The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1902-11-18
The CHURCH
and PEOPLE
More Letters on an
interesting
Theme.

to whom the editor referred in Adver.
tiser of the Sth, as one DESTROYS of see.
ing him put his suggestion into action
OF opening the columns of the daily tc
the stay for the listing OF
their reasons for their absence from
church services, bespeak the privi-
lege now of expressing some thoughts
called forth by the communications
thus far published
| Though the fact of myself being the
person referred to was known only to
| the editor, yet 1 have been confronted
with many inquiries as to the advisa-
bility of such a scheme; the probable
result, and statements also bearing on
| these queries. These in some instances
| have amused me, in that the general
| tenor of them evinced doubt or un-
certainty as to whether such inquiries
would bear the test of exposure; wheth-
er good or harm was likely to result
to the cause and SO on.
In each instance I have replied that
believed, under judicious manage
| ment, of which considered the editor
perfectly competent, it would be pro-
ductive of good, instead of harm, and
was certainly worth the trial.
"Oh! wad some power the giftie gle
us, to see oursels as ithers see u.s.
Churches as well as individuals.
The first letter entered the street-non-
recognition plea. That point has al
ready been well covered in the editor
ials, from the world and the Christian
standpoints, both.
The church did not originate, nor was
it ever designed as simply a social in
stitution. The class of individuals who
hold no higher conception of it than
that, only belittIe it when they enter
it, as members I do not say 1t should
not include that, but that it is not pri-
narily such. The fact that it should
include it I admit, and for that very
who went out the church doors lonely
at heart, 1 think of rather as a weak
saint perhaps, than, as she signs her
self? Another Sinner
Her plea touched sympathetic chord
in my own nature There are persons
who realize the truth of the saying,
never less alone than when alone"
such one is all the more susceptible
to the keenest loneliness under adverse
circumstances, even though surround
ed by gay threng. Such. nature
seeking the sanctuary. as spiritual
home. would be chilled and thrown
back upon itself, if she missed the glow
and warmth of Christian zeal she had
anticipated finding there.
None would deprecate, more than
myself, within the church wall a
.'Standing round with worldly mods
and smiles,
Holding weekday reception in the
aisles,"
BILE with the dignity of Christian teach
ing, as well as Of the house of worship.
from which we expect Christian teach.
ing to emanate.
Just here there comes to me a most
delightful "reminiscences in my own life.
In 1867 stepped from off a steamer
up from the Isthmus OF Panama, upon
the wharf of San Francisco. Within q
few minutes OF time, friends and ac-
Quaintanees made in the three weeks
voyage from New York City, were scat
tered in various directions, and in the
leading hotel of the city, 1 realized /
was indeed "a stranger in strange
land" 1t was Sunday morning. With
a resoIute determination to battle
inconsistencies from the beginning, I
breakfasted, and then sailed forth to
find a church A brisk walk in the
clear bracing air Of San Francisco was
good for both mind and body. Seated
in the church building. 1 enjoyed the
service. In thought I was at home and
in the midst of happy associations. 1t.
did not enter my mind, that at the
close 1 must turn and confront only
strange faces, and pass out unknown.
Christianly womanliness spared me
this, however, for with the last word Of
the benediction uttered, a kindly touch
was upon my arm, and turning. sweet
voice said, II notice you are a stranger
in our midst today. Are you stranger
in the city. as well?" That little act
has borne fruit for many years, and 1
believe that Christian gentlewoman
found, upon the other side, it had been
accounted worthy a far greater reward
than she had ever dreamed of.
One, Arthur c. Everett, N NJ. gives
his reasons for staying at home. He
does not wish ito stultify himself etc.
Taking into consideration what he
gives as his main reason" and so on,
I would suggest that he take the pains
to read the chapter headed Mental