The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-01

The ministers of the city had an OPP
portunity of seeing. themselves and
their work from the editorial view
Of what they should do. 1t was the
monthly meeting at the Y. M. G. A.
building of the Minneapolis Pastors
association. The speakers were j. S.
McLain. of The Journal, and
James Gray, of the Times, and the at
titude of the meeting illustrated the
fortunate harmony Of interests and
purposes between the pulpit and the
press which Mr.. Gray noted in his
speech. The ministers were deeply
gratified to find their aspirations and
purposes so sympathetically appre-
GATED and cordially supported and to
learn that their suggestions and ap-
prevail were needed and desired by the
press.
The attendance was large and the
brief speeches in the discussion fol-
lowing the addresses showed the APP
preciative spirit of the ministers. Mr..
McLain gave as the only reason he
saw for the editor Offering suggestions
to the ministers the fact that he had at
his command some facilities and in
strumentalities that the minister could
secure to his advantage and ought to
use. He advised getting next to the
editor, not only taking advantage Of
his facilities but giving him advice and
encOuragement, since to no one has
the editor Il better right to look for
wise counsel and sympathetic interest
than to the ministry. While frankly
avowing the commercial character of
sJll neWspap ers to be necessity, he
claimed for the press as much SINGER
ity and fidelity as is found in other yo-
cations. 'T""
In his advice Mr.. McLain laid en-
phass on the preaching of the gospel
as the thing that people expect and
need. He expressed belief thatthere is
a: greater spiritual longing in the
world than is generally recognized and
that the people did not get their spir-
itual hunger satisfied from much Of
the preaching Religion Is an indi-
vidual matter and the only way to
reach the masses is to set the indi-
viduals right. Getting acquainted
with men Of all classes by contact with
them was pronounced a necessity in
order that ministers may. render the
conspicuous service expected of them
from their position in society. The
sharp line Of distinction often drawn
between religious and secular pursuits
was objected to and instead 1t was
suggested that the layman who does
his work from the right motive is en-
gagged in the Lords business, every
worthy act being religious in spirit.
The closing thought was an exhorta-
ton to optimism that sees the evil of
the "Orlu Dul dlSO SecllS IlG duN dlLCc
OF good, the onward march OF Christ's
Kingdom.
: Jome plain and practical criticisms
from the standpoint not only Of the
editor but Of the public as revealed to
the editor were made by Mr.. Gray. He
pointed out as dangers, catering to
the public to ATTRACT large congrega-
lions, and wealthy subscribers, substi-
tuting the methods Of the concert hal
and the lecture platform for the Cos
bel of Christ, and notriety seeking
that gives color to the idea that the
ministry was only business. The
speaker expressed a desire to see the
church do it's share in municipal
housecleaning by seeking out and pill
ilorying the bribe-givers who share the
moral degeneration Of the bride.
taker.
While congratulating the ministers
that Minneapolis has no yellow jour
1ialism" problem, Mr.. Gray said thai
in this development the yellow
newspaper and yellow" minister haC
found each other and are joining ir
exhibitions Of 'maudlin sentiment and
charitable plans. that pauperize an6
demoralize the community and fill
ing it with noise, while the conserva.
tive papers and conservative ministers
are still standing aloof waiting to be
introduced. The speaker thought tina
all right-thinking people regard the
pulpit as the great clvilizing agency
and that the editors stand ready tt
uphold the highest standards in the
pulpit
At the business meeting hearty
commentator was expressed of tn,
work of the Home Protective league
Attention was called to the ordinance
proposed by Alderman Rand to re
leve the saloonkeepers Of all respon
sibility in the sale of liquor to Minors
who give their ages falsely. This wa
referred to the watch tower commit
fee to watch and act upon ifnecessar.