Modern Worship Minus the Cross.
By C. H. Bliss
GREAT changes have taken place in the religious world since the days of our fathers, and the most of them have been brought about under the impression that they were improvements. The motives which have caused men to make these changes have been various; quite often, I think, they have been selfish. It is natural for one to shrink from the cross; and if a change can be made in the old manner of worship by which the cross is removed and the way made easier, the people will generally accept it. Now we have only to look back a few years in the past, and compare the manner of worship then with the custom which prevails at the present time among worshipers to see that a great change has taken place. Distance, inclement weather, muddy roads, and many other things which are now considered sufficient excuses for staying away from worship, were regarded as small obstacles compared with the spiritual benefit derived from the meeting. Then, again, the fervent prayers, the warm exhortations, and the flowing tears, all indicated the interest each one had in the worship. No choir was hired to sing for them; no minister given two and three thousand dollars a year for delivering only two eloquent sermons a week, no pews rented at exorbitant prices, and, last of all, no poor were deprived of participating in the worship of God. The worship of God is now in many localities offered up by representatives hired for this special purpose. True, the social or class-meeting is not yet entirely dispensed with; but in some places quite a change has been made to suit the times. An easier way than for each one to arise and openly confess Christ has been introduced. The cross has been removed. Now, in some places, a secretary is appointed, and those who desire to confess Christ and have the prayers of the church are requested to address him through the post-office, which request is presented before the first regular meeting. This course reminds one of a certain man in days of yore, “who came to Jesus by night.” No doubt, many will avail themselves of this late method of confessing Christ secretly. What a pity it is that our present complete system of communication was not in vogue in the days of Christ. He might have proclaimed to the assembled multitude that those who desired secretly to confess him, and ask his prayers in their behalf, might address him through the post-office. It would only cost them two cents, and then, you know, they would avoid the scoffs of the unbelieving Jews. No doubt this method will be accepted by many, and thus be a great advantage to many of the popular churches in acquiring members. Truly, modern worship is minus the cross.