'coNNoR DECLARES THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH YEARSs FOR NOTHING NEW.