The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-31
The Light of LibcraIity.

Not few of the signs of the times in
dictate a growing hostility TO things dis
tinctly dogmatic. The catholicity Of
ideas now daily in evidence would have
been solemnly regarded as revolutionary
less than half century ago. Bigotry
has not disappeared. but 1t is disappear
ing. Progress is eliminating the isms
under whose banners have been gathered
those who chung to narrowness of thought.
1t was once a heresy TO assert that the
world is round; in some quarters it is
still regarded as desperately sinful TO
tell the truth about other matters now
almost obvious.
On account Of the illness of the preacher
who regularly occupied the pulpit. we'll
known politician spoke from the rostrum
of Pennsylvania church on Sunday. The
essentials of good citizenship in a demo-
cratic republic had been selected as the
topic by the theologian. The layman who
volunteered to act as his substitute ad-
dressed the congregation on that subject.
and. from all accounts. his discourse was
able and instructive. To be sure, he had
the advantage Of being perfectly familiar
with what he talked about. But he might
have acquitted himself meritoriously if the
discourse had been framed on other lines.
During this lay sermon, the impromptu
preacher uttered some vigorous truths.
He asserted that reforms could only be
brought about by the voters disregardinc
party lines in both municipal and nation
al elections. He emphasized the great re-
sponsibility of those who enjoy the right
of suffrage and made it plain that the
ballot box was the fountain head for the
correction of active evils in public life.
The fact that politician was permitted
to occupy a pulpit in the absence of the
pastor and that his address was thought
full. earnest, and calculated to help his
hearers in better discharging the duties
of citizenship is especially interesting at
this time. Only a few days since an ar
dent evangelist, assisting in the great
Brooklyn revival. assured his co3grega-
ton that the politician and the evil one
we're boon companions. But the opinion
handed down by the Brooklyn exhorter
does not seem 10 have penetrated to the
wilds of Pennsylvania
political worker in church pulpit would
probably have been regarded as scandal.
though he had volunteered to help Out a
sick pastor. He would probably have
been unable 10 secure an audience,
even IL he had been permitted to stand
in the regularly ordained preachers place.
There are persons living who will doubt
less regard the Pennsylvania incident as
highly improper, if not actually sacri-
legious But to the discriminating and in-
telligent mind the lessons taught by the
politician in the pulpit will be accepted
as efIicacious. Some may go so fs- as to
insist that the politicians course will
carry more weight. since the topic was
political in character. than if it had been
delivered by a recognized member of the
cloth vino had never participated actively
in the secular caucus ard convention.
There are men in almost every COM
munity, who. though they never wore
the cloth or received a theological educa-
ton. could preach advantageous sermons
on practical topics that would benefit any
congregation Perhaps it will become the
thing at some future day TO have such
men learned in the practicability OF their
various walks in life, address the people
of their localities Such an innovation
might result in considerable benefit to
church communicates and to the church
ITSELF