The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-04-01
For the TIMES.
A Mans Fall Nay bs 0cd's Call

DR.. Higgins IN last wesks "TIMEs" struck
the key note in every christian heart when
he said s.ihc c,use Of Christ would suffer no
back-sct from the fail Of o Minister Of thi.
county"
...yu OF vastly more influence and intelli-
gence have before this had do small with
out hindrance to the cause which all chria-
tians have so much at heart. Did Beccher's
crosksdnes, ipjurs the Presbyterian Church |!
comparis IN. when 20 consider the great
difference Ia the men, iafo1lsctnally.
Some people cannot stand prosperity snd
addiction. 1t was notably so with this man.
His dowofall came, to some, like . clap Of
thunder from clear sky.
II may be, God gives woman keener in
tuition than msu. for truth comoels me to
own l was not at ali surprised nor am
cast down. l have no fears that Gods
purpose will be frustrated or His plan Of
re Tempt on changed
L earnestly hope this will be lesson to
all churches, Of whatsoever denomination, to
pat their trust in God aud not in man.
i h9nor the noble caliiug of al ministers,
regardless Of sect or creed but his life
must conform tp his preaching What i, q
preacher but q man! They are no an ;els.
They, NJ doubt, have the same trials, strug-
bles and many Of the temptations that we
have. l have much moro confidence in the
sincerity of any mans religion, who will
frankly own he has hard time to keep him
self straight.
Let us draw veil Of chaity over the
errors Of this once seemingly prosperous
minister. If his call 10 Preach was from
God, and he is made Of the right kind Of
materi,I, he will rise from these troubles a
better map. He will realize his own weak
ness and that il is possible at times for even
preacher 10 sin. and will 60 right t. the
foot Of the cross for help, comfort aud guild
ance There he will fiud sure help, which
never fails
To his former adorers say, take heart of
grace, you will find :his Ito you) heavy
stroke Of fate. aG!essiug in disguise. Your
church was getting off the right track, and
l consider your minister largely, but no,
altogether, responsible for it. My heIrt goes
out in sympathy for his aged Father, good,
true christian, believe.
Wrong is wrong, don't believe in that
weak, silly seutimentslity which tries to mako
wrong seem right. To sustain man in his
badness, even though he be your own flesh
and blood, is not . virtue but q weakness.
This applies with just rs much force even
though he be or may have been your pastor.
l suppose sometimes it is quite possible for
even a minister to be prod,gal. | am sorry
to say there is kind of superstitious halo
thrown around the heads Of most prodigals,
doubtless originating from the divine parabe
or the human corruption of it; only people
forget how that prodigal son, after saying
~ will arise" did really arise, leaving be-
hind him his riotous living, his husks and
64js swine. lie goes to his father, humb'ed
and poor; his father welcomes, loves and
forgives him. But most prodigal sons bring
their husks md their swine with them nur
ever condesceud to cay IL have sinned."
They appear neither hungry nor naked, but
quite cheerful and comfortable. 1t never
occurs to some of them to forsake their sins,
nor feel any more penitence than is pictur-
esque or convenient to show.
Let us hope this ministerial prodigal will
be as honest in his professions as the prodi-
gal of whom the Master tells.
L. G.. j.