St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-11-26
MINISTER'S, SONS.

The public is often RECALLED by sneers
of the unthinking or the ignorant
touching the perversity of the sons of
ministers of the gospel. "What could
you expect? he is a minister's son." is
remark frequently heard when the esca-
pades Of some young fellow are under
discussion. 1t seems to be taken for
granted that the offspring of clergymen
are prone to vice as the sparks are to
fly upward.
There is no doubt that the sons of
ministers often turn out badly, and
bring disgrace both upon themselves
and their parents; but such delin-
quencies are not the rule, but the
exception, and because they are ex-
ceptional they attract the greater at
tenLion and an undue prominence. One
does not have to search far, either in the
United States or England, to find how
baselesS is the accusation that children
born of pious parents are unusually
prone to go astray. The example of
the Beecher family may be cited-a
ia niIy distinguished for its elOquence
and piety. DR.. Lyman Beecher's mem
DRY mas not suffered on account of his
sons, four of whom have been among
the most eminent and consistent Chris
tan teachers in the country The sons
of DR.. Lyman Abbott have been as dis
tinguished as was their father in the
realm of theology-men of fine mental
ability and distinguished piety, who
have honored the nation by their learn
ing and scholarship. The family of
Bishop Alonzo Potter, of New York, is
another in point. Three of his imme
diate descendants were clergymen and
bishops, and all of the remaining
scions of the house occupied positions of
honor in civil life.
There is another son of a clergyman
who can hardly be classed with the de-
| generate sons of noble sires, although
opinions differ as to the place he is en-
titled to occupy. Col Robert e. Inger-
soils father was Presbyterian clergy
man of prominence and excellent men-
tai capacity. But it is doubtful if, with
all his earnestness and zeal, he accom-
plished as much good for religion as his
son Bob" The latter, notwithstand-
ing his progressed agnosticism, has been
|
has borne the part to the clergy of 1.-The
rod that chasteneth." He has been an
uncompromising foe to hypocrisy, cant
and shams; he has exposed heresie:
IN the church: he has denounced i'm.
morality among those who profeSsed
Christianity. He has stimulated inquiry
into theological dogmas, both on the
part of the clergy and laity, with the
result OF eliciting explanations of
mooted points of theology that were tn
source of much doubt and controversy
He has compelled the clergy to arm
themselves with knowledge as with
breastplate, and has awakened an inter
est in religion that would have bee
dormant but for his criticisms and re
proofs. Col. Ingersoll. besides, ha:
been living example of the benefits o
a religious training, for his private life
has been blameless, and his public rec
ord without stain.
Perhaps the most distinguished in
stance of what may be accomplished b,
the son of a clergyman is before tn
public today. The father of Presiden
Cleveland was Presbyterian minister
who, though poor and moving in cir
cumscribed world, brought his son u
g 9 IN 1.-The fear and admonition of tn
Lord" President Cleveland is not hin
self professor of religion; he is cor
tent to perform his duty towards tn
, people of the nation who have honore
= him in such a manner as to merit til
encomium of the Master, ''Well don,
:. good and faithful servant" He is fir
q as adamant in his convictions of publ
= duty. Once convinced that he is rig
\ there is no power on earth that can swa
- him. Considerations of policy have u
weight with him; principle-the priI
ciple of eternal and immutable justice
is alone his guide. His character W;
formed by his godly father, and tt
n teachings of his youth have not bee
1t forgotten in the days of his manhoo
a, and power. He is a minister's son
l. whom the whole nation is justly proud
1. for, whatever differences of polite;
j. nature may exist among Americans. a
e unite in giving Grover Cleveland, mi
J. ister's son, credit for honesty. patrio
v ism and sincere regard for the publ
n interests In all that he does.
a The list of distinguished men WI
e have been the sons of ministers mig
h be extended indefinitely. Close inquI
h will develop the fact that they are