Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-02-18
LoNG-DIsTANUE WORSHIP.


abuse. Christian worship is threaten
ed, though it may not be seriously or
permanently affected. 1t has been sug-
gested as one Of the advantages of this
recent invention that the homes of the
people may b. connected with the pub
lie sanctuary so that any one, with
receiver in hand. though absent in per
SON. can lis.en to what is going on. An
air of self-conScious superiority may be
assume by those who thus indulge,
but II has not been seriously considered
what may be the ultimate effect on the
public services.
If one can adopt the long-distance
habit Of worship, so may all. and con
grega tional attendance would be at an
end, A genuine preacher receives much
of his inspiration from those whom he
visibly addresses. If the time should
ever come that human beings need not
be moved by the conditions of sacred
oratory. then human nature will have
lost some of its phases which are at
least very pleasing. Emotions, that can
be stirred only in the presence of a
crowd. when rightly directed are high
" salutary. a person may thus be in
duced TO acts. when if alone in calcu-
lating GOODNESS. he never could be per-
suaded to rouse himself or help his
fellow.
We need the stimulus of each others
presence. High-backed box 0ews, made
81 ac 70 b;do TIM oocupanfS from, coo,
mon gaze, are an aristocratic device that
does not tend TO popular salvation. 1t
certainly is not proper for attendants
on church service to be constantly star
ing about, to curiously observe the fash
ions in millinery or the expensiveness
other subjects that distract the devo-
tional mind. However, while there is a
time for absorbing meditation in song
and prayer and inspired address, there
is much TO be gained by quiet, sub
dued observation and contemplation of
other worshipers. A thrilling life-story
may be permanently impressed or
brought out in bold relief while a ven
cradle saint totteriDgiy advances TO his
accustomed pew. There in the congre-
CATION is a patient sufferer. and not far
away strong, intelligent burden-bear-
or. In another pew is mother with
her five, all neatly, but perhaps plainly
dressed-a sig It to inspire, which per-
haps many. especially the young, are
incapable of fully approaching. Such
groups are a work of art in life size
and living reality to produce reverent
admiration and incite holy imitation
Nothing is lost in being early seated in
Gods house to catch these opportuni-
ties for the study of biography in Oper-
alton. Hence. those who have sue
ceeded in the world, and might dispense
with these exercises, il selfish edifica-
ton alone were sought, must not de
prive others who need the example for
instruction and encouragement. The
telephone must not be allowed to inter
cept the communion of saints.
Some direct interest must be shown
IN the message-bearer himself. II in a
critical moment shocking news must be
told or happy fortune be revealed, a
NEAR friend is chosen for the occasion.
Only when great speed is required
would the telephone be used. Seldom
are important transactions of business
conducted over the wires Those who
are engaged in negotiations OF vital con-
Germ desire to look one another in the
face.
The telephone, like the Sunday news
paper. tempts to Sabbath sloth. Dress
ing for public worship is itself means
of grace. Slouchiness on the first day
of the week is a personal vice, and a
crime against the community. The rule
on costly apparel must never be inter
pretcd to pardon a lazy sloven. A neat
attire is symbolic of Clearly, beautiful
holiness
If minister iatters himself, or his
parishioners are simple enough to think
that his discourse is specially helpful,
let ii he known that very good or even
better sermons in print can be obtained
at much less cost and effort. It is the
personality of both the preacher and
the worshipers that counts. One at the
telephone contributes nothing to the
service cannot sing or say Amen so
as TO be heard The desires of the sick
and those unavoidably shut in may be
regarded, but telephone aids for all
Others should not be encouraged
scarcely c0Intenanced.
This fad is not likely to stay. Its
novelty has been its chief attraction.
When that is worn off there will be no
more disposition TO listen to the aver
age sermon by wire than to read a good
book. For the sick there may be some
diversion Of thought from their all
ments. If there is any gain over reading
the bible, or any other good book or
periodical. which may be perused at
much less exhaustion Of the physical or
nervous system, it is largely in the
imagination.
Herewith are some arguments for n
better church attendance. If, too. some
of our preachers could now and then
Imagine they were talking by telephone
they might speak more distinctly and
think more accurately. and thus better
fulfill their mission.
Csc YOUR POWER,
BY the Late DR.. Joserh Parker.
Whatever power is held by the fol-
lowers Of Jesus Christ should have a
bearing upon the education of the
world. Have we money power: Go
fbpr. ferr and Zach. Have we social