New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-20
BY PERCIVAL II. BARKER

Can preacher to-day be Independent
and fearless and make good? Can he
Billy Sundaylike, stand in his pulpit
unafraid and unmuzzled and hold his
job?
These questions came most fOrcefully
yesterday to New York clergymen as
result Of startling confession by
well-known local clergyman.
"A minister Of to-day dare not be
brave unless he has money" exclaimed
this heart-broken preacher, whose
speech struck the note of unspeakable
tragedy. "My officers applaud when
fire hot shot into the ethical irregu-
larities Of Noah, Hophni. Phinebas and
other ancient sinners who have been
a long time dead; but they threaten to
withdraw their subscriptions when |
denounce modern sinners who follow
the path Of intemperance and worldli-
ness and at the same time continue
10 be leading mem of the church. |
have often thought of making public
the social conditions which are grind
ing down my own people, but | fear the
result. Soon after l began my pastor
ate these leading men Of my parish
reminded me that large part Of my
salary came from the friends Of John
Barleycorn, and, therefore, / should be
silent on such themes. ! am convinced
that / would be compelled to resign
if were to condemn the saloon or IN
sist that my officers show by their
example that they are in favor Of the
American Sabbath as a day for spirit
ual restoration and soul culture. /
did sacrifice my position once and |
would speak out again, but there are
nv wife and children. l wish l had a
trade to fall back upon, for then /
would tell my congregation the truth
and take the consequences. Oh, l wish
/ were free!'
Many Ministers Show Courage
The experience of this minister is an
exception, according to the Rev. DR..
J. F. Carson. ex-Moderator Of the Gen
eral Assembly and pastor Of the Cen
trial Presbyterian Church. Brooklyn.
1t is true that in some churches to-
dav there are folks who make il un-
comfortable for faithful and fearless
minister. but in the average church a
preacher Of to-day can be Independent
and courageous, and can make good.
There is a peril, especially among the
younger men in the ministry, TO con-
fuse BILLY Sundayism" and moral
courage. No preacher can, "Billy Sun
dayliks," stand in his pulpit unafraid
and unmuZZled and hold his Job, that
is. after the manner Of Billy Sunday.
Mr.. Sunday is a great original, and
any imitation of him makes a mighty
poor copy. ! believe that the preacher
who tries to be Billy Sundaylike'
ought to lose his job. 1t requires no
great courage for Billy Sunday 10 speak
as he does. He is in a community but a
few months: he has no intimate rela-
ton with the people, and when he
speaks he has no personal RESPONSE
bilitv for the community movements or
institutions lie has a great crowd
about him that IL most pleased when ne
is most radical. No courage is de-
manded under such conditions. But
courage is in every fibre Of the being
of that pastor who. knowing intimately
his people. being related to them by
tenderest ties, knowing their aversion
to radical views, yet denounces their
sins and condemns their habits. That
takes courage, and ministers show that
courage every Sunday. And if they are
not offensive they will be upheld by