THE REV. DR TORREY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13206, 13 February 1905, Page 8

THE REV. DR TORREY.

' TO THE~EDITOB.

Sib, —Ip the. British Weekly of the Ist December which reached me the other day Dr Torrcy'is reported to have said: "Ho had Jbeen -readingl many letters in -Uie British Weekly. They throw a great deal of light on the subject, and thoy also throw a great dcal.of light oil the men who wrote them. It was said that he was doing harm by setting up an artificial conscience: He expected to do a lot more harm of the same kind. Tho blood of Chriet. had separated him from the theatre. It lay between, him and the dance. Whatever about other men, the blood of Christ lay between: bim and tho /filthy,, unwholesome tobacco by which' men defiled the temple of the Holy Ghost."

No one could take any exception to Dr Torrey setting up his standard for'himself. - He is no doubt'coDeoientious, when' he'says that the blood of Christ lies between him and. dancing, ? theatre-going, and sraokinjf. But when others object, and he savs their objections " throw a great deal of light ou them," there is not merely a nasty sting, but . an' assumption of superiority, which docs • not ooino too well from him; Other men smoke, go to the theatre, and dance too, yet believe, in the blood of Christ and live truly Christian lives.. Dr Torrey to be coiV sistent shoulu press Ijis argument to every form, of amusement, and say the blood of Christ stood between him and cricket, foot ball, lawn tennis, concerts, snuffing, draughtplaying, tiddlo-de-wiiiks, golf, croquet, quoits, all home amusements, and everything whatever, that gives to life a little relaxation. Tho principlo that amusements are intended to fit us for higher service seems almost forgotten. Tho Rev; Mr Saunders lately desired to push tho Welsh revival into the field in favour of no-license; Dr Torrey goes very much further, and tells Mr Saunders.that smoking is filthy, unwholesome, and defiles the body: tho blood of Christ stands between him and it. Would Mr Saunders like application? Is it just to speak thus, for many a man enjoys a smoke and feels the better for it? May I ask Mr Saunders, with every respect, to grant to some others the liberty of enjoying a glass of wine, just as ho enjoys a smoke, and not to seek to take it away, as Dr Torrey would.mvadc his liberty and refuse him the pleasure of a cigar?—l am, etc., Wit. Thomson.