BISMARCK IN. HOLY ORDERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2060, 11 February 1889, Page 3

BISMARCK IN. HOLY ORDERS

Prince Bismarck's new honor may sit upon him gracefully, bnt it has given groat dissatisfaction to the clergy. There v undoubtedly much excitement m many quarters as regards the action of the * theological faculty of Glessen University for having conferred upon the Prince the honorary degree of Pootor of Divinity. TCLe •* Krenz Zeitunsr.' 1 - m particular, ia 1 bonified at the idea that the Chancellor may now enter a pulpit snd preaoh. Of course this would be a terrible tbiog for ' the Prince io do, but if he were to turn preacher we might all expect aome vigorous proclamation of truth as he understands ft. The Prince never does anyihng by hftlves, and we have no doubt that he would draw largely as a preaoher m any German pulpit. The laat tima we were at Frankfort-on-tbe-Maine we went into one . of tbe most fashionable churches and found an audience of just four persona besides the preacher, and we listened to an elaborate sermon from a very able preacher. It might be well for the Prlnoe to take a servloe at that church, and thus galvanise a little life Into the plaoe. It may be that the olergy of Germany are ■hooked at the Idea of so warlike a Chancellor occupying a peace platform inch as • pulpit ought to be, but why may not Prfnoe Blsmarek preaoh the Gospel as well as anyone else ? If he has moral fitness and understands what the Gospel It we do not gee why he may not preaoh as well as those who have been specially set apart by some ecclesiastical coanoil tot that purpose. The late President Garfleid, of the United States, did not hesitate to enter a pulpit whenever there was ft suitable opportunity, and wt do not see wby even Lord Salisbury or Mr Gladstone might not do the same thing when they are Premiers, provided always that they have tbe •plritaal qualifications for such a service, When the olergy come to understand that fitneis for proolaialng the Gospel is not boarded by the Imposition of clerical bands, It will be all the better for the ntntstry and the ohurohes. Prince Bisnarok Is not likely to enter a pulpit because he has had conferred upon him the degree of D.D., bnt should be do so weave Inolloed to the opinion that he would give quite as good an aooount of btmself as some Doctors of Divinity who Bl ;«» recognised legitimate preachers of the Goipb** We believe m giving the Ohanoerfor * fair chance before condemning him too itverely for wearing bis new honors.

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