The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-10-06
MINISTER'S TALK POLITICS.
Applaud When DIR. Lucas Says He
VIII Fight for His Country.

After vacation since June the Indianap-
oils Ministers Association met in the Y.
NJ. C. A Hall yesterday morning and
elected officers for the coming year, as fol-
lows: Secretary, Rev. j. p. Cowan; execu-
tive committee, Revs. C. w. Dobbs, r. V.
Hunter, e. B. Rawls, A. l.. circuit, G. A.
Christensen.
The meeting was informal and there was
no prepared programme owing to it being
the first of the series. Short speeches Were
made by number of the ministers pres
ent, Dr. Sims opening with an off-hand
address which touched ON politics and elic-
tied responding addresses.
He took for his subject THE Minister in
the Present Political Campaign" Among
other things he said:"The direct work of
the ministry is wholly muscular and yet it
should produce great secular results The
ministry is the only honorable calling
which is not engaged directely in the pro-
duction distribution of material supplies
in regard to the welfare of the community.
The minister is a citizen and friend of the
people. AS such he ought to vote and ii
should not be out of the way for him to
discuss political questions in social way.
The people come to the churches to hear
religious discourses and not to hear polit-
zeal discussions, and for that reason the
minister should exclude all discussion of
political subjects whenever he appears in
his ministerial capacity. 1t is my belief
that no minister ever accomplished any
good whatever by any political utterance
from the pulpit.
Rev. L. A. Goodwin followed with a short
talk in which he said: II am of the same
mind of our brother who has just spoken.
While 1t is not a necessity that ministers
speak openly in pubic concerning politics
1t is the duty of every pastor to inform
himself and then vote according to the
best of his information and belief. i agree
with DR.. Sims that no political utterances
SHOULD be made from the pulpit
Rev. DR.. CoultaS said: cit seems to me
that; judging from personal experiences. it
is rather difficult for ministers to keep
entirely out of politics. DR.. Sims voices
my sentiments. but with the uttermost dill
igence, minister may be dragged into poll
tiles
Rev. D. r. Lucas, who has fought for
his country under the stars and stripes
had remained a silent listener. but at this
moment he Sprang to his feet and said:
Il indorse every word that DR.. Sims has
it in 1880 and have kept silent until heard
the utterances of Tillman, Altgeld and
others at Chicago against this government
ana the President of our country, and I
said man is a coward who viii allow such
things to go by unrebuked. If / want to
hire hall and make a political speech that
is my business. In the contest we now
have in this country the church and its in
tereSts are not involved. / have told Chair
man Gowdy that did not want to talk pol
stump when he wanted me to. Raising his
cane high above his head by way of en-
phasis he said: This country has cost too
much to allow. Tillman, Alleged and Bryan
to control it's destinies." and the other min
listers applauded loudly.
Short addresses by other ministers fol-
lowed and the meeting adjourned to meet
the first Monday in November.