The Baptist headlight. (Topeka, Kan.) 1893-1894, 1894-01-11

promise is besmirching the Chris
tlan religion and giving to the
world an iron rod to break its
power,
Like priests, like people," veri-
mes itself in every community.
The clergy are regarded as
Chrlsts representatives, whose
duty it is to expound the truths OF
Gods revelation; to point men
and women to a throne of divine
mercy, and dlscouhtenance, prI-
vately and publicly, all evils which
nave tendency to creep into the
Church, mar its sanctity, and de-
stroy its influence.
The earnest, upright overseer of
his flock, whose interest is CEN
tered more in saving the souls of
dying mortals, than in CRAP
pllng with the mighty dollar" is
doing more good for Christ and
His cause, than the fellow who
feels his Importance, whenever he
sees chance to split a congrega-
ton and skip" with the people S
handbook, which results from a
too liberal view as to the intent
of the decalogue.
On the account of our conserva-
tism in religious matters, pulpit
matters, and poker" seem to be
at par. Hearts and diamonds to
the clergy, are "clubs" in the
hands of the people to break the
clergy's neck, on a square deal.
Freedom of thought and interpre-
tation Of the Divine revelation,
has given quasi pretext to a
large number cf priestly officials,
for "shuff1ing" the innocent deck
and turning up high and low
Jack" Since these things are so,
the bars are down, and the laiety
"tumbles" to the pretentiously in
nocent play of the pulpit, by
Showing it's hand" The pew is
not expected to lead the pulpit;
on the other hand, too much Ii
cense in the pulpit, breeds con
tempt i'll the pew, or questions the
ACCESSIBILITY of continuing within
proper lines.
Poker" in the Church is like
whipping the devil around the
stump" its harmful influence
never be observed; its deadly
pangs never experienced. To a
distant observer, the pictures of
existing conditions is very fright
full, and presages gambling So
ciety, sHb rosa. If card-playing is
a species of gambling, or is the
introduction to gambling, it
should be absolutely discarded by
priest and people, since whatever
introduces sin is as dangerous as
the sin itself.
There is such thing as liberty
of conscience" then there is a |
possibility of abusing such liberty |
Reason, judgment, conscience, and |
revelation are not antagonistic the
one to another, but rightfully APP
piled, place the individual IN a dis
crimlnative position, having from
time to time experienced the tell
ing effects of too much liberalism
in religious discipline.
1t is said however, that unless
conscience condemns, no respon-
sibility obtains" But conscience
does not always have the power
OF discrimination; it does not al
ways teach what is right. and
what is wrong; and since that is
true, we know of no other teacher, |
better than revelation. Paul was
conscientiously right. while he
prosecuted the Churches; but con-
scientiously wrong. when reveIa-
ton fastened his spiritual change
and made him a righteous inter
prefer of the Law.
Coming down to the craze OF
Church members for lottery and |
policy playing, it goes without
saying. that no very lengthy argu- !
ment is necessary TO show up the |
falIacy of such deals and the I'M
of such methods. /
One might go on and give ten.
twenty, hundred reasons why
Christians should not play policy, /
but there is but one good reason
covering any greater number, and
that IS playing policy IS gamb-
ling; and is therefore wrong. |
Whatever deprives the boy and
rr;rI ~ oI,4bar 4La ,,,;fa ~ food