The Presbyterian Quarterly and Princeton Review (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878. Excerpt: ... THE PRESBYTERIAN QUARTERLY AND PRINCETON REVIEW. NEW SERIES, No. 8.--OCTOBER, 1873. Art. I.--THE MODERN ENGLISH PULPIT. By Bev. W. H. Lokd, D.D., Montpelier, Vt In order to prepare the reader to appreciate our estimate of the Modem English Pulpit, we shall first give some illustrations of the natural correspondence between the physical and intellectual character of a people and their religious faith and teaching. Each national mood of mind or tribal idiosyncrasy brings its own special mode of want and supply. John Knox would have been impossible in Athens, and Jeremy Taylor could not have lived in Paris. The ultimate seat of human faith lies deep below all national or tribal propensities, but the modes in which religious faith manifests and interprets itself are widely various. Ere faith comes to the surface and crystallizes itself in concrete shape, its type and color will be affected by the strata of thought and feeling through which it emerges into light. The ideas and forms of national life will therefore more or less affect tho interpretation and disclosure of the same faith. The national character determines tho character of its preachers. It is very rare, and then only in some grand exceptions, like Paul the 'Apostje to the Gentiles, that a preacher, celebrated in one nation, is equally celebrated in another. An exotic preacher, unless he is very tough and hardy, rarely flourishes out of his native soil. Lebanon is the place for cedars and Elim for palm trees, while tho sombre olive thrives best along the slopes of the Mediterranean hills. And to a great extent the order and constitution of churches are determined by the traditions and peculiarities of national We. The Romish Church, inheriting the apparel and household furniture of the old pagan r...