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PACIFIC CHRISTIAN MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JAN. 30, 1880.
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a
a vast assembly cannot sing in har- f6r over-half a century. For us who Quakers, recently admitted that the
146th Psalm, and commented upon mony, T^ey can with such men as have so long preached that division “ tendency of this Bible school work
Mr. Spurgeon’s Manner.
the subjects as he went along. Thou­
in the church of God 1s sinful, and is to undenominational ize a man.”'
Spurgqon to teach and lead them.
Dr. Youdell, an eminent surgeon sands of Bibles were opened, his hear­
Not long ago Dr. Boardman, of Phila­
With some preachers singing is too that sects are a foul blot upon a pure
and Prof, in the Louisville (Ky.) ers following him as be read. He
delphia, complained that these lessons
small a business. So with the Sun­ Christianity, to see these lessons
Medical University, made a tour to reads better than one preacher in a
“gave' no rtfbm for denominational
day school, prayer meetings, visiting breaking down denominational bar­
London, and wrote letters to the thousand.
riers, and paving the way for a better training,in the Sunday schools,” and'
His second prayer was of a regula­ and exhorting. Not so with Paul. understanding, ought to be hailed as the Atlanta Convention of 1878, with
journal of .which he was and is an
What a pity we have not more such
editor. The following extract will be tion length, earnest, simple and home­
a keen play of wit, answered as fol­
men! What a difference between the the most auspicious event during the
ly. His text was from the third verse
lows: “It is urged that the lessons leave
read with interest:
latter
part
of
the
present
century-
case here presented and the popular,
“ I asked him if he could tell me of the 146th Psalm, “Put'not your
no room for teaching the doctrines of
Our
preaching
on
the
subject
of
union
fashionable—eloqnent and learned
how I could get to hear Mr. Spurgeon, trust in Princes,” etc. He preached
the denominations. To this we an-'
has
never
been
more
favorably
receiv
­
style ' But I only meant to call at­
whose church happened to be near, at from notes, to which, however, he sel­
swer: a course of lessons which cov­
ed^
We
have
been
opposed
by
the
tention to these points—not to labor
the time, without having to wait at dom referred. His delivery was very
ers tile whole Bible, must inolude the .
them. Let us compare Spurgeon’s saying that if two clocks cannot be
the doors so long, as I understood one straight-forwaid, his gestures few and
essential doctrines of most denomina- ..
style with Paul’s, with Nehemiah’s, made run together, much less can be
had to do on Sunday morning. He not notable for their grace; and when
tions.
We have aimed not to omit
made to agree the complicated ma-1
C. K.
replied that he was a pewholder in he concluded a discourse which bad
any
vital
truth from Genesis to Rev­
cbinery of human thinking. But if
the Tabernacle, and should be very held that vast audience for fully fifty Some Results of the International two millions of people in the United elations. We have gone over the
happy to send me a couple of cards, minutes, I was forced to ask myself
S. S. Lessons.
States can be united enough to be ground from which most of the de­
on preq^nting which, to an usher, 1 in what does the power of this great
Methodists; two million, Baptists, nominations draw their peculiarities ;
The International Lessonshave now
would be shown to a comfortable seat, man consist ? It cannot be in his pres­
seven hundred thousand, Presbyter­ and if their teachers have not found
near to the pulpit, where he would be ence, for that is in nowise striking; been in general use since 1872—long ians; why may not all these lose their their systems of belief it must be be-
enough to decide upon their worth.
glad to see me on the next or any nor his voice, which is neither clarion-
denominational peculiarities and be ca ise those systems came from some
other Sunday of my stay in London. toned nor tender ; nor in his attitudes, As we are now in the last year of the nothing more or less than Christians? other text-book.” From these quota-
“ Do not surrender the cards to the nor in his gestures; for the first are seven years’ course, it may not be Why may they not be one?
I tions it will be seen that this Bible
usher,” he added, “ but retain them, not classic, nor are the latter in curved amiss to look back and see what they
Thus we have taught; but while we Study will be the ruin of deno nina-
and when you are through with them lines. Yet there is no man in all have accomplished. Like everything have preached union, we have acted tionalism yet; and may this greatest
London with its hosts of prelates, human, they have their faults and
return them to me.”
division. Our plea for union is di­ result be hastened.
I gave him my address, and the bishops, an I the like, who can attract and their merits. I have no more vine, but our practitys gave it a very
I can only indicate .some other
sympathy for that kind of critism
next morning the cards came, accom­ such audiences, or hold them as he
points.
narrow interpretation. What was
that smooths over and pronounces
panied by a very’ kind note, lhe does.
1. They have led to the study of
needed was some 'liberal catholic
Dean Stanley, the bishop of West everything so perfect as to leave no
following Sunday, our friend, Prof.
the
Old Testament, the ignorance of
movement that would enlist the best
Noble Butler, and myself were shown I minster, who, I see, is soon to visit room for improvement» that I have
whiclfwas
woeful.
energies and sympathies of those
to the pew of my pleasant acquain­ our country, and who besides being for which persistently asserts every­ whom we most wished to reach. The
2. They have brought within the
tance, which, as 1 had been told, was one of the best, is also one of the most thing to be so faulty as to find noth­ International Lessons have proved to reach of the common people a wealth
near the pulpit, fortunately near learned men and ripest scholars in the ing worthy of commendation. One be precisely what was needed. Lifted of learning not before accessible.
enough to enable me to see Mr. Spur­ English chnrcb, addresses but a hand­ leads to hypocrisy; the other to un­ above denominational limits, permeat­
3 These lessons have led not only
___
geon and the multitude who had as­ ful of people compared to the thou­ charitable fault-finding.
to
the systematic -‘.udv of the Bible,
ing
and
stimulating
cliurch
life
as
the
While these lessons have some faults
sembled to hear him.' It was indeed sands who crowd the Tabernacle.
but
they have also engendered a spirit .
blood
does
the
body
;
selected
by
I must believe the principle’element of their own, yet where they have
a multitude, a multitude of well
of
orderly
business management-of
scholars
chosep
from
several
different
been used in accordance with their
dressed men and women, with a of Mr. Spurgeon’s power is that which
religious
affairs.
churches;
who
were
liberal
in
their
design, they have proved to be a de­
sprinkle of young people and child­ David Copperfield said was the ground
4. They have opeued to us the real
cided improvement upon any plan of views and pious in their lives; and
ren, all in their Sunday attire, quiet, work of his success, namely, earnest­
spirit
of the Bible, and made it easier -
studying the Bible heretofore used. adopted into nearly all the Sunday
decorous; a congregation of six ness. Add to this quality, great sim­ ' ■' "
to
lodge
more of it in the heart.
-- adopted,
_
Before they were
there ___
was schools of the country, these lessons
thousand, filling every seat, and oc­ plicity of language, unquestioned
'
The
lessons
have exhibited scrip­
very little systematic study of the have exerted a powerful influence to
cupying chairs in the aisles. Our piety and the genius of common sense
Scriptures. In all those county schools unite the churches in a common work ture biography in a new light. Who
seats were in the gallery’, but a little and as far as I can see this is all.”.
a common desire to implant that studied the life and character of
which suspend work during the win­ with
.
REMARKS OX THE ABOVE.'
Z*V
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above the head of the preacher as he
God
’
s
word
in the hearts xx of
the IfAlinr»
young i Paul but that gained a higher concep­
ter months, they almost invariably
stood at hi» desk. Presently* a stout,
If Mr. Spurgeon can do so much began the spring work with the study and to follow one divine Leader to tion of his worth, and had excited.a
short mp.n, dressed in a suit with Calvinism and other errors on
livelier admiration of his ability to be
of Matthew, commencing with the one glorious home.
of plain black, frock coat, as­ his shoulders, what could he do with­ second chapter in order to avoid the
The Young Men’s Christian Asso­ master of the situation than ever pos­
cended the steps leading to the pulpit out them ? If he runs so good a race
hard names in the first. And by the ciation springing up among young sessed before? One of the chief ex­
His 'face was covered with short while.in so much darkness, what kind
end of the season they would get Christians, showing not only the pos­ cellencies of the Bible is, that it ex­
cropped whiskers an 1 moustache. of a race would he iuii in the light of
about through Matthew, but would sibility of of cooperative work, but hibits great truth in the lives of men,
His hair which was brown, was also the Gospel ?
commence the same way next spring, actually demanding it; the Evangeli­ and then presents these lives to us to
worn short, lhs shoulders were broad
I am not aware that Mr. Spurgeon and the «ext. And in this way— cal Alliance, deploring the divisions imitate their virtues and shlin their
• and his girth cousidera*»le. His arms claims to be a Baptist. Certainly he and also on account of those good-in- among the professed followers of our vices; Never so successfully has this |
were not long, nor were .iis movements is not in accord with American Bap­ tentioned people who commence to Lord ; enlisting the energies of the been done as in the lives of the kings
tists. He has weekly communion, as read through the New Testament and best scholarship of both hemispheres of Judah and of Israel. I venture to-
graceful.
7
Seating himself, avd resting his we do ; and what Baptists call open
grow tired when they have finished to introduce a state of better feeling say, that during no period of Sunday
round and some'.yhiit massive head on communion. A man of less note,
the first book—I dare say that Mat­ among the churches; and*the study of school instructions have bo many
his hands, he seemiua'y engaged for a with his practice, would hardly be
thew is a book more familiar to the the International Lessons gradually powerful motives been drawn from
moment in prayer
He then rose recognized here as a Baptist. Our Christian world than any other in the wiping out ecclesiastical lines and eminent examples to do the right and
and Mr. Spurgeon ctood before the people are recognized by him, and
Bible. Perhaps Prof. McGarvey had weakening the power of human creeds; shun the wrong.—W. H. WoOLEBY
people. He opened the exercises by take part in the worship and com-
this in mind when he wrote in the have all been powerful agencies in the in Teacher's Mentor.
a prayer, which was short, and m union.
introduction to his commentary on provi lence of Gjd in directing the
^Unsuccessful Workers.
heard in every part of the vast build­
Mr. Spurgeon reads and comments Matthew and Mark, that Matthew is various churches Into a more intimate
visitors,
I
on
the
Scriptures
;
and
all
union.
ing.
Desponding Christians do not make sno-
His voice is clear and sonorous, his believe, agree that this is the most in­ “ the most attractive and the most
It would not be at all strange if the cessfnl workers or valiant soldiers.
frequently
read
of
all
the
books
in
the
enunciation singularly distinct, while teresting and profitable part of his
direct tendency of these Bible lessons
Feeble hearts,” and " ready-to-balta,”
New Testament.”
his intonations are neither monoton­ work in the stand. And his dis­
and ” little-faiths,” win no battles and
to
destroy
sectarianism
were
seen
and
In some of those old-fashioned Sun­
ous or conventional.
courses are conversational in style,
should excite opposition from certain wear no crowns. They are so occupied
He next took up the hymn book, plain and directly to the point He day schools, the Bible class so called,
with themselves, with their own exper­
quarters. And such is the case. In
would
break
through
the
usual
order
iences,their
own evidences, their chang­
which was the signal for a similar act always has a point to reach-—a land­
a pastoral address by the Bishops of ing moods and feelings, that they have no­
and
begin
a
summer
course
in
Acts.
on the part of almost every one pres­ ing to make ; and he goes right for rt
the Methodist church in 1874, point­ time for manly, noble service. They are
ent. I never saw such an opening of —unloads his burden, and leaves for The purpose, the real animus of this
ing out the tendency of these lessons, so bnsy in trying to perform ** acta of
hymn-books. I never saw so many another point. It dees net appear class, soon showed itself. The first they say: “Important as they are, faith,” and having performed them, they \
hymn-books in hand at one time. The that he ever seeks to be eloquent, in time a “sectarian’’ could be unsuspect­
yet there is a liability that.the time are so intent on analyzing them, in order
to ascertain whether they be all of th»
movement was contagious. Mr. But­ the common sense of that word. Nor ingly entrapped into the class, there
and attention of the school m iy be exact quality or quantity which will rec­
ler took one, I took another. The is he very sympathetic. <"He is simply was a Pentacostal shower of conver­
too muc^ given to these lessons.’’ ommend them to God, that they have no­
hymn being read—and wonderfully in earnest, as is well stated by Prof. sions hurled at him. Faith, repen­
Why, suppose ye ? They explain be­ space for “joy in believing,” and no room
well read—the precentor led off' in a Youdell. This was the secret of J. T. tance and baptism for remission of
cause
“ there is a temptation to depart for the free, large-hearted labor, wbictr
sin« were made to tingle about his
familiar and very beautiful tune, Johnson’s success.
from
the doctrine of our church." such joy can not fail to lead to. Tossed up
ears as never before. That class nev­
which was caught up by six thousand
and down on the waves of unbelief, like
To say that the Holy Spirit does
About
the same time the Central Bap­
Paul’s ship in Adria, they are in fear of
voices and sung with a spirit which more for Mr. Spurgeon than he is er got further than through the con­
tist opposed these International Les­
alone constituted a most feeling wor­ willing to do for other good men, versions. It paid special attention to sons because of “ their tendency to perpetual shipwreck, and have no heart to-
work. Shutting eyes against the light,
ship. It was hardly to be expected would be to say he is partial—ungod­ all the mint, anise and cumin, and
they grope their way uncertainly: and oan
lessen
denominational
training,
”
and
that so many voices would keep like. Perhaps we may recognize the neglected the weightier matters of the
not run the race. Afraid to believe, but
declared
that
already
from
a
lack
of
time together.
In one or two fact that Mr. Spurgeon is a better, or law. In this way, there would be catechism teaching “ rarely can a Bap­ not afraid to donbt ; afraid to trust, but
nol afraid to distrust; doiibunxthemsclves,
lines the discord was so plain that stronger magnetic battery than most several different books studied in the
tist be found who is able to defend and making that a roasou for doubting God;
same
school
at
the
same
time.
when the verse was concluded Mr. men are. This fact, added to his
In this confused state did the In­ his faith.” The South-western Pres­ putting away peace, but giving full scope
Spurgeon said, “it seems there are earnestness, tells all.
byterian declared it “ would not give to gloom ; refusing light, but letting dark­
some persons singing who are deter­
And Mr. Spurgeon has congrega­ ternational Lessons find the Sunday the shorter catechism for the seven ness reign within them ; they are not in
mined not to keep time with the rest tional singing— six to eight thousand schools; and gathering up these hon­ thousand volumes into which this condition to do hard work —nay to d > aoy
work. Strength comes from joy, and of
of us, if such ia their purpose, and singers at once. No organ or other in­ est efforts to study God’s word, crys-
, seven years' curriculum may possibly
that joy they havt none. They rofnse
they will make it known we will en­ strument And he pauses to oOTrect talized them into a system. They at
j expand; ' and at the same time ex-
food and medicine, and they become
deavor to keep time with them. errors in singing. That is, the preacher once gave a definite plan to Sunday pressed its fear that “ this time-honor- | both aud
Ril,k|r. They
school
study,
and
in
this
is
found
one
With the next verse his own voice, teaching how to sing. He sings him­
hospital than the battle-field They seen,
ed
text
book
of
the
Presbyterian
which is a very full one, rose above self, raising his voice above „the point 6f their excellence. Besides
too, to get more and more emioated,
Cl.urch may be set aside.
though the food provided ia abundant..
all others, and the harmony became masses, and leading them in the right this, they have brought the various
The
Congregational
Publishing
So
­
denominations
to
the
study
of
the
Laboring under «hat the physicians call
way I He is for hamwngx And he
almost complete.
ciety Bends forth a piteous wail, that atro») >hy, the more they eat tba lass they
His remarks reminded me ot the will sing as others sing, if they will Bible just as jt is. And it ia actually
" somehow, in the doctrine of chance; 'Î ■•afy I th he fed.— Boratit» Honor.
preacher in the « Georgia Scenes,” who not sing as he sings. He is not heady. wonderful, when -it is read and stud­
it rarely happens that a Congregation­
administrated a similar rebuke te Ned He is respectful, courteous, while ied without theoligical spectacle«, bow
— Early and provident fear ia the
it brings them to the position for al Church is the result of union lab­
Brace, when he attempted to join in urging order and harmony.
ors.
”
A
leading
member
among
the
mether
of safety.—ifr/mund Burke.
Let no one say then, any more, that which we as a people have contended
the music.
• Mr. "Spurgeon next turned to the
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