The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-04-07

nation and decay. And this, too, while
religion was never more talked Of than
now, nor more broadly and earnestly
discussed showing that there is Ger
tain excitement of the public mind, a
general sensation on the subject, in
which this wide discussion has its orr
gin. But, so far as the many are
concerned, this excitement and sensa-
tion is quite consistent, we must think,
with very low standard of religious
attainment. 1t is no new thing for
men to be greatly excited on the sub
ject Of religion, and to talk much about
it, and still experience little of its real
power their hearts all the while hun
cry and cold, and their lives alien and
apostate. Possibly not a majority, but
large numbers of Christians in this pres
ent time-meaning those who have
made Christian profession-have little
more than surface religion, ceremon-
ial piety, If, we look for honor, integ-
rity, and fair dealing, there is no lack
neither of good neighbors, good citi-
zens, humane and benevolent men,
elect people. If, however, we inquire
as to life, that in its measure and quail
ity closely approaches the Christian
standard, or as to saintliness of char
acter, how unsatisfactory will be the
answer.
The cause of the prevalent low type
and tone of piety, and the fast growing
unreligiousness of large numbers of in
telligent and respectable people found
in Christian congregations, is 80 be as
cribed, in good part, to the indefinite
and aimless preaching of to-day, or to
the neglect by the Christian ministry
of the work to which, in the divine in
tent, it is set apart. And yet never be-
fore has there been SO much fine preach
ing as now; intelligent and scholarly,
faultless in its rhetoric, full of warmth
and impressiveness, and in its way
quite effective, sometimes marvellous
ly so, intensely moving great masses of
people, and sending hundreds home to
pray. But here, may be, its effect
ceases. The heart touched, the relig-
ious emotions kindled, the conscience
aroused, the esthetic taste gratified,
the intellect feasted, it's work is
done, its object, so far as it had any,
is accomplished. 1t is, for the most
part, bow drawn at venture; and
although the arrow may do execution,
yet being unaimed, the most impor-
tant wol k of preaching is left anaccom-
plished, scarcely touched may be. To
excite, to unseal the fountain of emo
tion, to possess the soul with new ex-
perience, or entrance it with new
joy, is only first work-the laying of
a foundation-the initial stage in the
development of a plan looking to a far
greater work to be done; or having in
view, as its consummat.on, the building
up and adOrnment of the Christian
characterize growth of converted
men and women into the fullness of
the stature of Christ. 1t is very much,
indeed, to lead people to inquiry, reflec-
tion, and serious concern in relation to
the important subject of religion; to
awaken the conscience, stir the emo
tions, and send souls in penitence to the
cross, or to Christ with a longing and
hungering for eternal life; but it is
vastly more, and of far greater impoT
tance, to thoroughly enlighten them in
regard to religion, or to aid them by a
system of instruction in the attain
ment of that knowledge of which eter-
nal life is born. 1t is to but little pur-
pose that the road to heaven is minute
ly described, so long as no light is shed
upon it !; and wandering feet are left
with little chance of finding it, or of
walking far in it, if found.
The prevailing impression among
preachers seems to be, that the people
know everything about Christian duty,
and have no need to be enlightened re-
specting it. And if by Christian duty
be meant simply the moral law of God,
in its outward, literal aspect, perhaps
the impression is more or less correct,
at least as regards the educated classes
But if by Christian duty be meant,
sanctity of life and character, and a
growing conformity to the image of the
Lord Jesus, it may fairly be questioned
whether our best and most respectable
congregations, of all churches, have
any very considerable insight into the
thing itself, or into the method of its
attainment. And this furnishes the
reason, taken in connection with the
preaching now most in vogue, and upon
which most reliance IS placed in bring
ing the New Jerusalem down to earth
why we hear 50 much Of the decline Of
faith, of dearth of religious interest,
the waning Of spiritual life, the wide
prevalence of skepticism, and the in
creasingly large number of unchurched
people. If, as we are told, churches
are everywhere going to decay, reyi-
walls less frequent, great Christian en-
terprises suffering from neglect, and
the outlook in general far from com