The Monticellonian., 1895-01-18
SOMEWHAT EMPIRICAL.
Rov. MT. McManaWat on Gov, Fishback's Letter Concerning the Social Evil.

LITTLE ROCK, Jan. 15-A. c. McMan- away. n prominent Baptist minister of Little Roctt, replies to Gov ~E;~hhack's s former social-evil letter as follows:
 .'I have inst read Gov Fislti1nek's re- 1 ply to the resolutions of the pastors association. l am sorry that an ab- sence of several days from the city de- prived me of an opportunity to read it earlier. What q pity it is that the in telligent, sensible people, who can tell | of the chief obstacle in the way of re- ligious and moral progress, have stood | off with indifference and allowed rec fgiods and froraI reforms to be brought into contempt through the hypocrisy or blind, fanatieal, unrcas6ninp folly of q few men who arrogatc to thefn- selves leadership in such reforms Mar row-minded men could not direct in such thing if the more intelligent would do their full duty. But the let ter before me furnishes ground for ens couragement.,
 With all my respect and admiration for its distinguished writer, confess I had never thought of him in connec- tien with the Gospel ministry until now. This letter suggests that idea, and also demonstrates his peculiar fit- ness for the position. He has behind him q record for purity which he ehal- lcnges the pastors association to equall he has the ability to dis ccrn readily and strike forcibly l the difficulties and obstacles that have hindcrcd the triumphs of Chris tianity for generations; he can publicly claim fot himself deeper and more i intelligent appreciation of the worth of religion and morality than has any of these lie addresses; he has not losi his common sense SD far as they have theirs; he is i'll accord with the intel ligcnce of those communities which contain the largest amount of euli&ht enment i'll the world; lie has fur nished illustrations of his deer insight into the meaning of the Scriptures, and of his ability to furnish novel interpretations o1 texts so long understood to mean some thing else, and with all these advan tagcs what Il preacher and reformer he could make. Perhaps, now that his hongrah hlc career as statesman is just closing, and the necessity is upon him te choose some other field for the exer else of his talents. he may decide tC eonsecratc the remainder of his life to doing the work now in the hands oi inen so incompetent.
 ''In many instances, n statesman without Il job could not pass directly to the pulpit without suggesting the proverbial question, Is Saul also among the prophetsg But his record for purity and for Christian zeal while still q statesman would protect hi im from such q suggestion. In many in- stances, such idle statesmen would need some theological or other pre- paratory training for religious and re form work, but he has already shown himself capable, not only of preach ing, but of preaching to the older preachers. It is too much to hope then, that he may soon distinguish himself as much in the sacred calling as he has in the one he is now quitting. If such hopes should prove realities, am sure none would rejoice moro sincerely or welcome Jim more heartily than his present antagonists, the brethren of the pastors association For them, and with reference to any thing pertaining to the subject matter of the controversy, l am not authorized in any sense to speak; but this much desire to say for myself"
 C MaMANAVAy