The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-06

him up as the object of their peculiar affection
and regard AS a rule the clergy is less tempt
able on the side of indiscreet or unchaste con-
duct than Others although now and then the
cloth has shemefully scandaliZed its Eoly OF
nee In the majority of cases it is truer TO pre-
dict his innocence than his guilt. However,
unsanetlhed human nature Is more quick to
suspect the moral leper behind a pious mask
than to detect an angel-WhitenesS amid the
storm OF m d-throWing
Whether DR.. Brown IS the victim of coterie
OF designing women, or veritable lady-k1ller
ne deserves, until the Police Court proves
him unworthy-to be protected from the sings
and arrows of a world all too easily given to
detracuon and criticism. OF two judgments
we may generally say the more lenient one is
the one less likely to need revision. The
laund1ced eye filings its own yellow complex
Ion on the lace OF the person it beholds.
If the reverend gentleman has tlippantly or
foully tempered with sacred social proprie lies
no doubt ne has already suffered unspeakable
fortunes OF mind over the thought of his dual
life and its possible exposure and terrible pun
ishment Soon by due process of law, unuer
the herce light OF the publicity OF trial in open
court his true self, whether wanton or grossly
libeled, will be uncovered. Patiently await
all the facts. 1t is but inexcusable haste 10
condemn man without a fair, impartial hear
ing. II is no false charity or predetermined
blindness to mems moral obliquities 10 calmly
sift all the evidence before hurting forth the
fiery torrents OF indignation or unleashing the
lightnings OF Sinai A minister's unsullied
name is priceless treasure, and TO blacken or
traduce II however groundlessly is not only
TO smirch his reputation but to blast his
future. While the case is pending let whisper
ing gossip sink into solemn hush and Shiny
tongues cease to wag their sly insinuations
and reckless lips stop circulating their deadly
poisons.
No divine be too cautious in avoiding
the very appearance of evil. Even Henry Ward
Beecher's magnificent fame and luster of gem
JUS never fully emerged from the cloud of
scandal, though millions believed him gui ty
OF only little imprudencies of forehead-kissing
and nice, fatherly caresses. While heet-footed
rumor runs wildly to and fro, and excitement
bubbles and foams high, it is well to keep cool,
and regard distinguished moral teacher in
nocent until clearly proved otherwise. Amid
all tn is clack of tongues and click OF wires and
TINS d1atrlbe concert in various quilts, 1t is
hard, OF course, to get at the precise truth.
Time will sober the reason and clarity the at
mosphere, Better suspend judgment than pill
Tory and gibbet a guiltless man. Under the
sway OF passion even immaculate virtue itself
has been made to wear the HOMEGROWN and
culver on crucitixion nails. Thus it is evident
that an important resolution for the new
year is to keep the tongue well disciplined and
indebted.
II DR.. Brown does not stand forth martyr
and a saint amid these inquisitorial fires of
public investigation, it is time enough to ask
Jove TO aim his thunderbolts and mingle our
tears OF regret with bushes of shame.