The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-05-26
THINKS BOSTON
PREACHER WRONG
REV. w. B. RILEY TALKS OF JOHN
d. RoCKEFELLER.
Does Not Believe that Baptist Minis
tiers of the Country Will Unite in OPP
position to Church's Accepting the
Gifts Of the Oil Magnate-A Hopeful
Sign.

Rev. w. B. Riley, pastor Of the First
Baptist church of Minneapolis, does not
believe that Dr. Herbert S. johnson of
Boston is right in asserting, as-he has
in public statement, that Baptist min
listers thruout the country are to unite
in opposition to the church accepting
the gifts of J. D. Rockefeller or any
other tainted" money. Mr.. Riley
says si4 :; .4 bo,,o,n 1,,n y
Rockefeller after one has met him. His
kindly face, his humility of bearing,
his simplicity of speech, are all win
some in the last degree, and impress
one profoundly In the man g favor. To
become familiar with his domestic life
makes the process of criticism still more
difficult. Without any reference to
questions Of business, the principles
which have obtained in his home with
reference to the conduct Of the house,
control Of his children, the practice Of !;
considered), the education which his
| children have taken on, the marriages
which they have contracted, despising
for the most party empty titles and &C
quired or inherited riches-all tend to
convince one that there is genuine good
sense, if not exceptional native charac-
| ter with this man. ~
| ."Whether the statement of DR.: Her
| bert S. Johnson, pastor of the Warren
Avenue Baptist church, Boston, that
there is to be a revolt on the part of
scores Of Baptist ministers thruout the
country against receiving further gifts
for the religious work Of the denomina,
tion is true, L doubt. At the Baptist
anniversaries last week, where hundreds
Of Baptist ministers of the country
were assembled, there was no such sen
timent expressed. Just how far q
church or missionary organization car
90 in judging contributors and sitting
clean money from the unclean is ar
no reason why, if such a process is tc
be adopted, it can be applied to one
man and not another. Its application
if adopted, must be made all along
the line.
"On the contrary, have not beer
able to grieve over this criticism. Il
has at least one hopeful sign. It shows
that not all the ministers and churche!
OF this country are owned and operate;
by the money power. Too largely ha
this been true, and we rejoice in thu
corporate greed to account and to pas
severe censure against constant am
fragrant violation of civil law in man,
business methods. The very stir tina
has been created, and will be created
in religious circles oncerning thes
gifts Of Mr.. Rockefeller, is, in a way
notice served upon the 'get-rich
quick company that no possible be
quests from them can change immora
conduct to immortal fame, or Transform
tainted money into obelisks Of honor
One thing is certain-the treasures O
Individual churches and the treasure
of colleges, theological seminaries an,
missionary organizations will all &C
quire new power when the pulpit
preach righteous methods of business
and the church at large shall deman'
Christian conduct on the part of it
benefactors. - .. ., ,4.-.......s.se--.-1i