Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-08-10
MORALITY IN THE Pulpit.

L l.
Giving no ofense in anything, that the minis
by long.sufferihg, by kindness, by the Holy,
Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth
by the power of God, by the armor of right
eousness the right hand and on the left
II CORINTHIANS, VI: 81.
These are, according to the apostle, the
qualifications of ministers of the gospel, for
they who teach goodness should themselves
be cody. 1t is to be regretted, however, that
in these latter days so little heed is paid to
these commands-that preachers of religion
have so little genuine love for God or for
mankind SO little appreciation of the great
principles taught by the founder of Christian
ity, and often SO little regard for common
morality. The recent scandal connected with
the M ysterious disappearance of prom
inent Boston divine, and the still
more disgraceful revelations made in the trial
of the divorce case of the most prominent
Congregational preacher in England, have
revived the recollection of many similar
cases that have come to light in the past, and
done a great deal towards creating distrusr
in the minds of the people as to the SINGER
ity of their pastors, and doubts as to the
capacity of religion to make men purer and
better. It is perfectly natural for people to
doubt the truth and efficacy of doctrine
when its chief opponents so frequently vio-
late the prophecies of life that are inculcat-
cd by those theories. We acknowledge the
fact that ministers are but human and liable
to err, yet if, as they tell US, the religion of
Christ tends to righteousness, makes of men
saints, purifes the character and exalts the
mind, and they possess it in any su.h degree
as they profess. these frequent departures
from the paths Of rectitude are utterly indie
fensible, and charity for the offenders is
wholly out of place.
There is much complaint from the pulpit
about the apathy Of the people on the subject
of religion. But can the clergy reasonably
expect any other condition in view
of the manner in which they con-
duct themselves? We are far from asserting
that immortality is the rule in that direction,
for we are glad to say that vast majority
Of those who fill our pulpits are God fearing,
conscientious and upright. But they have
one failing that we fear does not rebound to
their credit. When one of their number is
detected in immoral conduct, thew at once
become his apologists and defenders. They
plead tho weakness of human nature in ex-
tenuation of his ofense, and often 90 fur
Their in refusing to credit the most convinc-
ing evidence against him, and even admitting
the truth of the accusations, they visit the
severest condemnation upon those instru-
mental in bringing about an exposure. This
is radically wrong, and injuriously affects
the reputation of the entire profession, for
it creates the impression that such offenses
are more common in the cloth than they
really are, and that there is fellow feeling
among the brethren. It should be the first
aim of the pulpit to purify itself.
Sympathy for criminals who profess
exceptional virtue is thrown away,
for it is undeserved. When minister falls,
he falls very low, and is without apology.
When he disgraces himself, he disgraces the
whole church and casts slur upon religion
and therefore his offense is doubly heinous.
There is much need of greater piety in the
pulpit. The mass of the people are Influenced
more by example than precept. A man
may be ever SO eloquent in expounding the
beauties Of cody life, and the nobility of
righteousness, but if his life is not consistent
with his teachings, the latter will be of no
avail. 1t will be as sounding brass or
tiukling cymbal. It is not inappropriate to
apply the haunting remark of his prosecutors
to him on the cross to the clergy of to day
physician. heal myself" If they will
make their own lives pure, will condemn
vice wherever they find it among their fell
low ciergymen and among the rich and high
born of their congregations, as well as among
the poor and naturally depraved, they will
do much to advance the cause of religion.
much to remove the constant
ly growing impression that
religion is but sham, powerless to effect the
reformation of mankind, much to induce
others to seek to attain holy life, much for
public morality. Then all can believe in the
sincerity of their professions, but until such
result is accomplished skeptlcs will con-
tinue to doubt, and sincere Christians will
turn away from the spectacle with sorrow
and sickness Of heart.