The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-09-27
TR UTH AND .SOBERNESS

the nose with red-hot pincers. Christian
controversialists are often tempted to as
sail their own brethren who differ from
them in the same way. If they cannot
reach them with the glowing tongs, they
try their best to hack and scarify them
in true Indian style. This would all be
right, If the antagonist were the Devil in
disguise. Unfortunately they sometimes
infict this barbarity upon their fellow
saints, imagining them to be the veritable
Apollyon.
The opposite mistake is just as often
made A formidable looking weapon is
seen in the hands of saint who appears
to be bent upon conflict with some Zero
cious enemy, and it is concluded that he
is raving savage, inspired by every evil
passion, and teeming with unappeasable
revenge. In reality the holy man is en-
ragged at nothing but some wrong princi-
pie or erroneous opinion which he deems
dangerous to the cause of truth. Some
good people hate wrong so cordially that
they cannot spare it in the person of a
brother, whom nevertheless they con-
tinue to love.
1t belongs to divine perfection to abhor
offences and at the same time embrace
the offender. But we are certainly bound
at least to initiate, in our human meas
ure, this blessed example. There is al
ways danger, especially in religious con-
troversy, of so conducting the war of
principles as to overlook the claims of
humanity. To seize an offending brother
and endeavor to choke his wickedness
out of him, is not exactly in the line Of
the Prince of Peace. The more we arouse
his combative spirit, the more stubbornly
he will adhere to his errors. 1t is our
duty to rebuke him when he has offended
but the rebuke ought always to be meek
ly, generously, forgivingly conveyed.
At one period, the tide OF feeling seems
to run towards violent abuse, and contro-
versy assumes its most truculent form.
Then follows an era when the current
sets in the opposite direction, and the
general tendency is to treat error with
great tenderness for the sake of peace
Hence arises the danger of compromising
principle, and smiling SO complacently
upon offenders as to impress them with
the belief that we have lost our abhor-
renee of their conduct Thus all discus
sion is deprecated and all inquiry is apt
to be stifed in the interest of peace.
If discussion could only be conducted
with calmness, prudence, and moderation,
it would always be profitable when the
object is to promote the truth. This is
It's only legitimate purpose. 1t is aston
ishing to see how much can be written
and printed without touching the issue
in hand. 1t should always be the aim
of speaker or writer to strip the sub
ject of every irrelevancy look att through
a medium unclouded by passion, and en-
deavor to bring the naked facts clearly
to the view of others. If discussion can
not be conducted in this way, it must ne
eessarily be pernicious.
Heated controversy is like the blast of
the sirocco. 1t is not discussion at all.
We are brethren. Let us not fight one
another with ST. Dunstans tongs. If a
difference OF opinion exists in reference to
Church measures, we can compare notes
quietly without imputing to one another
any improper motive. Friendship with
others is very desirable but brotherly
kindness among ourselves is prime ne
cessity. Let no wedge be used to divide
our own Church into factions No meas
ure should be proposed which would en-
danger our harmony amongst ourselves.
Every expression should be carefully
moulded with reference to internal peace.
No treaty should be made at the expense
Of domestic tranquility, and no compact
should be resisted at a similar hazard.
All unkind criticism Of our own repre-
sentatives, and all attempts to Illustrate
acts already contaminated, ought to be
sedulously avoided. And with equal
emphasis we would urge our brethren to
abstain from all efforts to commit our
people to full approval. of acts with
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