The Pulpit and the Pews (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1892. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE PULPIT A CONSERVING FORCE. Substantial progress depends upon vitalized truth. The Gospel principles are the foundation of all substantial society; but the Gospel is made to be incarnated. Abstract truth, even in the Bible, is without force. The Scriptures are a revelation 01 truths that should be fibred into our very being. When Joseph Neesima caught sight of the torn leaf from the Bible, floating on the winds, he discovered that there was a power he personally needed; and he sought for it in the land of Christian faith. The relation between the teachings of revelation and real progress finds expression in the careful words of the late Professor Bowen, of Harvard: "The civilization which is not based upon Christianity, is big with the elements of its own destruction." The complexion of society is made up from its people; not from its mere advantages. The evils that threaten society are incarnated forces. In like manner, people must be gospelized in order to become the controlling forces for good. A thoroughly bad man is a far greater curse to the community than a whole edition of bad books. So, in Ihe same way, one true Christian is a greater force than a whole depository of Bibles. Mr. Phillips voiced the truth, when he said: "No matter where }rou meet a dozen earnest men pledged to a new idea, wherever you have met them, you have met the beginning of a revolution." Society gains its character from the dominance of these conflicting forces. Organizations exist for the perpetuating of every known evil. There is not a cause so bad but has its supporters, seeking to extend it. The saloon power, for example, looks out for the defeat of morals; and is not afraid to tamper even with the formation of the police force, getting those who would evade the law if possi...