The president turned to Cameron,
who answered, "It is certainly _not_ my idea that this matter be placed
in the hands of the ministers; whatever part they have in the movement
must be simply as Christian citizens of this community, without regard
to their profession."
The audience smiled. Rev. Frederick Hartzel was on his feet instantly:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I must protest. I do not doubt but that your
young brother here means well, but perhaps some of us, with more
experience, and with more mature thought, are better able to handle
this great question. Such a plan as he has proposed is preposterous.
A committee without an ordained minister on it, thinking to start any
movement in harmony with the teaching of Christ is utter folly. It is
a direct insult to the clergy, who, as you know, compose the finest
body of men, intellectually and morally, in the country. I must insist
that the regularly ordained ministers of the city be recognized on
this committee."
Rev. Hugh Cockrell agreed with Hartzel, in a short speech, and then
Uncle Bobbie Wicks obtained a hearing.
"I don't reckon that there's much danger of Brother Hartzel's amendment
goin' through, but I just want a word anyhow. To-be-sure, you all know
me, and that I'm a pretty good friend to preachers." The audience
laughed. "I aint got a thing in the world agin 'em. To-be-sure, I
reckon a preacher is as good as any other feller, so long as he behaves
himself; but seein' as they've been tryin' fer 'bout two thousand years
to fix this business, an' aint done nothin' yet, I think it's a mighty
good ide' to give the poor fellers a rest, and let the Christians try
it fer a spell.
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