The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1909-11-13
DISHONORING THEIR MOTHER.

We, last week, in our article on the disintegra-
ton of Professionalism, touched upon the irreverent
spirit of many sectarian preachers in the pulpit,
and the entire absence of dignity in their sermons
and public addresses. Among all men, and at all
times, the minister of the gospel ought to be gen
| tleman in his personal appearance in his bearing
and language, in his intercourse with his fellow
man, and, above all and beyond all in the house of
God, The minister ought to be an honorable man.
a truthful man, whose word is above suspicion and
whose language and bearing toward his fellow man
carry a note of sincerity and of straight dealing
He should be careful that by offensive personalities
he makes no enemies, for enmity, night and day,
is biding its time and will revenge itself
lie ought to rank among the first gentlemen of
his community, so that the members of his congre-
cation may point to him on the street. or in pub
lie hail. as an example of a well-bred, honorable
and courteous man. If there be an absence of dig
nifty in his appearance if he be sovenly in his dress
and language and-we lay stress on this-if in the
pulpit he enacts the part of the sensatonaist and
his gestures be those of the buffoon he will forfeit
the respect of his people, and his influence for good
Tor decency Tor clean living, will be as that of the
cheap comedian. The faithful preacher ought to
be paid liberal salary this salary should be raised
to more than living scale, and be paid as prompt
ly as any legal business obligation. lot Of
money is wasted on utterly useless foreign mis-
sions which ought to be kept at home and appor-
toned among those jealous ministers who are
struggling to keep up appearances on the wage of
hod-carrler. In return the minister should render
efficient service leave politics to the politicians
and, following the advice of st. Paul to Timotbv
keep away from 'entangling himself with worldly
business"
The minister who takes part in or is consent
ing party, to anything that leads to the lowering
of his sacred calling, deliberately strikes at the
foundation of his religion The vulgarisms and the
pooroom language of Sam Jones and q Sam
Small, the butfoonery of the ex-baseba player and
revivalist, Rev. BILLY" Sunday, and of the shout
ing preacher Gypsy" Smith, have and are bean-
ing contempt and ridicule on sacred things and
sacred persons.
How can any man who retains faith in God. or
who admlres reverence and dignity in the preacher
retain shred of respect for the Protestant min
lstry while it continues to tolerate the vulgarity and
rowdyism of Rev. Frank Higgins-the 'Sky PILOT.
"Tom" Hill, the converted prizefghter; flank"
the cowboy evangelist, and the like.
What are we to think of a so-called religious
Journal the "Home Journal" (Chicago) that will
week after week, print such stuff as this and CO.
verify applaud the Rev. Frank Higgins, the Skv
Pilot, who shouts
You don't believe in God; who are YOU? Look
at him, boys; amt he short-stake man? Yes.
Don't he shoot in his wad every month on booze
and gambling? Yes. Did he ever save a cent in
MS lifes No Look at him. and he says he don't
believe in God. You old, burntout wreck, it's lust
such fellows you that don't believe in God.
1on't care what you believe; I'm not here TO talk
TO you. | want to talk to that young fellow over
here Look here, young fellow. Do you know
Scar-Fish Riley? Do you know Paddy the Priest2
Do you want to be like them drunken, useless old
'oaks-or do you want to be man? Pm after Won.
md the devils after you. Come ON. now. which do
7ou want to be; whose side are you on @"
Boys, was down in the town yesterday and 7
aw Wall-Eyed Jones. You know him, boys and the
iirty, low-down dive he runs | asked, "How's busi-