The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-09-22
r. Thompson and the Church.
DURHAM. N. c Sept. 20

To the Editor of the News and Observer;
/ gladly avail myself Of your invita-
ton TO write my views as touching the
above subject, although space will not
permit very satisfactory discussion.
/ have not the pleasure of DR.. Thomp-
sons acquaintance, or at least, do not re-
memb ever to have met him. | assume
that he is gentleman, a good citizen
and kiud neighbor ! have nothing
whatever to object to his politics Thet
is bis business. 1t might possibly turn
out that We should be nearer together
in that matter than in some others. He
has right to his opinion and vote in the
sphere of citizenship; but in the sphere of
ethics and religion no man has any right
to do wrong.
In holding and uttering the sentiment
that "the church of Christ has always
been on the side of human slavery" DR..
Thompson has wounded his better ma
ture, and in the opinion of all right
thinkers has perpetrated a wrong upon
himself, upon his children, upon the
church of God and upon Christian civil
zation. Unless be purges himself of it.
it will haunt bis mind in the dark hours
of affection, and trouble his soul in the
dying hour.
There is great need for wide educa-
ton and learning, and for correct and
profound thought in a republic like ours,
where any man is liable to be thrown
to the surface for leadership in politics.
Ii is worthy of note, as historical fact,
that in all times of large popular unrest
and thoughtless dissatisfaction with the
existing order of things, there is tend
ency in misdirected enthusiasm to strike
at sacred things. The church has always
been among the first to feel its blow-a
blow delivered in ignorance, short-sight-
edness and bad temper, not to say wick
edness.
The church is necessarily salt in the
world, a conservative power, and there
fore an antagonist 10 all disorder,
anarchy and nihilism. 1t can but align
itself with the powers that be, for they
are ordained of God" whether the gov
eminent be Populist, Democratic, Re
publican, kingly, or what not. But this
alignment goes no further than obedi-
ance to law, rendering unto Caesar the
things that are Caesars, and unto God
the things that are Gods Civil govern
ment is not the church's business in the
world, one way or another She cannot
fight with carnal weapons. Peter tried
his sword upon the High Priests ser
want, but the attempt was an unspeak-
able failure. / have no sympathy for q
political preacher He is dishonorinq
his calling. William of Orange exclaimed
over the dead body Of the preacher
Walker at the battle of the Boyne.
What business had he heref Preachers
must keep out of politics if they do not
want to be hit when the other side gets
in power. | have my own political
opinions, and sometimes | vote as
think right; but my business and the
business Of the church, is to save souls,
and not to rectify governments and
make civil laws. do not believe that
the sword Of the civil poweris the power
of God unto salvation, or that souls are
saved either in masses or by civil laws
And DIR. Thompson is making a sad mis-
take when he tries TO force preachers
to crowd Populist affairs, or the affairs Oh
any other political party.
A few poll icaI preachers and the neg
ligence aid selfshness of some churct
members, and large lack of love fol
our brethren, may furnish some grount
for charity towards DR.. Thompson; blu
he ought not 10 charge the church witt
what is ckargeable only to his politioa
enemies and friends. He must not b,
Illogical in his reasoning. Because some
preachers have mistaken the right path
and sometimes the church has forgotten
her true calling and vocation and run
off into Constantineism, and becaus
some church members have not devel
oped, as they ought, the altruistio ele
ment, which is one OF the essen
tial elements Of religion, all this fur
nishes no ground for the severe al
raignment of the Church of God b.
Thompson. | am afraid the DR.
lad history to little purpose, TO
ght to know that Just the reyers.
at be says is the truth. Tie Pro