The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1916-02-24
FROM A COUNTRY PREACHER.

III0nUS vi l1USl ~ udFO lAuO lC~A Ah1o
the worst Of it. One cause, probably
the main cause, of their misfortunes,
we all know They were not as we'll
organized for war as their foes.
When it comes to military organiza-
ton autocracy has some obvious adj
vantages over democracy. But Brit
ain and her allies are learning their
lesson, and with improved organlZa-
ton and equipment, and with larger
armies, we trust that the final re-
suit will be in their favor. With
such an unscrupulous foe as Ger
many little is gained by simply de-
nouncing her methods. Much has
been written to expose the Prussian
war philosophy Of 'frightfulness,'
but one doubts whether it produces
very much effect either in arousing
other nations to the realization of
the true character of the Prussian
policy, or in creating sense of
shame in the Prussians themselves.
Now there is another conflict APP
parontly in which you are very much
interested-the conflict between the
Roman Church and the friends of
liberty in America who, let us sup
pose for this occasion, are the Prot
estants. You have done and are do
ing much to expose some of the ugly
features Of Romanism-esp
it's political ambitions and it's sins
against liberty. But simply as
submit that very much more than
this is needed. Whatever fault we
find with the Roman Church we all,
I suppose, respect the efficiency Of
their organization. Compared with
the Roman Church the various
branches of the Protestant Church
are, generally speaking, ineflic ent.
Like the Allies in. Europe, the Prot
estants have the advantage of num-
bers, and the disadvantage Of in
ferior organization and equipment.
Reasons for their inferiority in this
respect might very easily be men
toned Their democracy has con-
tributed to their inferiority as a
fighting force. Then again, the rec
ognition Of the fact that the church.
is not essential to their salvation has
made many of them Indifferent to
it, so that the support they give their
church is Inadequate and out OF all
proportion to the support given by
Romanists to their church. What
ever the causes may be, the fact Of
ineff1ciency in many respects is only
too manifest.
Many Protestants, it is to be fear
ed, have a very crude idea as to why
they are Protestants. 1t may seem
incredible, but it is nevertheless true,
that among the regular readers of
your Jeffersonian there are many
who know little or nothing Of what
one might call 'the positive princi-
pies Of Professionalism. It has al
ways seemed to me that the priv
ileges for which Professionalism
stands privileges bought at the cost
Of enormous sacrifce), if intelligent
ly understood, rightly valued and
honestly exercised should be
strong defense against Romanism.
The understanding, appreciation and
exercise of the privileges which the
Reformers secured would result,
would it not, in a stronger Protest
ism-a better organized and more
efficient Professionalism? The Prot
estant Church has big problems and
best Especially is this true in the
country. One hears pathetic stories
Of the decline of rural Christendom,
of the closing of the country churches
and so on. If we are to keep our
end up we will have to improve. It
will not do to go on in the same old
rut. You have a great influence.
You paper is widely read Do YOU