Evening journal., 1919-10-29
BUSINESS LURES
men FROM PULPIT
Presbyterian Students Turn
ed to War Work and
Trades, DR.. Rowan Says
DAZZLED BY HIGH
PAY, DON'T RETURN
Stan Correspondent.

Staff Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, D. c., oct. 29.-Dr.
William ]. Rowan, Of Newark, Del,
urges that immediate steps be taken
TO get more young men to take up the
ministry. lie made this appeal in a
report submitted 20 the synod Of Bal
timore in session in the Eastern Presby-
terrain Church, as chairman Of the COM
mittee on education.
The shortage OF ministers, DR.. Rowan
points out, is one Of the problems
which cOnfrOnts the church today, and
the difficulties I'm the way are real, he
says. lie pointed out that the war
caused many students In college and
seminary 10 lay down temporarily
their preparatory work. Many OF these
young men, the report states, have not
returned 10 conclude their education
for the ministry. Some have gone into
y. NJ. C.. a. work or social service work
and others who secured lucrative posi-
ti0ns have become dazzled by the pros
pect Of piling up gold and have
abandoned all thought OF the ministry.
The report follows:
"One Of the problems with which the
church Of today Is confronted is the
shortage of ministers. The task i'm
posed upon the General Board Of Edu-
cation is TO suggest means by which
talented and gOdly young men may be
persuaded TO take up the ministry as
their calling. The difficulties in the
way are real. The war induced many
students in college and seminary TO
lay down temporarily their preparatory
work and go 10 the assistance OF man
kind 90 save the world from despOtism.
Having fulfilled that mission, instead OF
returning 10 resume their studies, some
candidates for the ministry have de-
voted themselves to the Y. NJ. c. A. or
10 social service organizations, and are
presumably lost TO the ministry. Not a
few managed TO obtain lucrative posi-
tions Under the Government, and daz-
zled by the prospect OF piling up gold
have abandoned all thought OF the min
istry. Again other young men in col
lege, the sons OF ministers and elders,
observing the hardships Of the ministry
in these days OF the high cost OF living
are not favorably disposed to listen to
the appeals OF the church TO become
ministers Of the gospel, and hence make
reply: I'VE can serve God as accepta-
bly, In some other occupation, and not
be forced 10 endure the privations and
humiliations that seem to be the lot OF
the ministry It is right sor US TO
tace squarely these difficulties, and
meet them, or cease urging our sons
TO turn from other calllngs to the min
istry. Ministers are suffering today
along with other salaried men, espec-
tally clerks and teachers in schools and
colleges. We ought 10 set the example
the world, convincing men every
where that none Of these things move
us. since we stand with the Apostle.
who thus expressed himself: Not that
! speak In respect TO want; for I have
learned. In whatsoever state am,
Herewith to be content Things are
not always settled right in this ex-
istence. But there Is snother world
where Justice Is supreme. For the
Son Of man shall come In the glory Of
His Father with His angels; and then
He shall reward every man according
90 his works The ministry offers the
greatest possible opportunity In the
matter Of soul winning. and therefore
should attract young men 10 rs ranks.
Let him know, that he which con-
verteth the sinner from the error Of his
way, shall save a soul from death. and
shall hide a multitude OF sins Men
should heed the call to enter the min
istry, even though in so doing they are
shutting themselves on from riches and
luxury because they are following the
example OF their Saviour. who came
not % be ministered unto. but TO min
ister. We have not done our duty
until we have by all lawful measures
persuaded our boys 20 consider thought
fully and prayerfully the question OF
cOnsecrating their lives to the ministry
What plans should be pursued to gain
this end? How shall we approach
Young men on this subject? Ought we
20 wait until they have entered college,
indeed until they have gone some con-
siderable distance in their academic
training. or ought we to speak 10 them
before they graduate from high schools
Who should be commissioned TO take
the lead? VIII 70 be left entirely to the
pastor. or Will the burden he shared by
ihe elders and Sabbath school teach
ers? What a sad record for any evan
gelical church. that for twenty-five
years or more not one candidate for
the ministry has come from its mem
bership? It Is not a matter OF senti-
ment. There is a crying need Of more
laborers for the harvest. and the church
ought to regard herself obligated be-
fore God TO respond 10 that need TO the
very best OF her ability. Your COM
mittee would recommend:
First. that the sessions Of our var
lous churches be urged TO devote much
lime and labor this year to presenting
10 their young people the gospel min
istry or missionary service.
Second, wherever it Is possible the
pastor seek opportunities 20 place be-
fore The students OF the local high
school the subject OF Christian leader
ship. and have his session arrange for a
social gathering to which the students
shall be invited with the object OF in
ducing them 20 consecrate their lives
10 sDecial Christian usefulness.
"Third. that the plans OF the Central
Board Of Education OF co-operating
with the Board Of Fore'sn Missions in
sending out medical missionaries. OF Sc
curing funds TO endOw Christian col
lescs. Of its pastoral care Of students
In state and other non-church univer-
stiles and. colleges yeceive fho hesrf,-