The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1910-11-30
EDITOR RESIGNS.
Some Criticisms Of the Alleged A. R.
P. Church Paper.

SOiGIluuGCu.
We note that Rev. G. G. Parkinson has
resigned his position as edition Of the AS
sociate Reformed Presbyterian.
Regardless Of his ability, considering
that Mr.. Parkinson is Secretary OF the
Board of Foreign Missions, pastor OF the
Bethlehem Congregation, professor in
Erskine Theological Seminary, Secretary
Of the Board Of Trustees of Erskine Col
lege, and editor Of the Associate Reformed
Presbyterian, it is we'll, in the interest of
the church, and that others may not be ell
tirely shut out from interest in church
affairs, that Mr.. Parkinson resign some
one Of his offices.
The resignation Of at least one of the
five positions which Mr.. Parkinson held
was in accord with the reasonable and the
first demands OF q high conception of duty
to himself and to the church to which he
is so loyal and in whose welfare he is so
much interested. Among other things
Mr.. Parkinson says:
ut (the editorshipl is given up only be-
cause there is not u life to give to it, but
only a small piece Of a life whose chief
service has been requied elsewhere. 1t is
given up in the hope that, some time, a
whole life may he devoted to the work,
and better service rendered the church.
Truthful and wise words these. The
paper needs a whole life-a life that Is not
handicapped by conflicting interests. No
man under the sun can properly discharge
his duty to the people and fill the position
Of editor when compelled to divide his
time, or by expediency, be governed or
ruled by subserviency to those higher up,
or when compelled to obey the behests
Of bosses. The editor Of an honest and
useful church paper should be respectful
and Independent in the expression Of an
intelligent opinion, having On eye, of
course, at all times to the good of the
whole church. 1t should not magnify one
interest to the dwarting of another.
In all things pertaining to the church
the people should be taken into the conf
dence Of the editor, and he may rest
assured when concealments are attempted
he will not only fail in hoodwinking the
people, but by such q course he will lessen
his own influence and iniure the church.
The people may be fooled for a time, and
only for a time. When the people are not
taken into the confidence OF the editor il
must necessarily come from the fear
on his part that his course cannot bear
the light Of reason or undergo the scrunity
Of common sense.
During Mr.. Parkinson's editorship of
the Presbyterian he has had q most deli
cate position to fill. The paper being pri-
waite property, which is published
for private gain, while being per-
sistently palmed off on the people as a
church paper, it must often nave been a
difficult thing for the editor to steer clear
of error or mistake. This being especially
true OF an editor who was totally mex
perienced in the business, even if he had
had a proper conception of the duties
devolvlng upon him. 1t is q mistake 10
suppose that any man who can write half
column Of grammatical matter is suited for
the position of editor, even under favorable
conditions.
The great complaint which we would
make against the hierarchy as a rule, is
the seeming ever existing conviction on