The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-24
Herosy Trials.

The Church as a social influence, as an his
torical monument of human faith and devO-
ton. should have as much concern for the
'citizen of the world" to-day as any organiZa-
ton, as any influence, as any manifestation OF
human purpose.
IL is no idle chance that gathers into the
Church and enlists i'll its work the good men
and women of all nations and OF all degrees.
The existence of such an institution its bene-
fcent influences IN the darkest hours of the
race. It's Astounding energies renewed cease
lessly from generation to generation make it
worthy, we will not say OF the devotion, but
we may say of the respectful consideration Of
every one concerned in the progress of man
kind.
The Church is. without doubt in all of its
branches the most perfect and the most en-
during organization of modern society. 1t is
not the work of creative energy; 1t did not
springinto existence complete in all of itsp parts;
il is the growth of centuries, not only enrich
ed by the blood of martyrs, but guided and
enlightened by the highest human intellects,
and strengthened and supported by the unsel-
hsh labors and devotion OF a multitude which
no man can number.
In dealing with the passing history Of such
a complex and commanding organization, one
must bring to this work something more than
a superficial knowledge of its history and
something better than the ordinary accom-
plishments Of carping criticism.
The internal conflicts of the Church have a
profound interest for every member of the
race. This is true whether this conflict is be-
tween the old and new Catholicism, between
Bismarck and the Uitramontanes between
the Ritualist and the anti Ritualist of Eng
land, between the Church and State in
France. between Liberalism and Orthodoxy
in America or between Platitudinarians and
Iattudinarians, the bond and Free the world
over.
Those conflicts are perpetual. They are the
lnsepefable manifestations OF mental activity.
Truth is not a one-sided shield. Ii is not at
one time hemisphere swinging in light and
at another rolling In endless darkness. 1t Is "A
sphere, rounded and complete kept in its
orbit by conflict. by counteracting influences,
revealing now one part and now another of
It's surface for the enlightenment of the mind
of man.
Ia the Church as in the world in theology
as IN art, literature and science, two schools
of philosophy are acting and reactng one on
the other, both obeying some divine but hid
den law and both in the end working tor the
good of mankind
The result is that in the Church, as in po-
hucal organizations, there is turmoil. contest.
ana confusion. Orthodoxy and heterodoxy
nave the same meaning, and no other in
Church councils as elsewhere. Here, as in
TIE world. the demand is that man be true
10 his promises and pledges. true 10 his aSso-
ciatss, true 70 tho faith he has confessed.
when liberal member of Parliament
changes bis fAith II is expected that he will
resign MS seat. When member Of an Amer
icah Caolnet nnds 1t impossible conscienti-
oosiy 70 support the policy Of the President.
he witndFsws: When political leader alters
has faith. and finds himself out of harmouv
With h5s associates. be changes his party rela-
usas No map With any seif-resyset, would
scs0pa commission from q hes trsdA club