The Parisian. (Paris, Tenn.) 1907-1962, 1918-08-30
Hardware
| and
Furniture
A so.cALLED PRAYER.

A So-CALLED PRAYER.
The following article under the
heading of Editorial was printed IN
the Midland Methodist of a recent
date This matter all started over
prayer that was prayed at Hop
kinsville, KY, by Rev. Bascom Wa
tiers. We reproduce here the edito-
rial from the Midland Methodist and
also the explanation from Rev. Wa
tiers.
The Editorial:
A So-Called Prayer.
I'm another column we publish
AN Explanation" by Rev. Bascom
Waters, one of Holston's evengelists,
of the class of the fourth year. It
would seem that an apology is due
our readers for said publication; but
since the Midland Methodist common
ted recently on the prayer referred to
there is nothing left, for us to do but
publish the comment further In
our first comment we mentioned no
body's name and privately expressed
the opinion that no such prayer had
ever been offered, although the secu-
lar papers were giving it verbatim.
We confess to painful surprise that
the author repeats this remarkable
prayer and serves notice on the
church and the public that he ex-
poets to keep on repeating it 'pus-
sy-footin' preachers" to the contrary
Notwithstanding. Our objections to
such a travesty on intercessions are
several.
First, it is sheckingly familiar with
the Infinite Father of all mercies
Humble and reverential approach To
a throne of grave is the very soul Of
praper. This petition is a presump-
tuous bit of free-and-easy familiari.
ty that suggests anything else thar
reverence. Such sensational pertness
is not prayer.
Second, profanity is bad enough
in the secular world, but it is doubly
to be deplored in the Church world
When it comes from the pulpit, from
the preacher while on his knees talk
ing to God, the thing is dreadful
This is an age of growing profanity.
The books used to camouflage it
with "-"; but now they spell the
'cuss' words out in full, and the pa
ges are more or less peppered with
such stuff. The secular papers DO
not hesitate to admit it to their col
umns. Even dignified editorials
sometimes swear over matters. The
movie" bill boards are crying pro-
family in capitals. The pulpit ought
to protest, not follow. Some pa
rents do not want their children to
learn the profane art. 1t is distress
sing that those children sometimes
get encouragement in the Church.
Third, that minister of Jesus
Christ should call God to damn the
soul of any living mortal is mon
strous German atrocities shock the
civilized world. We may and should
pray for the overthrow Of system
which has manifested such diaboism.
We must do everything in our power
to help our government and her al
lies furnish force without stint or
limit" to drive Prussianism from the
face of the earth. But that docs
not touch the subject Of a preacher
publicly praying for the damnatlon
of a soul. Dear as are the women
and children of Belgium, they are
not dearer than was the life of the
Galilean. A mob hooted at him, spat
upon him, drove nails into his hands
and feet, thrust a javelin into his
side, and finished the murder of the
Wonder Man. But he lifted the whc,e
world into a new atmosphere when
he tenderly pleaded: Father, tor
give them; they know not what they
do" Would our good brother desig-
nate this as 'pussy-footin' " petit
t;o,,7