The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-03-18
THE MINISTER in POLITICS.

THE MINISTER in POLITICS.
News paper writers more often
take q broad view Of life than other
wise, and in this respect we feel like
commencing the editor of The Du-
luth Herald for his sensible COM
ments in regard to '"The Minister
in Politios." Too often it is that
people Of narrow minds express the
opinion that the clergyman must re-
trsin from taking part in a cam
paign; that his place is in the pulpit
and not in the broad field Of polit-
zeal activity where his influence
for good can be made an import
ant factor. The Herald in a recent
article said: THE assertion is often
made that ministers Of the Gospel
should hold themselves aloof from
political affairs and leave those mat
ters entirely to the laity.
1.-THE Herald contends that this
view is erroneous. It is not meant
by this that a minister should get
down and wallow in the miro of
ward politics, but if he has an opin-
ion to express it is as much his priv
ilege to express it as it is for the
layman. And it is not only his
right, but his duty. The minister
may be mistaken the same as any
one, but that is no reason why he
should not give voice to candid opin-
ions in politics as in everything else.
when the preacher does take &C.
casion to give public expression to
his views on political affairs the crit
ioism thereon most frequently comes
from those small fry politicians who
make a usiness of ward politics,
and it is plainly evident that their
opposition springs from a fear that
if the minister is allowed to inter-
fore in these matters their occupa-
ton will be gone or greatly abridg-
ed-something that could happen
without irreparable in jury.
1T is a. human failing to be intol~
Grant of the opinions of others, but
happily the liberal education OF
Americans has a tendency to oblit-
crate this sentiment and the bulk of
our people can listen to the opinions
of any man with respectful atten-
ton although his views may be d.
rectly antagonistic to their own.
''Seme of the greatest pulpiteers
of the world make a practice of
voicing their views on public ques-
tions, and instead of offending their
congregations, the opposite effect is
noted in increased attendance. The
American people admire a man, no
matter what position he occupies,
who has convictions and the cour-
ago to express them.
! because a man has chosen the
ministry as his life work is no reas-
on that his voice should be silenced
when the government of his country
is under consideration. Rather he
should be encouraged to speak out.
By reason of his education and en-
vironment he is especially fitted
therefor and much more likely to be
right than wrong"
Henry Ward Beeeher was a minis
tor, yet his labor in politics was of
inestimable value to this country.
Wendell Phillips was minister,
and he, too, rendered to the people
great service when exercising his
powerful influence in politics. Arch
bishop Ireland is divine of world
wide renown, yet his churchly du-
ties have permitted him to extend
his usefulness into the political
arena, and his ability and power has
accomplished much for the coun-
try's advancement. Another min
lister whose good works have been
felt in politics is Edward Everett
He, the venerable chaplain of the
United States senate. Others might
be named, but those cited illustrate
the need of 1.-THE Minister in Poll
tics''. Their voice and influence is
always thrown upon the side of
right. Their rightful place is in
politics as we'll as in the pulpit. =;
MARRIED..
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