The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1885-06-24
AGhurUh Question.
HONOLULU, Jrsr 18Th 1855

HoNoLU1u, JuSE 18th 1856.
EDrroR GAzETIxs-I have become interested il
| line Of thought, suggested by an article in Tho
] English Church paper on 1RylicaHisRi, part Of
| which was quoted and commented upon in the
| CARTE of last week.
1t seems to me. Mr.. Editor that there are needs
in the hearts and souls of very respectable mum
Der Of PEOPLE in orr CITY which no Church society
meets. The Loyalty OF the Roman Catholics e
| their Church Is too well known to need Alustr8
ton The wants of this Christian element Of our
| population are met by large and active body OF
| Christian workers and by the numerous services
of their Church. What we have to say relates to
the Prosest9nts in our midst. Whether for his
good or hurt, the temper Of the Protestant IS IN
| dependent and democratic. The Protestant gere-
rails cares little for authority. He proposes 10
exercise his free choice as to whether he will be
Presbyterian, Methodist, or Episcopalian. II is
true th Il this very thing Is the weakness OF Pro
testantism and is, the world over, prolific source
/ of contention. sEepticism aad denial. But we
must take things as we find them. and do the best
thing that can be done under the circumstances.
One of our Protestant churches evidently mot
altogether to the satisfaction Of the old fashioned
New England Orthodoxy has taken up this line
OF action and enjoys the reputation Of being con-
sidered sort of Cosmopolitan church, hing1ng
olt into our little stretch of the great sea OF human
life, a Gospel net to gather fishes of every kind
To be sure In such an effort people must be pleased.
Their tastes IN public worship and the style OF
preaching most acceptable must be consulted, and
other conditions must be noted very carefully,
whiiC unceasing social efforts are necessary TO
keep together clements which are not naturally
inclined TO miugls harmoniously.
have been for some time quiet observer OF
life IN tue churches of Honolulu, and recognize
three distinct types represented by ~ the Roman
Catholic, active aggressive and united 2l the Pro
testant also active, but not doctrinally united
and (S) the Episcopal or Anglican body most of the
members Of which are English people. This last
mentioned body Is not very strong in numbers
and has had an unfortunate history, having suf-
fereG many reversible most serious of which
has been fatal adherence to plan calling for the
erection Of a massive and costly cathedral which
the community here is unable, and the Church IN
England unwilling, TO finish in its entirety The
article IN the Church paper is noticeable because
calling attention not what IS, but rather TO what
might have been, the policy of this Church. My
acquaintance with the Episcopal Church has led
me 10 consider It the most liberal Christian body.
Its ministers and people may be HIGH or lor or
broad and yet there Is but one Episcopal Church.
am not able to define Just what is meant by
these terms. do not know whether in the end,
the Honolulu public would prefer loc TO htqh or
high to broad. But it does seem to me- Mr.. Editor,
that the writer Of the article TO which i have re-
ferred has sounded a note which our Episcopaliun
friends Will do well to heed. There is a noble
held II Honolulu for that kind of Episcopacy
which shall present the attractions of the Episco-
pal liturgy IN its simple beauty without the inter
pretsuo2s Of any school or party, feed the people
with the solid food OF the old Church faith with
out the AHq'idUt flavor, and unite more publicly
and openly with other Christians in labors of
Charity and EvangeliZation. rhe number of Peo-
pie who are attracted TO the reyerent solemnities
of htsrEic worship IS continually increasing. How
necessary II Is that a complete bar should be
erected against all solemn trifing, Customs
which marked the reverence of one age do not
suit the practical utiitauan temper of our times.
AL men have natural love of symbolism, but
Symbolism may degenerate into mavkishness.
Pua1 lie devices may take the place of sober Gus
toms When we look on the agoniZing efforts of
CHURCHES e drur by startling innovations in
music, subjects Of preaching, and novel enter
tainments-or by revival Of some ancient cere-
mony for scenic effect, TO represent doctrine by
extreme ritualisn, or by extreme barrenness of
worship and then consider the means employed,
We imagine Paul standing IN the church and
preaching from his own text
when ! became : man pat away childish things
The public mind Is generally practical and de-
mauts that the dry bones of doctrine shall be
covered with the living flesh and sinews that carry
feet on errands of mercy and open hands IN gene
ro1s charity. The Presbyterian may hug his
Westminster Confession and the EpiscopaliAn his
doctrine Of Apostolic Succession, but the practical
Christian workers will ask. rlnf are y0s goitg
20 MAXI ~ tisiE. dsag brethren?
Forms of worship we're made for man, and not
man for forms Of worship. Men are TO be built
up in the Christian faith not BY uprooting the old
foundations but by building up the supersructure
on frn unmOyable foundations. Every stone,
however beautiful, which will not bear the neces-
sary weight, OF ft The necessary place, must be
used elsewhere. The tried stones make the living
temple
/ would regret, Mr.. Editor, to be regarded as
iusensibie TO much good work, true worship and
faithful preaching ID Honolulu. l am one Of
many who desire TO have II increase. Like many
l cry for more light l would that such change
might come over the spirit of our little city. that
the life and worship of churches might rise to
the serene heights of majestic eonsecration with
its proof II labor fer the best interests of all,
without respect TO race color ci9ss condition.
The strongest argument for Christianity is not
how It worshps or what 1t believes, but IN what II
docs. RAW e-lsE
The Eoundsr said . BY their fruits ye shall know
them @ II - ~ =.
Commenting all Christian readers TO the study
of some needs in public worship and Christian
effort, Of the age of this time and Of own place
am very sincerely yours OBSERVER.