Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-01-11
THE QUIZ MEETING.
st. Paul Was Tilted, Therefore Wrote
as BE Did.
EULOGIEs ARE NOT PERMISSIBLE.
Differences Of Opinion as to the Observance
of Christmas.
EEWSH NOTES FROM THE CHURCHES

I
of Christmas.
NEWSY NOTES FROM THE CHURCHES
Last Monday being the first Monday -oi
the month was what is termed "Quiz" day
by the Presbyterian ministers, they devot-
ing the hour on that day to answering ques-
tions, which have been previously given by
whoever is the appointed "Quiz master for
the day. These meetings develop much in
terest, and larger attendance is thereby Sc
cured. Rev. A. E. Linn was the master
this month.
The first question, "Should. funeral SER
vices be eulogistic?" was assigned to the
Rev. De Witt G. Benham, of the Point
Breeze Church, who said that the words
spoken on these occasions should be of COM
fort; they should have reference to the fact
of a resurrection and OF hope Of reunion.
In, earller times, among the heather, the
orations were for the purpose Of bringing to
mind the good qualities of the deceased,
when only true Christians dared profess.
With US it is not always so; so many unbe-
levers are mixed with the believers, and we
are called upon to oficiate over their forms,
but can not discriminate. The minister as
sociates with his people in their homes, but
does not know much Of their outside life.
It is therefore essentially unbecoming to
eulogize. We should favor simple ritual,
that could be used at all times. The truest
eulogy man can have is his work. Let the
press, the friends, or outsiders eulogize, but
let ministers speak merely of the fact that
they shall rise again.
Rev. I. n. Hays, D. D., answered the
second question. ''Sheuld the marriage
ceremony ever be performed on the Sab.
bath, T" BY saying that it is civil rather than
areligious institution. No day is too good. Its
validity certainly cannot be called in ques-
tion. He said: There are two kinds of
contracts, the completed and completable.
The first is legal on Sunday. Marriage in
its nature is completed contract, and bind
ing wherever and whenever it is performed.
1t is to the interests of the State to encourage
not hinder marriages. When, however,
people choose the Sabbath to save time, or
for hilarity they ought never to be per-
formed. He had always advised against it,
and had only oficiated three times on Sun
days, and is sorry he had ever done SO. It
may be lawful but not expedieut.
'Should either of the Sacrsments be ad-
ministered in view of death?" was the third
question, and was given to DR.. Beacon to
answer, who said, I cannot find whers the
authority is from. When it is so desired it
is with the idea that in some way or other it
will take away the stain Of sin, as they do
not realize that neither is there salvation in
any other. Bengal, the great theologian,
when about to die, had read and re-read to
him the first of John, saying, 81 can die
on that" If he could find nothing better
than Jesus Christ, then we do not want to
take anything else to the homes in our COM
munities; therefore, l answer "no" to this
query.
The pastor of the First Church, ALLIE
gheny, Rev. D. L. Kennedy, was asked
"Should Protestants recognize Christmas as
commemorative Of Christ's birthday" He
thought by so doing we belittle the Lords
day; 1t induces tendency to ritualism. It
makes prominent what God has hidden, as
we do not know when it took place,
as we know nothing of his per-
sonal appearance. Its educational infu-
ences are not good. The tree is of heathen
origin. 1t tends to cultivate the flesh rather
thon the spirit. However about it there are
many things commendable. The church
should be at liberty to call attention to it,
but it never should be obligatory. Make it
happy family day, for reunion around the
family board. But would not advocate a
service on that day. The Rev. G. T. Purves,
D. D., could not agree with the views OF
Mr.. Kennedy.
SIS it in accordance with the genius of the
Presbyterian Church for q woman to take
part in the public meetings?" was assigned
to Rev. Crawford. He said: A New England
divine once said woman had an undoubted
right to change and sing bass if she wanted
to and could. Christ always had a very
tender spot for woman, but Paul became
bitter. Tradition says of Paul that he once
sought the hand of a daughter OF one of the
High Priests and being refused, it influenced
his writings as to woman. ever after. Ter
tullIan says ''shc is the gateway of the
devil. Clement said: ut is a shame to
say of what nature she is" But we do not so
say. The Presbyterian Church is one Of true
liberty. Were women not allowed to take
part in some of our meetings for prayer,
what would become of many of our prayer
meetings. In the church at Corinth, there
may have been forward women, who needed
such reprimand, but this surely is not so
with us. Rev. d. S. Kennedy did not agree
with the sentiments expressed, but would
keep Paul's injunction, and thought we
should begin to emphasize mans work in
the church more than had been done.
%xE
Remember, three things come not back:
The arrow sent upon its track,
1t will not swerve. it will not slay
Its speed; it flies to wound or slay.
The spoken word, so soon forgot
By tbee but it has perished not;
In other hearts tits living still,
And doing work for good or ILL.,
And the lost opportunity,
That cometh back no more to thee;
In vain thou weepest, in vain dost yearn,
These three will never more return.
Century.