The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-08
THE PULPIT ON CURRENT QUESTIONS.
The Evangelical Ministers Association Dis
cusses Science, Temperance aud Politics.

The subject discussed at the regular meeting
of the Evangelical Ministers Association yes
terday was, ''The Relation of the Pulpit to
science; Mr. Lamport, politics, and Mr.. Rond-
thaler. temperance. Preaching on scientific
subjects was opposed generally, although some
Of the ministers favored such preaching when
it illustrates or demonstrates biblical truths
In presenting the subject of temperance, Mr.
Rondthaler said that ministers were neglecting
their plain duty when they did not pay proper,
careful and considerable attention to the question
AS TO the ministers themselves it was matter
of individual conscience as to what they should
do Speaking for himself, he believed that the
most effective way was - To preach
Christian, and then to do all he could to intro
ducs it as political measure; for the traffic was
under the control OF the government and could
only be controlled or prohibited by the govern
ment. Personally. he was not in sympaty with
any purely sepai ate or distinct political action.
and he did not believe the time had come or
ever would come, for it. He thought the reform
could only be brought about through one or the
other of the great parties, and he was too good
Republican, and would be false to the grand
history and record of that party, to turn his
back, or even his side. to it at the polls. He be-
lieved in reform within the party. He was
asked if he had not attended primaries. Mr..
Rondthaler replied that he had, but only once,
since coming to this city, and, after
ward, he had found that he 'shad voted for
the very worst man In the ward" He
said he did not preach politics from
his pulpit, but would do SO il the
temperance question became political issue.
Dr. Mcleod thought it was we'll for the minis
tiers TO keep clearly in view the distinction be-
tween total abstinence and prohibition in their
pulpit utterances and Dr. Hyde said that
he had frequently cause to regret that the
overzea lous friends of temperance were dis
posed to harshly critcise and reflect upon those
who were as much in earnest for temperance re-
form as they, but differed as to the best means
to BRING it about. great many earnest and
conscientious men thought high license was the
best plan, but their views did not re-
ceive even respectful consideration
from others who were more radical.
Mr.. Hunter thought loyalty to party
was one of the curses of this country. He be-
lieved in dong any thing that could be done 10
lessen the evils of intemperance, and he was
afraid that the temperance people, in their treat
ment of those whose views differed from their
own, did not always follow their motto with
malice toward none and charity for ALL" Mr..
Love also complained of intolerance on the part
of the ultra temperance agitators, and favored
any reform. no matter how little, as better than
none at all.
The association adjourned until the first Mon
day IL October The new members of the ex
ecutive committee are Revs. Duncan, Jeffrey,
Raymond, Hunter and Gantz. Rev. John Baltz
ly was elected secretary and treasurer.