| Show IN THE CITY OF CHURCHES 50 CONCORD Street Brooklyn september I 1 thus far my association with t he people here has been limited owing to the tact fact that my labors have been mainly confined to office work still I 1 find enough lit in observation to cause reflection and especially concerning the spiritual condition of the people perhaps a few impressions on that suba subject ct may prove ot of some benefit and also be most appropriate I 1 find that indifference is quite general toward religion and even those who take hike a pass ing interest have relieved their minds ol of trouble concerning it by placing placing the work and responsibility of eing being christians upon their minister sand praying them to look alter after their souls salvation of course there are an honorable few everywhere who are not afraid to study out the problem of salvation for themselves instead of allowing their ministers to do it for them it really seems that k a man who has been through a theological seminary for a few years and has secured a title and diploma is considered as having obtained the divine right to lay aside the plain truths of the new testament and teach any plan of salvation he pl gleaves eaves in other words the authority to preach and expound P und the gospel and the power to otticia officiate te in the name of the lord is gained nowadays nowa days in the minds of many any by learning while in ancient times times it was given by the priesthood through ordination I 1 have heard of one ol of our missionaries who in con with a lady accidentally betrayed the fact that he did not understand greek yon cannot read greek I 1 she exclaimed in surprise then I 1 do not believe you can teach me anything about the gospel and her investigation ended religion to Is a business today to day dakits its advocates are paid to teach a beautiful system of morality which will excite atee e emotions avid and dazzle the intellect while in ehrob but is riot not really be liend in or followed by one me tenth of its sims truly paul was a prophet when he wrote of a time when men should have a berm nerm rm of godliness but deny the power thereof |
