The Pew to the Pulpit

1896

It would seem like presumption for the pew to attempt instructing the pulpit what to preach; but the pew has opinions, and thinks the pulpit dwells in too high an atmosphere, soars too loftily, for the wants of the common church goers; preaches too much philosophy, speculation, higher criticism, doubt; too general, not specific enough; too exclusively spiritual, not showing people how to live honestly and uprightly in this life while preparing for the great hereafter; lives too much in the musty past, neglecting subjects that concern the duties of the present age; dwells too much on the loving side of the only Christ, not enough terrors of the law for evil-doers, nor woes to hypocrites, extortioners and oppressions of the weak; does not preach so the common people hear it gladly as did the great Teacher.

The pew does not think there is any particular virtue in being just common people, nor poor people, nor rich people. The rich, the poor, the common, should all meet together, for the Lord is the father of them all. The pew believes in sending the gospel to the heathen abroad; but also thinks more effort should first be given to converting, upbuilding and training the heathen in our midst into a better life here and a hope for the future.

The pew thinks religion should not be all for the future; but is a present life and a belief; and should be a comfort and consolation in the ills, pains and troubles that all must endure here. The pew is largely engrossed with struggles for existence, has not much time for study or contemplation, but thinks the pulpit has leisure for instructing in matters spiritual and temporal, right way of thinking and doing here, correct belief and faith as safe guide to future. There is nothing better towards these ends than the plain teachings of the old book.

The pew thinks the pulpit lives too much in the cloister and closet and does not know enough of the wants, struggles, aspirations and temptations of the great masses that are toiling, suffering, almost despairing for the present, with no hope or thought or care for the future. The pew thinks there is not enough stalwart religion preached and practiced; too much assembling together and singing such sentimental ditties as "O, How I Love My Jesus;" too little practice of pure and undenied religion, which is to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, and keep unspotted from the sins and vileness that are in the world.

The pew thinks the pulpit feeds the pews on such spiritual pap as "You-Must-Be-a-Lover-of-the-Lord, If-You-Want-to-Go-to-Heaven-When-You-Die-yi-yi!" Thinks such teaching builds up a flabby Christianity with not a strong enough spinal column to resist the sinful pleasures and practices of the world.

The pew thinks there is too little difference between the pew occupants and outsiders in the matter of conduct and dealings, too hard to tell the difference between them in actions. They need some solid instruction in the principles of the decalogue and the doctrines and practices of Christ and the inspired apostles. — P. L. BLAIR.

—Daily Iowa Capital, Des Moines, Sept. 19, 1896, p. 5.