Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1883-06-10
RELIGIOUS CONVENTIONS.

The religious conventions heiu dur
ing the past several weeks are pretty
generally closed. They have been well
attended, and the usual questions have
been discussed relating to discipline,
and in some of them doctriHal questions
have received good deal Of attention.
Some of the conventions have not de-
parted from the even tenor OF previous
conferences. Several have recognized
the attacks of infidelity, and have gov
erned their debates and proceedings ac-
cordingly. In some the old extreme
doctrines Of theology have been ques-
toned, and \ disposition shown to relax
the sterner principles of their rigid code.
The tendency of modern thought has
been to soften the harsher features Of
Christian theology. The stern and
severe doctrines of relentless punish
ment have not been insisted on with
that tenacity as formerly. The close
examination of religious systems shows
many things which seem to belong
more especially to darker and ruder
age, aud so, rs liberality of thought,
which always accompanies enlightened
minds, have prevailed, disposition has
been shown to shake of these crudities
Of another age, and which are so much
out of place in this.
The great teacher of the new tesla
ment, the founder of the better cove
nant, accepted the whole of the old tes-
lament while teaching new and a
spiritual doctrine. tie did not condemn
the ceremonial law, although he did
not enjoin it, His better system was Il
complete answering of the increased
and more spiritual needs OF the world.
For ages prophets have EOretOld that
new and a better system was approach
ing, although they hal deyOutly prac-
ticed the whole ceremonial law.
The Master came to the house of
Israel, and He sent His disciples to
preach To the lost sheep Of the house OF
Israel alone, but still the tune was
close at hand u hen the great apostle OF
the gentiles should toe commissioned.
From the mOrning OF creation there
has been progress. The human mind
must develope before il can conceive of
the truths Of the Creator, and the heart
mnst have its finest feelings cultivated
and matured before it can sanction and
practice the sublime truths contained
in the words Faith. Hope and Charity.
At first there must be visible SYM
bOls. There were the laundering of
Sinai; the fire of the sacred mountain;
the visible tablets of the law; the
smoke OF burnt offerings, and the sacred
presence in the Holy of Holes. These
were the visible precursors of the laws
that should he written in our hearts,
and these burnt offerings were to give
place to the "COntrite and the humble
heart, which in the good time of COPS
providence should be- acceptable saCri-
lice.
Not only did Christianity push aside
and destroy all forms Of pagan idOlatory
with which it came in contact through
out all these 1910 years, but it has re-
formed the parent church itself. Juda-
ism is 40 longer religion of ceremonial
ObseryanceS. True, with the destruC-
ton of the temple there could be no
more burnt offerings, for they could
only be made there, but the Con of the
Israelite is now spiritual being, and
he Of His chosen people who worships
Him must worship Him in spirit and in
| truth.
The stern barriers that have divided
christian Sects from each other have
fallen to very great extent in these
latter years. There is 4 broader fellow
| ship and more extended aud all em-
| bracing communion. 1t is possible that
the attacks of intidelty may have has
tened this time 10y bringing home to
Christians more thorough self-eXami-
nation. The things which cause divi-
siOns among Christians are Olemishes
| To the Christians faith. The. attacks
! may be ruthless and severe, but they
end in publication.
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