The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-31

and hit tremendous blows against
sacerdotalism and it's allies in the State.
If it be said that these are but voices of
the minority and that the tide is run
ming too strong the other way, we reply
that they are omens of a new era of
action that will follow the era Of criti-
cism through which institutions and
doctrines-political and religious-have
been passing during the last twenty
five years. The time for analysis is
about over. The time for synthesis has
come New grounds for gertrude in old
facts and permanent truths, if not old
terms, have emerged, and leaders in
church and State who have been walk
ing gingerly may now step firmly with
something of the Cromwellian tread de-
scribed by Lord Rosebery in his recent
great eulogy of Cromwell. The limita-
lions of science and the scientific
method are now being more clearly dis
cerned, as we'll as their great service to
religion; and the authority of faith, the
potency of mystery, the propellirg
power of conviction that one is in
touch with the Supreme Will and ex-
ecuting His behest, will again be deni-
onstrated in the lives of peoples and IN
dividuals.''
"A church by uphelding the Chris
ton ideals of life exerts an Influence
that far transcends the borders of its
own membership says 1.-The Watch
man" Bapt) of Boston, "but it will
only succeed in profoundly affecting the
life of the surrounding community
when it's precepts are exemplified in the
| Of oil Ixy
to apply this truth to individuals and
say that the lives of Christians should
conform to the principles they profess
to accept. But Christian Church,
though made of individuals, is distinct
from them just as the State is distinct
from it's citizens Not only is the in
dividual Christian to seek to realize the
divine ideal, but the church is to seek
to do SO. 1t is a common saying that
half a dozen high-minded gentlemen,
acting as society or corporation, will
do things that no one of them would do
in his separate capacity Something. of
the same kind is true of churches We
have all known of churches. composed
of excellent people, which did not as
churches have a thoroughly wholesome
influence. The corporate life and tone
were not what they ought to be. Even
the church at Sardis, which the lord
sternly condemned, had some members
who had not defiled their garments, and
were counted worthy Of walking with
the Lord in white
"a Jesuit whose plausibility is not
inferior to his ability presents in the
North American Review defense
and commentator Of the Romanist
practice of auricular confession The
article" says the New York Exam
liner" (Bapt), 'is in the amiable, in
sinuating tone so well calculated to
impress the superficial mind. But
neither this writer, nor any other, can
do away with the fact that the rela-
ton OF the human soul to God is alto
gether personal. Men can have no
partnership with US in our penitence
or confession. And, as to the aid that
may be received from the advice given
by the priest, of which the writer
makes so much, that depends wholly
on his capability to enter into. SO as
to read the penitent's weaknesses,
wants and susceptibilities. To do this
fully is impossible. No man can know
US fully unless he can clothe himself
with our consciousness. There is no
experience more common than the mis-
leading which comes of conformity to
advice sincerely given. AS confession
is to be made to God-and to Him alone
$50 direction and guidance must be of
God, who knows us altogether