National Republican., 1883-10-13
"ICE IN TIE PULPIT"
a Preacher Explains why People Go to
Sleep IN Church.

sleep IN Church.
Rev. o. f. Flippo, of Virginia, delivered
his lecture on "Ico in the pulpit, aud who put
1t there" last evening at Waugh NJ. L. church
to u fair audience The lecturer said that he
Believed that the existence Of tho church was
IA necessity, and thought that thcre should be
no reserve between the minister and his
congregation. Christianity has made but
slow progress of late, which fact was largely
duo TO icc in the pulpit IL fire was
placed in tho pulpit instead of ice, its
genial warmth would soon extend 60 tho pew.
Put n stove in tho chancel and its heat
would pcrvado the whole church. There is
too much ice in the pulpit, and the result is
that people 20 to sleep in church TO such an
extent that were they in u hotel lodgings
would be charged. Men and women come to
church to drop OF into a slumbCr just as easy
au infant docs with Mrs. Winslows soothing
syrup or Godfrey's cordial. The fault Of this
Is in the ministry. The clergy themselves at
times set bad examples. On one occasion the
speaker attended lecture on theology. There
were many ministers present He thought
tho lecture was very heavy, and pretty
soon drowsy feeling crCpt over
him. Looking about him he OBJ
served about twelve ministers fast
asleep and several others nodding. When
such things occur with preachers, naturally
tho people would follow He rocollectcd of
minister once telling his congregation TO put
snuff in their eyes 20 keep them awake. The
answer cnme back, Put snuff in your SER
mon and nobody will go 10 sleep" Congrc-
cations of this day are very indifferent to
their pastors discourse. Heads are turned
about at tho entrance of every new conner,
and a general survey Of bonnet trimmings
and dress follows. They wonder how much
the outfit has cost its owner. The minister is
also attracted, and sometimes loses the thread
of his discourse while viewing II
fine dress in tho aisle This practice
should bo stopped. The lecturer then
spoke of the evil effects of cliqucs and fac
tions in tho congregation. One sdo wants
the minister TO preach on politics, the other
does not, and SO it goes in regular hurdy
gurdy. This continues. Tho church suffers (;
there is no money on hand, and the church
finally dies, tho building becoming monu-
ment TO its death. lie urged ministers to
marry, that they might have helpmcet, and
not slave for the church. The minister
noed8 encouragement and if he does not re-
ceivs it the fire will be lost from his rhetoric,
and it will become ice.
The reason salvation aud the church moves
SO slowly is because the willing and the
sincere have to work against obstacles in
their midst. Until this aud other drawbacks
arc removed and the minister by energy,
pathos and fire in his discourse can com
maud tho attention of his congregation, and
they drop worldly affairs and give their
minds to religion, there will DO no harmony
ana the work will bo in vain. But when
both become imbued with the proper spirit
and strive to promote Christianity and ad-
vauco the interest of the church, then saliva
tiGn will 90 forward and the church become
healthy and prosperous.