Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-02-01
MR.. LELAND MAKES A REPLY.
The First Baptist Pastor Discusses
the SOCIAL EVIL" Question, ana
Sfates His P0sirian More EullY.

Az Tue opening VI Tic eeifNeS
First Baptist church last evening, Kew.
Mr.. Leland took up the articles that have
appeared in the local press relative to his
sermon of last Sunday morning, In which
he bitterly assailed some of the most pop
u.ar of the social enjoyments OF the DAY.
He wished to be understood at the outset
that nothing had ir his opinion 30 far
arisen to indicate controversy between
the clergy and the press. The report
appearing in the ARGUS of his sermon
was fair and stated his position just as 1t
was. And the position taken by the pa
pers was clearly defined one. He had
few things to say of the concessions
made by the papers In reply to his SER
mon In demonstration of the fact that
there was no controversy. The Union
had alluded to the amusement which had
been taken up in his Sunday morning re-
marks. as frivolous" That was his po-
sition. He had not been talking Of the
attitude of the people generally toward
these modes OF amusement, but of the at
tltude OF the christian people. The sell
ing Of chances at fairs and other places
was a means of educating children In
gambling and to violate law. Therefore
christian people could but oppose it.
The ARGUS and Union had both pub
lished the discourBes of Mr Swing. the
Chicago divine, on the subjects of which
he had dwelt. He had DO reflections to
make upon Mr.. Swing, but he expressed
surprise that the views of Mr.. Talmadge,
DR.. Brooks, Bishop Potter, and Others of
the leading clergy Of the country, had not
been taken. Mr.. Swing was not a man
| whose religious ide as were in accord with
those of the orthodox clergy. He WAS an
excommunicated Presby terian, whose
| UNCONVENTIONAL change was not due to
immortality, however, but because of a
difference in line of doctrine.
In reply to Mr.. Leland's inquiry. it is
but fair to the ARGUS to state that Mr.
Swings remarks were given simply be-
cause they were so apropos of the subject
under discussion and because they had
been made just at this time-the very
| Sunday that the sermons were preached
in Rock Island, the fact being considered.
Of course, that he Is one of the leading
preachers of the country
Referring to the editorial appearing in
| Tuesday evenings issue of the ARGUS,
Mr.. Leland took exception at the outset
to the expression. "the fiat has gone
| forth" and asserted that no fiat had gone
forth. Ministers don't put forth flats;
they can't do so they don't wish to
do so. He alluded to the term
social evils" term used by the ARGUS
in an attempted sarcastic way. and said
he was glad the newspapers had the
proper conception of these amusements
| Taking up the statement that from time
immemorial pulpit orators have expatiated
on the ungodliness Of the dance, and it
will probably always be prolific theme
for criticism and reproach." Mr.. Leland
said this was reasonable and true and il
| always would be. Then he paid atten-
ton TO the lines, "the average minister,
of late however, has been rather prone
| to allow the members of his flock to fol-
low their own inGinations in regard to
worshipping at the throne of terpschore
during the week, If they faced him in
their pews on the holy Sabbath" 1t was
the speakers Observance that just in
proportion to the extent of indulgence
IN worldly pleasures such as are alluded
to, was the irregularity of church at
tendance measured.
1t was true statement that the min
listers as unit hao declared against the
charity ball" There are 100, 900 min
listers in the United States, and it is but
fair to consider that they possess average
intelligence and culture and standing as
a unit on particular policy it is not
probable that as unit they should be
warped in their prejudices.
There was no doubt but that the char
| ity ball would lie continued, but the
question is, will it De so continued out.
side or inside Of tho church, St Luke's
| hospital is an object, than which there
are none more worthy and one that should
be dear to all in Rock Island. The
point is, shall it be- supported by means
| that compromise christian character or
outside of the church. He had no obJec-
| tions whatever to the hospital being con-
Quoted In q manner that seemed most
churches are asked to contribute to 1t,
they should be able TO do so in a manner
that would not conflict with christianity
| st. Luke's hospla al in Chicago had re,
Gently refused about Sc 900, the proceeds
of a charity ball. while the Englewood
Baptist church. a short time since, de-
clined to receive $3.50, the proceeds Of an
entertainment held in skating rink
This is christian Sc 1timeut and the speak
er hoped it would continue to Re 30.
The prediction that the ball may
eclipse all others in point of success II
the "war" is kept up, may be verified,
because It is usually the case where the
christian spirit takes stand. the worlC
rallies on the opposition side. True, this
ball may eclipse al others in point OF sue