The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-06-19
"R. s. c. in Reply 10 81. 0. L.
II. B. FRASER,
Presiding Judge
DUE WEST, S. c.. June 10, 1889

DUE WEST, S. c.. June 10, 1889.
Editor Press and Banner:
Allow me space for short reply in your
paper to ~. o. L."
In his last article he discusses Immersion,
Hymns, Psalms, and Instrumental Music. IN
his first article he was quite sure 1t was all
wrong to sllude ''in secular paper" 70 re.
ligious subject. 1t was offensive: Now, II
~. o. L." can reconcile this inconsistency on
his part. "he is q shrewder man than 1 take
him to be-" The next time 81. Q. l." under.
takes to arraign the practice and doctrine OF
the Associate Reformed Church, he had bet
ter acquaint himself with facts. For in
stance, the matter Of communion is left en-
tirely with each individual Session and It's
pastor. They may hold Open, Restricted. or
in his life solemnly promised to defend these
principles. and hence has the right to charac-
teriZe them as narrow and unchristian.
used the following sentence: "We prefer to be
found with such men as Spurgeon, Brecken-
ridge, Chalmers, Mason, Thornwell, and last
but not least, the old Christian hero, John L.
Girardeau."
Now, we deny using sentence of any such
construction. Surely he was dreaming OF
wandering on that fancy sketch" 1t is bet
ter to stick to facts than fancy.
We used this sentence: We prefer 10 DC
found, as far as our opinion ON Mis subject il
concerned, in company with such men as
Spurgeon, Breckenridge, Chalmers, Mason
Thornwell, and last, but e not Least the OLD
That is quite different thing. We simply
expressed preference for the opinion o
these great men TO that Of 81. y. L." on the
subject alone in controversy. Did this cor
mutilation and contortions Of my sentence
~. o. LIS" argument then falls to the ground
at the onset.
But az o. LIS" argument is easy to answer
ence for his theology and "good logic, If he
will turn TO his Shorter Catechism,' Question
he will nd eomPiete ans%er W to his
tanned in the scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments, is the only rule" etc.
Now, u. o. LIS" falacy consists In substi
tuting for the word Of God the opinion o
man. His argument, carried out according
to the rules of "good logic" would make man
infallible. All mon are not expected to agree
We preferred the opinion, or the company
OF these great men mentioned to that or u
o. L." on this subject. because that on IL We
believed their views more nearly accorded
with the word OF God. Not on account o.
their greatness, though we believe that theii
greatness adds weight to their opinion ano
singles them out. No man is compelled tc
agree with them, however, except in so fan
as their opinion is sustained by the Bible
Let US illustrate: Suppose that Mr.. Spur
geon should SO far forget himself as to say
4 believe in the doctrine Of evolution; pos
an ape" We would say, Mr.. Spurgeon, you
are badly Off the track-we don't believe the
Bible teaches any such thing. Others might
say, Mr.. Spurgeon,. you are right. Now, does
this prevent me from differing with him:
Thus is 81. o. LIS" argument overthrown.
But my friend "carries the war into Africa ;
He seems quite fond of carrying on war,
even "on religious subjects in n secular pa
we have a poor opinion of fancy sketches on
religious subjects. We see its lamentable ef:
fects on some OF our religious bodies today
In order, however, to pay Off 81. o. L." in his
NJ a
designedly take the same route as that select
ed by -. o. L." rs he missed seeing some
things.
We will suppose his terrestrial career end
ed. His labor is done. Lfe's tent Is struck
The Master calls him up higher. In com
pany with "his conductor their chariot rolls
up to the beautiful gate Of the celestial city
ltswings open on its golden hinges. As they
roll down the golden streets our friend Is raw
ished with the celestial beauties. Gabriel
who are all these beautiful beings arrayed In
white, and what is their origin? These are
the saints; they were originally created "out
Of dust" but they have been washed in tho
blood Of the Lamb and are clean. Hold uE
that chariot, Gabriel let me out of this place
by the nearest route Throw open the wicket
Ia the South Carolina Synod. We have beer
fighting this very thing down there, and
some Of us have promised 10 carry 1T ITO the
General Asssmby OH High" But Gabriel
confidcntially, don't like the looks Of the
thing. Let me slip ont of the .'wicket gate.
Now, it is not necessary 10 add on account
Of what greatness" or bowling down to whose
opinion caused this sad calamity, "even ban
ishment from heaven" Suffice II to say
that it was not original with our. friend ~
| o. L.
But wish to say l cherish no enmity tt
~. o. L." and am perfectly willing TO accep
"Seminole's" suggestion.
We will close with little humor, by say
| ing that our friend reminds us of Il good joke
told on Judge Underwood's son. The Judge
himself was staunch politician and goot
party man, but his son was an uncertain
quantity and got badly off the track some
times One of Judge Underwooh's friend:
met him one morning and said, How is YOU
son on politics now? The Judge replied: g.
have not seen John to-day"
r G r,