The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-01
WHAT TO PREACH
Ministerial Union Discusses
Whether to Talk Politics.

Inc Ministerial Union was in a turmoil
this morning.
The trouble arose over the motion of
E G. Smith to have the paper read by
Rev. F. w. Emerson published by the
Union and at the expense of the Union.
The subject of the paper was, THE
Preacher and His Church in Politics"
The meeting was held in the parlors of
the Y. M. c. A
The paper was as Rev. A NJ. Herenius
said, "a literary document of high value"
It dealt in a general way with the condi-
tions confronting the churches and the
preachers of today and the article treat
ed the question from a local standpoint.
one OF the statements of the paper is
that There ought to be no confusion of
politics and partyism. No preacher has
right to be partisan. There may be
circumstances -on which q preacher is
perfectly justified in openly using his
pulpit in the interest of party, but the
only occasion which can Justify such
procedure is where the party issue is 50
clearly moral one the simplest of peo-
pie easily recognize it to be moral
In the opening of the discussion Rev.
M. F. McKirahan expressed himself in
sympathy with Mr.. EmersOn'S paper
and actions He said that the way to
reform society was to get into the center
and work out and not work from the
outside to the center. He said that he
was going to take an active part in the
election at the polls tomorrow.
He was followed by Secretary OFT who
said that he believed that the preaching
of partisan politics in the pulpit did not
work for the best good of the cause of
Christianity. He said: The Gospel is
the best thing we can preach in the pull
pits
Rev. g. A. stavely of North Topeka
did not believe in preaching politics in
the pulpit. However" he said, ''it all
depends on the definition you put on the
expression Of politics in the pulpit.
The primary work of Christian
preachers is to tell OF the love of God
and the salvation of souls, and not TO
substitute topics of the day and expect
prosperity to follow in their churches.
The church is a place where every sensi-
bic man will say the gospel must stand
supreme You have good Christian in
your congregation who is either a Re-
publican. Democrat, a Populist, or a
ProhibitiOnist
Are you going to assume to stand
over him in an I know more than thou
attitude and believe that you have a
cineh on influencing him TO forswear
party utilization and vote you would
have him do2
Let us remember the teachings Of our
Savior relative to rendering unto Caesar
that which is Caesars and unto God that |
which is Gods"
Rev. F. E. Mallory said that as the |
ministers were a factor in holding pub /
lie opinion and that as the people were |
beginning to realize that we are force /
in the city" that he was Gin favor of in /
jecting some of the spirit of Christ into I
local politics And" he continued, 'let |
cause of pulling our churches to pieces
Rev. J. p. Allen, in explaining his vote |
said, Brother Emerson probably chose /
this subject for his paper through his |
two months connection with the events I
of our city.
by having these printed and distrib- I
uted broadcast by the Ministerial union
would be an Endorsement of Mr.. Elmer
son and his actions by the union. But |
say in all kindness to him personally, /
can't indorse him and his actions as a
preacher"
Secretary OFT in an attempt to shut
out the discussion which was taking
personal turn moved that the matter be
postponed until another meeting and
that the matter be not published until
the next municipal campaign two years
hence as it was too late for It to in
huence any votes IN the election tomor-
E. c. Smith who made the motion
thereupon rose to say that he wanted it
printed for educational purposes and not
Rev. Mr.. Herenius here interposed to
say that he did not want the article pub
Iished under the auspices of the Union
as it would not be fair to those who did
not approve Of Mr. Emerson's course
Peter Price, pastor of one of the color
ed congregations of the city, jumped to
his feet and said that he wanted a vote
IN the question, land then let the ma
io-itv rule" he said in an excited tone.
Rev Mr. Stavely said that in his
1pinion common courtesy to their fellow
brethren would not allow the pastors to
force anything upon their brethren who
lid not agree with them even If the dis
senters numbered only two.
1t was then suggested that the article
De published with the authors name left
off Objection was made to this plan
and it was dropped.
When the final ballot was taken the
-esult of those who voted stood 10 to
n favor Of publishing the article.
It's the little colds that grow into big
colds. the big colds that end in cor
sumption and death. Watch the little
eoIos. DR.. Woods Norway Pine Syrup
F,..arvfe.Ix reads the state journal.