The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1883-12-16
METEOROLOGICAL QUESTIONS.

nal, or, more accurately speaking, a
pedal, strife that threatens the most
serious consequences. 1t seems that
wel-devised scheme has been inau-
gurated to restore the obsolete ordi-
nance of feet-washing as q part Of the
form of worship; and thereby the
atmosphere has been vexed with an
odor, as 1t were, that ''smells to
heaven" The worst of it is that the
feet-washers appear to be in the ma
jority, and propose to excommunicate
those OF the opposite manner of
thinking. All the resources of per-
suasion have been exhausted TO no
purpose; discussion widens the
breach instead of narrowing it; and
altogether the outlook is thick with
gloomy forebodings.
We do not understand that the mi
nority reject feet-washing per Sc. No
objections have been urged against
the process as a sanitary precaution
1t is even granted that the brethren
may properly wash one another's feet
in a social way; and we infer that the
privilege might extend to the sisters
also. The difficulty arises over the
proposition to make this style of di.
version an obligatory feature of the
church exercises. Ii we apprehend
the kickers correctly, it is not the
barefooted fact, so to speak, OF bath.
ing the extremities as matter OF
carnal enjoyment or mere personal
familiarity that they are opposing, II
is the spiritualizing of the trans
action, and the making it a compul-
sorry affair that excites their antag-
onism. In other words, they dispute
the theory OF having the correctness
of their theology measured by an oh.
servance that relates rather TO the
economy of the household than to
the loftier uses of the sanctuary q
distinction with a very pronounced
difference, it viii be noticed.
1t is TO be regretted that full par,
ticulars are not furnished Of the
method provided for the practical
application of the ordinance In ques.
tion. As il is, we are left entirely to
conjecture on that point, and so can
not know what justification there may
be, il any, for resisting the thing on
grounds OF taste or convenience, ia
say nothing of sentiment 1t may be
that the congregation is expected to
Shrusi IFS collective assortment oi
feet into a single tub, trough, tank
or other sufficiently capacious con.
cern; and one can easily imagine how
embarrassing that might be, and
how sorely trying to piety. Or it may
be that the deacons claim the pre-
rogative of doing the washing fol
all the feminine portion OF the flock
and certainly that would give occa.
sion for more or less hard feeling. Or
possibly the scheme includes ele
ments of picturesqueness that have
no legitimate place in church pro
ceeding. There Is abundant room,wt
can see, for the abuse OF such an OBJ
servance, and therefore many argu
ments 10 be advanced against its en-
forcement without in any sense chal
longing its abstract soundness.
daily newspaper is able, as rule, t.
pass prompt and convincing judgmen
in cases of this nature, and thus *
check strife and promote peace ant
good will; but the present contro
versy is so exceptional and the cir
cumstances so indefinitely stated tha
We must take it under advisement
To be quite frank about it, we ar
not very well up in feet-washing a
an adjunct of righteousness. w,
should say, on general principles
that the text, Cleanliness is next t.
godliness," should be held to appl,
TO the feet as much as to any othe
part Of the body; but We are no
prepared 10 claim that systematic
Sunday foot-baths are an essentia
requirement to salvation. For pur
poses OF discipline, not TO men
tion advantages OF general com
fort where ventilation is de
fective, We can readily understand
how feet washing might be earnestl,
and profitably insisted upon. As al
exercise in humility, too, there is
good deal to be said in its favor: anC
it is undeniable that the ceremon.
has warrant, or excuse at least, il
Scripture. But we must not pursu
the subject further at present, leas
we inadvertently prejudice one sid
or the other of a disagreement whicl
We hope to see amicably and ha1
moniously adjusted. We cannot re
frain from saying, however, that tn
congregation-both the feet-washer
and the kickers-are to be congratu
lated upon the fact that this episode
though unpleasant in one aspect,
in another view gratifying. 1t is a
ways wholesome sign to see tn
brethren care enough for their fait
to contend about it. Ill fares th
church, to Fastening ills a pre-,
where men cease to think If wort
while to do battle in its behalf, or
behalf OF what they deem to be il
cardinal virtues. The feet-washer
may be right, or they may be wrong
in either event, the average interet
in the affairs of the church
going to be stimulated, and the men
bers made better acquainted wit