The Washington times., 1894-10-07
TIE POWER OF TEE PULPIT.
Recording Secretary v


nv the uastor Of the Church of Our Fatherl
We hear not a little in these days about the
decline Of the pulpit. The suggestion is by
10 means new. and yet it is so far from being
a reality that a man with a real message TO
proclaim never attracted more attention than
now. OF course the work Of the pulpit has to
be done under new conditions. 1t has 10 deal
with opinions and tendencies that are pecu-
liar to the times, andwith a changed condi-
ton Of intelligence. 1t is ours TO deal with
facts. not to sigh after lost opportunities.
This is our age; it Is the age in which we have
to work: it is the age that is telling on Us,
and on which we have to tell. As a matter Of
fact. il is a wonderful time-a time for wise
thought. noble enterprise, heroic service. We
have no sympathy with the alarmists who
sigh for the good old times Of faith. " Would
they restore narrowness and persecution? DO
they desire less knowledge. less freedom, less
Of scorn for the mere authority Of tradition?
Are they afraid Of the free air which is blow
ing everywhere round about themt We can
understand why a man whose own faith is
weak should be afraid Of it; but not man
who has confidence in his principles and in
his God
The demands on the pulpit are likely to
grow to an extent not as yet properly recog-
nized. one cause Is the general rise in the
average Of intelligence. Men are thinking for
themselves. Emphasis IS being put upon the
permanent elements in religion. The acci-
dents Of religion may change Creeds need
revision. The present generation cannot eX-
press its faith in the molds handed down
from the generations that are past. Much Of
this intelligence may be superficial, but it can
not be set aside as non-existent.
VIII the pulpit be able TO hold its own
among a people thus educated? That is the
question. One thing is certain. This genera
ton viii not grant TO the pulpit any power on
the ground Of tradition or precedent. That
the difficulties which confront the pulpit Of
to-day are serious it would be idle TO deny.
But there is no reason for anxiety. Amid all
changes in religious activity, or worship, or
creed, there Is one thing which is unchange-
able-that supreme simplicity Of religion on
which Christ has laid the chief stress, love to
God and love to man.
There is a loud call for preachers who
shall speak out Of the depths of their own
spiritual feelings, but also to speak with that
power which is the result Of careful thoughr.
The age wants living words Of truth-in
short. q preaching which makes men feel
themselves in the grasp Of one who possesses
the truth. and who has good reasons for the
creed be believes and breaches. There will
be less room in the coming time for the
preacher who is content TO be in opinions as
he ever has been. The man who has a
message will always be a power. But the
preacher must feel he has a message. This
involves much. 1t means that be is not a
mere essayist or professional lecturer. If
this were all, We could soon dispense with
the pulpit. Let the central truth that Christ
is Lord and Saviour be the inspirative Of the
preacher and his power will be irresistible
one result Of the greater prominence given 10
Christ will be wider sympathy with men,
Not that the sphere of the preachers thoughts
should be circumscubed. Nothing thai az
fects human character and human happiness
is outside his teaching and influence. 1t is
for the pulpit to shed a salutary influence
upon all movements for the public good
There is no real interest in life that
Christianity viii fail to reach, nor monopoly
or sin that Christianity viii fail to rebuke.
To proclaim the message of the Master i'm
plies stout faith. Congregations do not
want to hear a critical analysis of their pas
tors doubts and uncertainties. The accent
OF strong conviction in the pulpit gives force
and influence in the pew. epelieve thatthe
churches oIto-day are largely occupied by men
who believe in the large faith Of humanity
Boldly are they stepping forward from lin
tied and partial hopes Of salvation for few
10 a grander. truer, more Christlike belief for
the race. They are bringing Christ into the
very center Of human activity and are trans
lsting His blessed teaching into tho language
OF modern life. Faithful to the Master, the
pulpit Will ever be power.
ARTHUR G. ROGERS.