Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-07-13

Listen, oh. reverend fathers, to wisdom
and experiences. matured during the long
years IN which the pew has sat under
hsDu he has been silent. but like the
parrot has thought the more: and Il ap-
pears 10 him that he knows some things
which are hid from the eyes OF the pull
pit
Firstly. Pew would have you show by
your daily walk and conversation that
you are a worthy follower Of the great
Teacher. Pew does not think it would
have looked well for Jesus to be seen
walking along the streets OF Jerusalem
with q cigar In his mouth. or q ring on
his finger.
Secondly. Pew would entreat you to re-
member your great advantages over him
and 20 use them honorably. You. pulpit.
alone OF all orators may speak as long
a. you please and advance the most un-
proven OF theories without interruption or
contradiction. II is incumbent on you
thus to study truth and honesty I'm all
you say. and no longer TO irritate the in
felligent mind OF Pew with illogical ar
Ruments which you advance with such
an. air OF conviction. although you must
az you are the reasonable being Pew
takes you for) be as conscious of their
weak points SO he Ia
Thirdly. While Pew would have you
IN your preaching be true and speaS
from sincere conviction. he would have
y0u aim at greater simplicity and prac-
tkcalness- II you stare at the fire. or at
the white OF an egg broken into water.
or at anything else for a long time, yon
win doubtless see great marvels: and
&C. IL yon shut yourself up with a mys-
terf0uE text OF the Bible for a long
enough period and then emerge TO tel
Pew what meaning you discover In IT,
vou win probably astonish him greatly:
but wherein win he be the better? Cease
therefore. to explore dark passages By
the light Of mems wisdom: 70 Mt prophe-
ctee 10 modern events: TO mystify your
more ignorant hearers BY illusions to
nran-rnade creeds. and 20 weary your
more thoughtful ones BY iteration Of
doctrines and traditions OF the elders
Cease to weigh words and study forms
Or creed and teach US Of these weightier
matters Of the law. judgment. mercy
faith Teach US how we may practice
these things. Have you in your congre-
cations every day sinners whom you
know to be ninatured. selfish. deceitfui
greedy. cruel. in a word unChristians
Preach TO them Preach on what you
knew about
Pew would have you credit him with
brains Hike yours. He understands per-
gret Il In a dozen ways. OF course the
reason why you form this habit Of YER
bosfty Is an open secret TO the Pew. You
talk on 10 .'nlI up the time" All very
s well IL 20 make a continuous noise for
thirty minutes should be your object
But surely you aim at the instruction
and benefit OF your people. Be brief. Their
he brief- Never forget. while you preach
and pray. that the interest of Pew will
flag sooner than your own, and seek &c
| stimulate rather than weary him. II you
have only grist TO keep the mill going
for fifteen minutes. stop then, and Pew
win thankfully take home his supply OF
spiritual food for the week. co on fo'
smother half hour and al up his sack
with ehaff and what was good VIII b.
swallowed I'D in what Is worthless. Ir
conclusion then. as you love Pew, and
earnestly desire his weIi-being take
these advices In good part as he offer:
them. Be more honestly sincere. more
simple and practical. and above all bs
brief In your teaching. o. worthy Pub
pit: and 50 you viii achieve the well.
being and endure the esteem of your
appreciative Pew.