Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-12-16
MINISTER'S CRITICIZED
by "Reformer"-he Believes More In
Deeds than In Words.

Deeds than In Words.
To TIE Editor oftRs Register:
SR-We were treated again to dis
course last Sunday evening on the
usual theme: wicked city, better
officials" The sermon was only 4 TRADE
of abuse of the Democratic party,
which, it is claimed, is responsible for
all this imaginary wickedneSs.
The reverend gentleman started out
by saying the rum-seller was hydra
headed monster, unclaimed, roaming
over the city, devouring all that came
in his way.
Then the gilded palaces of prostitute
on were depicted in glowing colors.
Delilah still enticing our youths into
their eternal ruin. True these evils
exist, and will continue to live and
flourish, as long as man lives. They
| fourished III SOdom, Rome, Jerusalem,
and they will exist so long as man lives.
The reverend gentleman did not give
| us panacea for all this existing vice,
| as he ought; did not say that the great
responsibility lay in the confines OF the
home; did not say that the parents
| would be called upon To give an account
of their stewardship in that respect at
the great Judgment Day. Parents who
allow their children to frequent the
streets at unSeemly hours of the
night, it would be great surprise If
| these monsters" did not entice them
into their dens. Then he paid his re-
Spects to us by saying, that he "sup-
posed" while we were travelling in other
cities the good mother was raising her
children. That is true, to certain ex-
tent, but we were joint partners in
rearing them. Through the good ex-
ample of that mother the girls followed
her footsteps.
He said he did not descend to person
alities, but we think lac made great
mistake He said we were an apollo
gst for saloons. | would say to that
gentleman "bc temperate in all things"
but we can say with satisfaction that
we do not drink, use tobacco in any
shape, and are temperate in all things.
Also that If that man was member OF
his church and would vote for the pres
ent city officials he would feel like ask
ing him to come forward to the altar
and be converted again. The remedy
he offers is to nominate men who love
who are righteous | am afraid there
would not be enough men to make full
ticket. We would like to ask him why
he does not vote as he breaches. On one
occasion when asked that question, he
said, Il do not allow any man to dictate
to me how ! shall use my sovereignty"
Yet one who would be Il member of his
church, is vile sinner. Should he ex-
ercisc the same privilege? Then he
said he did not believe in coercion.
Neither does Tom Reed, but that is his
method, Yes, we are Il sinner. Paul
says we sin daily, and like the poor pub
lican, | smite my breast and say, Lord
be merciful to me sinner"
We propose TO exercise our privilege,
our God-given birthright, by voting for
whomsoever we please, and before we
would be coerced into denying our
principles we would desert the church,
for God deSpiSeS coward. He stated
we wanted him to go into the slums to
reclaim the drunkard. ''Is the servant
above the Master?' Jesus did it, con-
sorted with the vile, gave pardon TO the
thief, and associated With the outcast.
There is not much danger OF them
doing anything OF that sort, like his
brother, Mr.. Sawyer, as he has not
sought his acquaintance, nor spoken
word of announcement. Brother Saw
yer, though, is initiating his Divine
Master by doing as Christ did, and God
speed him in his noble efforts. While
the gentleman is bidding for votes, he
should work rs he breaches, not advo-
cate Prohibition, and vote the Republ-
can ticket.
IL Christian ministers believe in the
efficacy of prayer, why do they not try
that great remedy? No: they fall back
on their own puny efforts, and try to per
suade others that they are greater than
God.
Prayer is great lever. We think If
he would turn his attention to the
throne of Grace. he would be better
supported. IL was through prayer ana
Divine Supplication, mixed with little
common sense, that we have Decn suv-
ceSSful in rearing good children. But
when parents allow their girls and boys
10 loaf on the streets, right in the Jaws
OF the monster" we are not surprised
they are bitter. When my friend sue
ceeds in driving the children, and pros
| titutes, drunkardS, rumSellers, the Re
publican party, and the Democratic
party into the church, the ''vile traffic"
will go. and like unto the ministers when
they have succeeded in making Wheel
ing terrestrial paradise their work
will be done. y REFoRMER.
/ Wheeling Dee. H..