Morning journal and courier., 1890-04-04
IN mARauARp CHAPEL.

mr.. Jehn HALLS Concluding Lecture
Before the Theological Students
The Chapel Again Crowded-A Deep
IL Interested Audlence-A Afzer
| Hall Needed-Dr. Hall's TNc: Chow
Can she Pulpit be ElaKted3''
DR.. John Hall deltred the last lecture
yesterday aftsy6n before the Theological
semins,cf the special lectures for this year.
.LMquard chapel was. crowded by the
students and friends of the seminary. There
II need of more room for these able and
interesting disoourses. Alumni of the semi
nary are of the opinion that galleries should
be built In the chapel, and this will be
especially advantageous next year, whom DR..
James Stalker of England will deliver the
Lyman Besoher course of lectures; and yes
terday great many more would have liked
to hear what DR.. Hall said to the coming
preachers than were able to do so on account
of the small seating capacity of the chapel.
DR.. Hall will lecture again next year.
These lectures by DR.. Hall are looked for
ward to with pleasure, not only by the
students but by his numerous friends in this
city. In these talks, as in his sermons. DR..
Hall always bring the results of his learning
and experience and never displays the pro-
CoSaoo W WulCu u0 CO"o6 W LIS COuClu6lOuS,
hence his talks and sermons are plain, simple
and practical.
DR.. Hall was introduced yesterday by Pro-
fessor Lewis o. Braston. The subject of the
discourse was Glow Can the Pulpit be
Elevatedi"
DIR. Hall began his talk by referring to the
enormously high pulpits of the times gone
by, with their overhead covers and small
space in which to move about. Now it is
lower down and comes nearer to the original
idea contained in the word from which ''pul-
pit" is derived, viz, "pulpitum." This is
the stage on which actors play in theater,
aud 1t must be admitted that it is great ina
provement over the high pulpits which used
to make the people leok up 80 high, now to
have them more on level. There is re-
markable pulpit in Europe which looks
| like huge box, into which 1t seems almost
impossible for the preacher to get. It is on
wheels and Is moved about from place to
place in the great church, and the vast
| crowds stand about it to hear the preacher.
But in our modern pulpit the pastor is more
| on level with the people. A good word to
| apply to it now Is "desk," coupled with the
| speculative "saered." These considerations
are all of secondary Importance. But how
| can the pulpit be made of more effectl
| The pulpit, let me say, is not lower down
now than it ever was before, but it ia by all
| means higher than it ever was before, and it
hearing the preached word now. A few
years ago there need to be only one in every
| fifteen in church, now one out of every four
and half 60 to church. More men are pre-
pairing for the Christian ministry than ever
before, and more capable men are in the
| together in the broad and liberal
churches, as it is sometimes claimed. And
at no time has there been larger body of
able ministers in the pulpit than at the press
| ent time All denominations are seeking
educated men and spiritual men. Let me
| say, said DR.. Hall, that We are not seeking to
elevate q fallen pulpit, but to increase the
usefulness of God-given institution.
To the Christian public, represented by
the friends sitting ON the right and left, DR..
Hall would say some things. He objected to
the term seen in some New England relig.
ious papers, "hirinR q minister" This does
not tend to elevate the pulpit, but to lower
it.
Another question discussed is what is to
be done with the old ministers. They are
discussing this at the Methodist conference
in New York this week. Some say the dead
line is fifty, others place 1t at forty years of
age. DR.. Hall answered this by advising
church people to pay young men sufficient
for them to save enough to live on when they
become disabled and unfit to perform the
duties of the active ministry. Some very
useful young men are kept from the ministry
by such considerations as these.
| criticisms and comments which are unjust
and unfair, although there may be come
basis for them. A great many things are
said by parishoners of their pastor which is
of no Importance but does q great deal of
harm. A pastor, called to preach Gods
| word, is not obliged to give out notices and
boom every, scheme of every lady In his con
Rregation; but if he does not do this he must
suffer by the remarks such people make
about their disobliging pastor.
| Parents sometimes 60 home from church
and in the presence of the children sriticise
the preacher and his sermon. This does not
tend to make good listeners of the word.
Avoid such things as these and the pulpit
will gradually become more elevated.
Now, I come to occupants of the pulpit
and students about to fill pulpits. I under
address their pupils as fellow students.
| l. In the first place we must elevate the
pulpit by preparing ourselves to speak to the
educated people In such Q way as to COM
mand their respect.
.. Rest our claim to attention on the word
God. Let the people believe that it is God
| who sends Ms and that they are not to deal
Let the people do all the specializing; there
Is plenty of science talked, and politics and
social refoiA have. their champions. We would
be at disadvantage in competing with them
No; let us carry the message of the Lord.
8. Let Us try to exhibit appropriate earn
| estness.
4. Try to keep yourselves as ministers
above criticism. Avoid the appearance ol
everything that can be criticised. I do moi
mean that you will escape criticism, but try
to escape just criticism. Be above using in
fuence In getting place.
8. To elevate the pulpit, know the people
DO their pastor; visit them In their homes
know the children; let all be acquainted
with you a. q man.
8. To raise the pulpit, elevate the ministry
We want to promote the highest good O
manhood.
Preach the word. Never mind for origi
nality; be filed with the gospel and tell 4
ont