Henry Ward Beecher's quote is a warning to churches about the risks of handling debt. He is suggesting that when a church handles debt, it is basically paying the devil for his services. He is suggesting that debt can cause moral and spiritual corruption, as it can result in a church relying on outside sources for money, instead of relying on God. He is likewise suggesting that financial obligation can lead to a church ending up being too focused on money and material ownerships, rather than on spiritual matters. Beecher's quote is a suggestion to churches to be mindful when handling financial obligation, as it can cause a church becoming too concentrated on worldly matters, instead of on spiritual matters.
"The Church knew what the psalmist knew: Music praises God. Music is well or better able to praise him than the building of the church and all its decoration; it is the Church's greatest ornament"
"I have a friend who lives in the South Side of Chicago. I helped out at a church charity there where they try to give a bit of cohesion to a desperate area. Everyone was very welcoming"
"I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it"
"With reference to other religions, the Church sees a great difference between them and herself. The other religions are expressions of the human soul seeking God, with some beautiful spiritual insights, but also not without errors. Christianity is rather God seeking humanity"
"The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make - not just on your wedding day, but over and over again - and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife"
