The Washington herald., 1922-03-13
CALLS. ON PULPIT
AND PEW TO.AVOW
BELIEFS BOLDLY
Rev. J. j. Muir Regrets
Interrogation Points
Free Use.
REV. J. J. MUIR, D. D.
Temple BsptIst. N. W,

III Corinthians i:13-"we having
the same spirit OF faith. according
as II Is written. I believed, and
therefore have l spoken; we also
belleVe, and therefore speak"
There is tendency today on the
part OF the pew to criticise the
pulpit. ana In turn the pulpit criti-
cise the pew. II would be a bless-
ing III criticism were superseded by
cooperation. And instead Of look
Ing for defects and failures IN the
other. both should become heartily
sympathetic and be mutual helpers
OF each others Joy in the faith and
fellowship of the gospel.
Possibly one cause of the criti-
cism complained of Is due in mart
al least. to the fact that a few,
both in pulpit and pew, are using
the interrogation point too freely
In stating their religious beliefs.
1t Is regrettable that doubt finds
expression from the pulpit OF Is
cherished by the pew, when both
minister and hearer should be in
spirit and pronouncement allied in
unquaiinedly making known the
isind and Will of God. The particu-
lar business OF pulpit and pew is
70 beIiere and therefore speak
Neither should lack the positive
note. They should be united earn
estly and enthusiastically and al
ways lovingly in giving emphasis
to the gospel message.
This generation needs a yospel OF
affirmation. A religion in which a
Thus Saith the Lord" is unhesi-
tatingly avowed should distinguish
the appeal OF the church to our
times. No apology is made there
fore for urging attention on a few
or the fundamentals that ought to
oe assuredly believed and with as
suredness be declared by all who
profess the Christian name in an
era ike ours when the stress and
strain of life are so intense and
disturbing. We need in these days
TO believe our beliefs. First, in the
| actually Of God and His approach
aoility by every anxious heart. God
is not an unknown nor an un-
movable Reing. Neither is He an
absentee Presence from His ere
alton. He is pleased to come with
In human ken. and invites man.
Kind to enter into fellowship with
Him. II Is vitally important there
lore that in coming to God we must
believe that He is. and Is the re-
warder Of all who diligently seek
Him. Though the heaven OF heav-
ems cannot contain Him He has an
nounced Himself as dwelling with
the humble and contrite heart The
consciousness of God as ever near
and ever accessible il is ours def
nltely 10 realize. We cannot afford
In sort of purblind way to be
cropping after someone or a
something vaguely designated God
or His actuality we must be GER
tain. SO that when we breathe His
name and look unto Him for grace
and guidance along life's devious
pathways and amid its trying ex-
periences, we are sure OF Him
Then it is that prayer is under
stood to be no mere perfunctory
! service, no mere use OF pious ex-
pressions formulated into petitions
uttered out into space where hear
ing cannot latch them. 1t is rather
| the veritable meeting of spirit with
the Infinite Spirit and the telling
forth into truest sincerity what are
the yearnings and needs of the soul
to One who is known to US as our
Refuge End strength. our present
help in { Of trouble Yea. more
as our Father blessedly revealed Ia
us in and through His Son Jesus
Christ. Happy is the man who
draws near to the throne OF grace
with the certainty that God is Of a
truth the Hearer and the Answcrer
Of prayer. Then it is that he is
convinced that more things are
wrought by prayer than this world
dreams Of