A Critique of Preachers' Neglect of Practical Reform

What are the signs which indicate in our preachers the 'twice told tale' in the homily? It is when the power of energy is seen to be dissipated; when it is found an effort to get through what was once a cheerful task; when what was once found comparatively easy is beginning to be a trial. Now what a pity so much talent and energy should be thrown away, tilting against the old, crumbling walls of ancient theology, when the environment of Puget Sound's metropolis calls so loudly for the suppression of grievances of practical moment to her present and future well-being. For instance, her wretched sanitary condition—how to improve that, so that the town be protected from small-pox, now raging in San Francisco and the principal cities of California. Or the recent visitation of diphtheria. Or how to build up Seattle's wharves without the 'jobbery' that is on foot, at least on the part of the stake-holders in the ring. Or how to reduce the number of Seattle's whiskey saloons, those crumbling houses and dens of infamy. These are subjects that attract the notice of every stranger that stays over night in the city, as well as every good citizen of the place. But these reverend gentlemen have got their mental proboscis tilted in fair heavenward, and are looking so far into the future state, that they don't seem to see evils at their own doors. If this clerical talent could be diverted, just a little, from the unknown and much debated future, and be induced to grapple with the practical ills of today, this very time, generation and hour, they would be rendering some practical service to their fellow men.