BAZAARS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1896, 17 November 1874, Page 3

BAZAARS.

To the Editor of the Thames Advertiser. ' Sin —The strictures on " Bazaars'" in yours of yesterday, from the Exchange, are worthy the consideration of thoughtful people. We often hear iu "the world" the remark that the pulpit's power and influence is on the decline, or has declined. Some tell us the Press occupies the position formerly occupied by the pulpit, and that the latter will never again exert the influence it has done iu the past. This view I cannot endorso ; the pulpit of to-disy exerts a vast iuflupnce, and in the future will do more so. Its weakness appears to be, that its occupiers endeavour to be as vague and general as possible. We give, say some, principles, and leave their application to our hearers. Note the Press when some special course of action is being advocated. Abstract principles are not dealt with only, but plain truths pertinent to the occasion appear; hence its power. Not a few of the community have deeply regretted the practical teaching of principles by two of our leading Churches at their late bazaars, utterly opposed to tho teachings expected from those whose noble duty and privilege it is to expouud the Scriptures. I am aware that this subject affects others, opening up a wido field of thought, but until the teaching and practices of the Church, harmonise, she will not exert that high and holy influence her Divine Pounder intended, and that society so much needs.-f am, &c., Uncle John.