The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1901-03-21
DENOMINATIONS RUN TO
SEED.

The following item is taken from
the news columns of the Biblical Re
cortler:
lone of our pastors says he has never
known a better opportunity than there
is in his town for Baptist druggist"
We frequently see such items as
this in religious papers. and the i'm
pulse to comment on 1t is Irresistible.
There are extra pious" people in all
denominations who are not content
unless their relations in all the bust
ness affairs of life are wholly. or as
nearly so as possible, with members
of. their particular denomination.
Hence we often see the statement
that Methodist merchant, Presby-
terian doctor, an Associate Reformed
Presbyterian lawyer, or Lutheran,
Episcopal, Baptist or. Catholic bust
ness or professional man or mechanic
can find an opening at some point.
This means that people Of certain
sect want to patronize a member OF
that sect in preference to all others.
Now it is commendable enough in
members Of any particular denomina-
ton to do what they can to aid and
encourage the growth Of their demon
nation and t. aid in proper and
Legitimate ways the members of their
denomination. But there is always
line, dictated by common sense, as to
how far this matter should 60. Be-
cause a lawyer, doctor, merchant or
druggist is member of the Baptist.
Methodist, Presbyterian or any other
church, doesn't make him any better
lawyer, doctor or merchant, and
sometimes being a member of the
church doesn't make him any better
man. Hence to patronize a man SIM
ply because he is a member of your
church, regardless Of his professional
ability, or whether he sells better
goods or cheaper goods. or whether
he is good and deserving citizen.
good neighbor and a friend, is utter
foolishness i is Observation-Disclosures
run TO seed-which 10 the case in the
extract above quoted, for in this case
druggist who is member of GER
| tain church is wanted, not one word
being said about his competence or
professional skill.
In fact we look with suspicion on a
man who asks support for office or
patronage for business on the ground
that he is member of some particu-
lar church. Generally speaking,
such men are scoundrels. The ques-
ton one wants to consider is whether
the man is worthy. is competent and
can be trusted. II he is a member OF
the church and a Christian SO much
| the better, but he should not be boy
cotted on this ground il he is all right
| otherwise. People who exercise COM
mon sense would. in a case of danger
Gus illness or an important lawsuit,
employ doctor or lawyer who was
known to be successful and skillful in
his profession, even il he was
"heathen. rather than Presby teran
elder. Methodist steward, or Baptist
| deacon, who was known to be neither
| skillful nor successful.
| All things else being equal, we re-
peat that it is natural for church
members, just as members of other
organisations TO stand by each other.
but if church membership alone is
considered it is ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
| run to seed. These remarks are not
inspired by local conditions. For
observation-disclosures in all matters the
people of Statesvile as whole are
not surpassed by any community any
where. We have simply expressed
our views on question that is often
thrust before the public.-Statesville
Landmark.