The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-30
SERMON ON NEWSPAPERS
Rev. |. D. lamkin breaches to q Large
Congregation.
SUBJECT, SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PRESS"
uIe Deprecates Publishing OF sundny
Papers. but II Willing 20 Use Them
10 the Best Advantage.


newspaper men and others interested, to
listen 10 tho specially prepared sermon by
the pastor. IL u. Lamkin. on the subject
Of "The Sovereignty Of the Press Inc
delivery was listened TO with marked at
tention and at the conclusion Rev. Lankin
received the congratulations Of mony who
pronounced II very able effort. The SER
mon was as follows:
Text: 1T is required in stewards that a
man be found fathful.'44I Cor, ", ..
..afy text points out the chief character
fstic OF the public servant-tldeiity. Its pri-
mary application 10 TO the Christian min
istry, VINO In their sucreJ office are
n-appointed sentincis' 10 humanity.
But In its broader meaning 1t asserts a
moral obligation that is binding upon the
whole world. 1t affects every pubic ser
want from the minister of the gospel.-the
accredited representative OF the Divine
Master-Ato the most obscure workman who
only contributes his small influence TO So
ciety. IL Is my responsible privilege to
preach on this occasion to that class OF
public servants who may be justly denon-
mated the representatives OF the dynamo
IL all sentiments aud impulses OF, our times
1.-The press. That mighty invention has
become the heart into which flows the
blood OF the world, and which sends new
1t Is the nerve system of civilization send
ing messages of thought and feeling from
center to circumference. | would have you
realize your obligation to the best interest
of our race. For 1t is last becoming rec
ognized as a fact that the world is well
nigh held under complete control by the
press since II creates the sentiment that
shapes the history and fixes the destiny
alike of the Nation and the individual 1
submit my theme, The Sovereignty OF the
Press. 1t is not my purpose TO graphic
with all the mighty questions growing out
of this theme, but rather to emphasize SOME
OF It's simplest phases. would invite your
thoughtful consideration:
II To the marvellous advantages of the
press Its Importance may be more fully
appreciated II we should attempt to answer
the question; What would our age and
generation do without an associated press?
il seems, then, useless for me 10 speak OF
the achievements OF modern journalism, 1t
is a just cause for gratitude. The daily
paper dsseminates knowledge Of great dis
coyertes and important events which 20
to make up the progress of the world.
Nothing that interests the world can be
hid in our day.
The power OF tie press IN the pfos;-
Iess and civilization OF The world. IRE
press has been the potent, If not the direct,
agen, in the creation of the present age
With all it's unreasonable advantages.
ward over the winding path cut by the
progress of man through the walls Of The
centuries and say: This age Is only tho
result. the issue of former ages. All the
struggles, discoveries and revolutions of
the past survive in their influence on the
present moment But this is true only in
part We look with profound interest
upon the past and are grateful for what
ever contribution II has made to the ,id-
Sancement OF the world. But we are over
whelmed with the commanding character
istic of the present--the tendency III al
its movements to diffusion. expansion and
universally. This tendency Ia directly
opposed 70 the SPIT 1t of cXcusiveness ami
eEctism which has dominated and cursed
the past. Men are becoming conscious pf
their individuality and immortal worth.
To the press we are indebted for that free
dom that struck the sbackles alike from
brain and limbs. There can be no king
in any land where there liz a free press,
The throbbine of the press shakes the pill
lars OF the tyrant's throne. The press
holds the koy that unlocks the treasure %
knowledge for the human race. To It. IRE
we indebted for the diffusion OF sclci.co.
literature and religion. Literature has
onme forth from her hiding place. Impoi-
tant discoveries are no longer the monopo-
~ of a few philosophers, but through the
free press become the property of all.
Scarcely Is there a discovery made today
In any department of science but In the
same instant the daily papers give II 10
tue world. Not less magnificent is her tri-
umph In relIgion--ln the generous tolcra-
tion which marks our times. Few Mon
longer believe that their own creed con-
tains, all the truth, or their particular
church all the religion, but are attaching
less Importance to forms and statements
of doctrine and arc getting larger and
grandcr views OF Christine Son of hui
maity and the Son OF God. Tho secular
press, untouched by religious prejudlces
aud uninh,ienced by church bigotry, III q
wonderful unifier In Its onward march
Intolerance is crumblirg away men are
shaking hands as brothers and exchanging
words OF cordial friendship. Tho press.
by diffusing a broader view of religion and
human rights. Is breaking down the social
distinctions between the sexes which jcal-
ousy and despotism have made. Woman
Is ut the front In all moral reforms; she
Is on I he missionary field and not unfre-
quentiy stands nj the helm of the press,
Through which her voice is heard by
y countless millions Churches may lcglsla @
and put despot's chain about her NECK
the world VIII move on. and woman will
De. free. The press IL mightier than the
pulpit. Its columns ontstrip the Voice.
and woman, ayailing herself of this
agency, becomes the teacher OF nations.
oh,sour times made so stirring, so prcg.
mint SO eventful by that unequaled
agency, the press. How tremendous It's
Power for good or owl!
This leads me to speak,
NJ 3. OF the rights and limitations of tho
press There isl right use and there Is a
nagrant abuse OF this we'll nigh limitess
pQwerT<a power that can reyoluIionizc
gGySrnInents and change the aspect of the
ctytlised world. The press, because OF it's
power, u under supreme obligation 10
mantind to champion the ca,ise Of truth,
4 tlns,