The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-03-01
DISCUSS 'QUO VAD|S"
Ministerial Association Review
the Book.
Is 1T WORTH READING 2
Reverend Gentlemen Differ in
Their Opinion,


from all classes of the reading public.
Ministers have reviewed it in their pull
pits, teachers have talked of it in the
school room and business men have dis
cussed its merits from every standpoint
Hence great interest was manifested in
this special discussion Of the popular
work.
An able paper on the book was read by
Rev. c. E. Brandt of the First Presby-
terrain church, which is given in full be-
low, and a lively discussion followed, in
which the ministers debated the merits
and dement's of the work from Chris
tian point and its effect for good or evil
upon the minds Of the general reader.
Rev Thayer, being called upon first
by the chair said in part. Il enjoyed the
reading of the book and preached upon it
to my congregation. 1 felt this book time
". 1t tends to destroy that feeling that
Christianity produced a weaker people
than those of the Roman civilization; how
Christ by his life spiritualized our affec-
tons" Rev. Thayer thought if this book
should be ruled out why not rule out
Bath Sheba.
Rev. Shour of Arkansas City said: Just
such a book as this will make young peo-
pie appreciate the grandeur Of this age"
Rev. Pruen had not read the book.
Rev. Shovel, thought it best only for
mature minds, hearts and characters and
then only selections from the book.
Rev. E c. Beach pastor St. Paul's NJ
Z. church: Historically, it is true to the
age it portrays, and should bee lassed
with the historical novels Of Scott. Should
only be read by mature minds. After L
had finished reading the scene Of the ban
duet I felt like tearing that part out of
the book This book is not tit book for the
center table, but rather to be placed on
the back shelves and only recommended
TO the careful and thoughtful reader.
Rev. ]. H. Taylor, Oak Street Presby-
terrain church: The book o8ght never
have been published. There is no place
for it. shall never read ii or recommend
It to anyone.
Rev. w. 3. Slutz, First NJ. E. church:
II should be sorry to know that the young
read it."
Rev. Brandt said that if he were the
author and had not given it to the pub
Usher and knew what he does now of the
book he would never put it in print.
Some one of the gentleman suggested
that there were pages in the book that
ought to be read at glance; condemna-
ton stands on the face of the scenes.
Rev. Bruce Griffith, German Reformed
church, said it would be of great use to
any one understanding the history Of the
time, in that it shows the difference be-
tween the spirit of the old and new world.
The following is Rev. Brandts paper:
Quo Vadis-The scene-A story of the
time of Nero, which was as we know from
54-6S 4. D.
The title of the book-Quo Vadis means
where are you going?" or perhaps more
perfectly, whittier are you moving?"
IS given distinct utterance in a closing
scene of the book. Illustrated scene Of
The Apostle Peter fleeing from persecution
In Rome and Peter in a vision beheld
Christ.
Peter-"Quo Vadis Domine?'
Christ-"If thou desert my people I am
going TO Rome to be crucifed a second
time"
Peter turns about to return. His COM
panion who had not seen Christ but heard
the voice. adds of Peter:
"Quo Vadis Domine?'
ITO Rome" replies Peter.
The title is suggestive of several things
In connection with the narrative.
/ There are but two ways in which
we can go. With Christ or away from
him Which means so far as this world
Is concerned.
L With Christ in persecution and suf-
ferlng and self denial, which is OF course
the scriptural idea and which truth the
author of the book has made quite plain
, Away from Christ in pleasure and
self indulgence.
3 The story-Vinnicius a young Roman
a patrieian of consular dignity, and an at
tendant upon the court of Caesar falls in
love with beautiful girl who has come
TO Rome as hostage. A kings child of
one of the northern tribes of the TeuUons.
Vinnicius is a thorough Roman in in
stincts. tastes. skepticism, luxury and self
indulgence, with care only for himself
and restraints such as viii not interfere
with his desires too much on the one hand,
nor sap his strength on the other.
He notices. however. that Lygia, the
kings daughter with whom he is in love
is unlike all the other women he has ever
seen. not only in beauty but in character
and beauty. The secret truth is she is a
Christian and the wife of the old general.
IN whose home Lygia has been fer years,
was also a Christian (for she came 10
Rome when but a child. and both the king
and his Wife Lygias parents. had per-
ished in battle) But TO be a Christian in
these days. although it was before Nero
had set himself to prosecute, was still not
4 safe proposition TO make. For the Jews
and others had given out the reports that
Christians were guilty of all manner Of
crimes.
Vinnicius 10 obtain Lygia. not for his
wife. but for his use. gets Caesar. through
his uncle PetvonIus 10 give command that
she be brought TO the court and there be
turned over as is desired to Vinnicius-for
as a hostage Caesar has the right TO COM
mand her. and as the daughter Of van
ouished people. no one can object
But this must be managed with great
care. for Lygias beauty Is so great that
when Nero sees her he Will more than
likely want her for his onwn sinful lusts.
Also Lygla is so different from other
women of her times that she loves Vim
nicius in return. consents 10 Yield herself
TO him unless he makes her his true wife,
TQV HQAIN-0I TRY GRAIN M