The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-02-04
Specia1 Contributors.
INCONSISTENCY OF CHRISTIANS.
BY REV. A. C. BARRY. D. D,
Lodi, Wis.,

kLuul, Wls.I
We would not even seem to harshly
criticise the errors and short comings
of any class of our fellow Christians,
but, speak as plainly as we may of de-
linquency and betrayal, would not for
get that there are many lapses and
falls connected with advancement in
the Christian life. In dealing with the
nhfaithfulness of any who have made
profession of faith in Christ, the fact is
not to be overlooked that there is the
interval of the ripening summer be-
tween the seed that is sown and the
rfpened fruits. Then this other fact is
to be taken iH6 the account, that in
some soils plants are Of slow growth,
and require longer season for the rip
ening. Besides, often cold and drouth
are to be- contended with, and vile
weeds and the choking thorn spring up
to hinder growth and delay the harvest.
1t is a mistake TO suppose that Chris
tian newly bornds fully grown. He is
like the springing blade of wheat, and
charity will not condemn him because
in day he does noesehange to the full
corn in the ear. But 'if. charity has ex-
ouses and palliations, itshas also warn
-. tngs and rebukes. 1t wers not charity
aid it not call attention toaneglected
autfss, to a..afeehafged oblleAtiSns, to
faithlessness and far-off following, and
exhort to holier living, remembrance
of solemn promises, and a continually
renewed conservation to the service of
Christ.
When an awakened and converted
man stands before the holy altar and
testifes of his faith in Christ, and of
his desire and intention to live the Chris
tian life; when he knee]s to receive
the rite of baptism, or sits down in
company with fellow disciples at the
table of communion what is it all but
saying that he will endeavor so far as
ability and opportunity are given him,
not only to be a devout man, giving at
tention to the forms and exercises of
piety, but will conform in word and act
to the Christian standard, and always
and everywhere will show himself on
the Lords side, by his adherence to the
right, his friendship for the poor and
wr0nged, and his brave warfare against
the many evils that hinder the prog
ress of Christ's kingdom and cause
among men. OF the millions in Amer
lea who have made this Christian pro-
fession, involving all we have seen,
how many give evidence of faithful
ness in the fulfllment of solemn prom
Use and pledge, and are standing firmly
for Christ amid the abounding wrongs,
barbarisms, expressions, immOralities
and cruelties in society ?
We understand, we are sure, that it
is not by the consent and ordination Of
Christianity that the world remains to
this hour in rebellion against God that
vice everywhere swaggers in guilty
riot, and wrong crushes with its heavy
burdens, and selfshness tramples down
the poor, and Phariseeism mocks the
cries OF the perishing with an empty
prayer, and fraud plumbers the people,
and trade f0urishes that has blood on
its hands; but it is because they who
are charged with the administration of
the gospel, with the application of its
divine principles, with the lifting up of
its redeeming cross, have not fully
learned Christ, nor caught the full
meaning of his religion, and are only
dimly or feebly conscious of their amaz-
ing responsibilities. No doubt there is
a vastly improved condition of things
to-day to be glad over. There are many
new and blessed things under the sun in
this new time, and we may well believe
that the passing years will largely add
to them Still it is a somber and sorry
picture upon which we look in this
evening of the nineteenth century,
that amid all the monuments of the
most refined, modern, civil and social
improvements amid the highest cult
vation Of the intellect, and the most
magnificent displays of genius, the
great Christian law, every principle of
right and honor, every sacred preceptr
is violated continually, violated in
high and low places, in every depart
ment of State, in every circle of society,
and in all communities, in the seats
of government, under the shadow OF