The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-09-19

Rev. S. w. Meek preached a sermon Sun
day morning, in which several pictures were
passed before his listeners, illustrating some
truths that are not always before the people.
He considered the question, "Why do not
more men join the church," He presented
the subject in the light of the causes that lie
in the non-Churchmen themselves, and sec
ondly, the reasons that may be traced to the
Church and its members.
Under the first division he assigned the
following causes:
1. Ignorance of the doctrines, principles
and objects of the Church.
2. Prejudice.
Many men have grown up with deep
prejudice against the Church, looking upon
it as bad institution. "There can be no
question that many regard the Church as an
institution for the teaching and promotion
of superstition and hypocricy. They con-
slider themselves infinitely better and wiser
than the Church people, for whose 'igno-
rance they have profound pity, and would
feel greatly lowered should they identify
themselves with the people who profess such
convictions and allegiance"
3rd. Others do not care to commit them
selves to the high moral standard of the
Church. Many people seem to regard mon
ey getting as the greatest object in this life,
and holding this view, it is not alwas conven-
lent to practice the morality enjoined by the
church. This class of non-church people
are very generally willing to admit that the
church is an excellent institution, but they
simply do not wish to turn their backs on
certain of the things it condemns.
Clubism, as Carlyle expresses it, or what
we may term Lodgeism. The speaker called
attention to the large number of Lodges and
services borrowed from the ritual of the
church, were held. Men thus find them
selves actually engaged in religious devotion, ,
and for that reason come to regard their
Lodge in the light of a Church. The Lodge
does not oppose the Church, but simply takes
its place.
5th. Strong drink Thousands of men
have formed their associations and friend
ships at the saloons. No man can enjoy the
church and saloon together. One is such a
complete antidote for the other, that no one
can love the requirements and culture of the
one without hating and detesting the base
and degrading pleasures OF the other. The
social power of the saloon is tremendous
hindrance to the work of the church.
The preacher also spoke of the occasional
or moderate drinkers, concluding by saying
that as long as men keep liquor in their eel
lars, or take the occasional" drink in the
saloon, they are beyond the influence of the
church.
He then passed to the other side Of the
question by inq uiring, I" Is there no fault in
the Church for this condition of affairs"
Yes. The Church is composed of human
ity, and its strength is made up from the
average strength of humanity, plus the grace
of God. Joining the church does not make
men perfectly wise.
In the first place, the Church is too timfd
and retiring. There is a sad lack OF business
courage and enterprise, equally in the pull
pit and pew. We don't advertise enough.
There is such thing as legitimate church
advertising. Make it SO that no one can be
| ignorant of the church services.
Secondly, the services of the church are
oftentimes not suited to the wants OF very
| many men. A large percentage OF men do
not care for theological discussions, or to
listen to the rendition of classical music.
Mind not high things, but condeseend to
men of low estate" We must make our
services interesting and acceptable to the
uncultured, as we'll as the highlyIeducated.
The methods of the Salvation Army may
appear strange to us, but it is better to lead
men to God by drums and horns, than never
lead them to Him.
Third. Lack of hospitality in the church
es. Suppose that working man, dressed in
working clothes and having no gold ring,
should enter we'll furnished pew. Can we
not suspicion that there might be some peO-
pie who would look upon such an individual
happening to enter their pew, in a very un-
appreciative manner, to say the least? We
should make the church welcome to all, and
treat every one who enters it with Christian
hospitality and brotherly regard.
Fourth. The Church does not seek the
rare church man. How many of you in tn is
congregation of 200 or 800 people have with
in the past year ever personally solicited
any such to attend the church services? CA
single hand was raised in response, and that
was the hand of a man,
The minister closed by telling the church
people that they could have their church
filled at any time they saw fit, by simply at
tendin to these cardinal duties.