MINISTERS IN POLITICS by W. N. G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 21, 1897

MINISTERS IN POLITICS.

By W. N. G.

The tendency of professed ministers of the Gospel to rush into the political arena is manifest on every hand. The “Christian Citizenship” movement seems to have been concocted with special reference to giving them opportunity to step into the front rank and become conspicuous as political leaders. The experience of Senator Morehouse, of Santa Clara County, Cal., is a significant illustration of this point. Here is what he said to a reporter of the San Jose News on the subject, as quoted in the issue of December 31:—

“From the day of election, I began receiving attention from abroad. I always thought I had been greatly appreciated at home, but the way letters came pouring in at once flattered me somewhat. I got about 100 letters within a week from as many ministers from all over the state. I was congratulated, etc., and finally the letters closed invariably with a petition for appointment as chaplain of the Senate. Some of these were immediately backed up by petitions from others who recommended this or that reverend gentleman as a most worthy Christian, etc. I began answering these, and the first day I spent $2.00 in postage. The next day I spent less, and now much less, but through all I was reminded of Lord Chesterfield’s remark that every respectful letter was entitled to a respectful answer, and I have for that reason given all petitions at least answers.”

This rush for the chaplaincies in legislative halls is evidently an endeavor to get something in the way of a salary for no return. The chaplains are on duty from two to four minutes a day, and the salaries range from four to six dollars. Heretofore it has been six dollars in California. Not only is the time occupied merely nominal, but that the benefit to the legislature or the state is simply nothing, is plainly shown in the Scriptures. The apostle James says “he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” If there is such a thing in the world as a wavering man, it surely is one who tries to undulate between the Gospel ministry and a political sinecure. And of the wavering man James adds the pointed assurance, “Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.”

The apostle Paul enjoins upon Christians that prayers be made “for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority.” Such voluntary prayers in faith will be honored at the throne of grace, but the prayers of men who strive for the political privilege of saying a short prayer at a good salary for a day’s work, have no assurance of divine favor. “Verily, they have their reward” in cash and political preferment; what more have they reason to expect?

W. N. G.