Article March 2, 1907 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from Algernon S. Crapsey

[The British Congregationalist.]

The churches themselves have to share with the old Adam the responsibility for the neglect of the spiritual use of the Lord's Day. Men are not attracted by formal, perfunctory, and unreal public devotions. They will not listen to preaching that takes no account of modern movements of thought and is out of touch with the practical things of every-day experience. They are as desirous as ever they were for the knowledge of God and for what used to be called saving truth. There is, indeed, an extreme restlessness and an eager longing for light on spiritual things that is characteristic of large classes of the people to-day, and will not consent to be fobbed off with music, ritual, and platitudes. There is plenty of indifference, no doubt, and plenty of hostility to religion in all its forms, but behind and beneath these things there is a divine discontent which constitutes for the churches a splendid opportunity did they only know it. It may be said, indeed, that their future—we do not say the future of religion, which is a different thing—depends on the measure in which they rise to this occasion. There must be a shaking among the dry bones of crude evangelism, ignorant orthodoxy, and empty ceremonialism. The churches must set themselves to their work with fresh enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. The fire must be heated to that white glow which will burn away the ridiculous dross of sectarian jealousies and selfishness.

[Rev. Dr. Algernon S. Crapsey in The Boston Herald.]

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