- end_line
- 6965
- extracted_at
- 2026-01-30T20:48:14.842Z
- extracted_by
- structure-extraction-lambda
- start_line
- 6941
- text
- succeeded in fastening their attention. In particular, the two great
vices to which sailors are most addicted, and which they practice to
the ruin of both body and soul; these things, were the most enlarged
upon. And several times on the docks, I have seen a robed clergyman
addressing a large audience of women collected from the notorious lanes
and alleys in the neighborhood.
Is not this as it ought to be? since the true calling of the reverend
clergy is like their divine Master’s;—not to bring the righteous, but
sinners to repentance. Did some of them leave the converted and
comfortable congregations, before whom they have ministered year after
year; and plunge at once, like St. Paul, into the infected centers and
hearts of vice: _then_ indeed, would they find a strong enemy to cope
with; and a victory gained over _him,_ would entitle them to a
conqueror’s wreath. Better to save one sinner from an obvious vice that
is destroying him, than to indoctrinate ten thousand saints. And as
from every corner, in Catholic towns, the shrines of Holy Mary and the
Child Jesus perpetually remind the commonest wayfarer of his heaven;
even so should Protestant pulpits be founded in the market-places, and
at street corners, where the men of God might be heard by all of His
children.
- title
- Chunk 3