Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1882-12-24

". this Christmas turkey whose CON-
pleted martyrdom in the cause OF gooa
cheer is celebrated in hundred million
homes throughout Christendom to-day.
1ER.CAL AUrHORITY AND INRI-
DEL DISCUSSION.
Much has been said of late about the
decline of clerical authority. That
there is an appreciable falling off in this
respect is beyond dispute. Many learn
ed doctors of divinity have engaged
their minds upon the subject, trying
yainly 70 discover the reason, and as
many theories have been advanced as
there have been authors. As yet, how
ever, no satisfactory solution has sp-
peared. Z:
Some think the wave of iRfideiity or
indifference to religion now sweeping
over the land is meant simply as test
or trial of faith of protested believers in
the Christian religion, and that its
teachers have nothing to do but pursue
the course they have have hitherto pur-
sued and trust the outcome to ProVi-
dence. Others think there is food Tor
tbought in the situation. Some say
that Christian communities ought not
to tolerate the blssphemy Of
an INGERsoLL and in polite terms
abuse both him and the peo-
ple in one and the same breath,
forgetting that while there is much to
condemn there is still something to adj
mire in the man who EXHIBITS in his life
as well as in his thought many touch
ing qualities Of heart, although spurn-
ing the church with severe and well di-
reeted ridicule. And this very course so
common amongst preachers not only
retards the growth of the church in the
number of converts made, but tends to
weaken the faith Of many of those
within its pale.
WAbuse and denuncation are not ar
gument. And the day bias passed when
simple command would bar
discussion except upon premises
chosen by the church, and which prem
ises were usually so framed as to admit
the doctrine taught. A spirit of inde-
pendent inquiry and liberation univers-
ally prevails. And the feeling OF reVer-
entail awe and veneration so common
amongst the people for the clergy in the
days of Roman superstition, and ex-
tending far down the present era, has
given place to supremacy contemptuous
antagonism of everything professedly
clerical and religious, that cannot, per-
haps, be better expressed than in the
saying "a preacher is as good as any
other man so long as he behaves HIM
self"
We need hardly say that our minis
tiers do not pretend to be better than
other people. They are simply the
teachers of the gospel of CHRIST, and in
so far as their education and profession
go they rightly deem themselves enti-
tied to consideration and respect. The
larger portion of unbelievers do not deny
them this either. But when the two
meet in argument it should be as equals.
A manly spirit should characterize both
contestants. The pro and con should
be discussed without personalities. No
abuse should be INDUCED in.
tits truthfully said that INGERsoLL and
his sypathizers divide the church.
Therefore it is urged they deserve the
same treatment in return. But re.
taliatory spirit does not accord with the
plain teachings of the word of COP in
the first place; and in the second place If
there is nothing in INGERsoLL's attacks
but derisivepleasan tries and little argu-
ment there is still more reason why the
church should meet him in willing
and temperate manner. Ridicule may
be difficult to meet if calculated only
to excite laughter. If, however, 1t be
associated with argument and its aim
be to appeal to the intelligence as well
as the humor, it is more powerful on the
one hand for adverse conviction, and
more easily overthrown on the other,
for as soon as the reason or sub-stratum
is destroyed there is nothing left. So with
INGERsOLL. He pretends argument
and wit. BY associating them he en-
livens dry subject; and relying upon
the incipient hostility of those outside
the church to its ministers, created by
the bigoted and intolerant spirit that so
often prevails, he fans the flames of dis
content and generates in their hearts
not only distrust and dislike but actual
disgust.
Christianity has not so much to fear
from writers as from speakers. Eloquent
language and an impressive style do
not distinguish the defenders of the
Christian faith as those who were against
it. There are few exceptions to be
sure, but the exceptions, like providing
the rule, in this case prove the argu.
ment. Think of the crowds that wait
upon TALMAGE, BEECHER and SPUR
GEON. And while of course it is vain as
well as illogical to hope or expect all to
be equally talented, it cannot be denied
that out of the great number of minis-
tiers the population Of great and popular
teachers is surprisingly small. This we
think is owing to the education given
them. Their life work is in the pulpit.
Verbal and not written expression Of
their thoughts is to be required. Yet
they are not taught the art of speaking
and remain ignorant of the source Of
the orators dover. 1t is lamentable
fact, moreover, and we speak of it only
out of candor, that many preachers
habitually read or talk their audiences
asleep. What sad state of affairs for
the teacher of the word of COP.
In dealing with the present question,
however, the church has need of great