The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-10-09

4
undertake preaching as last resource. A
number Of them, it may be said, were pro-
1 Tossing Christians, but the main principles
of action are the same in all men. Like the
rest of mankind, whether christians or unbe
LEVERS they pursued their former trades and
occupations for the sake ofinterest, but they
undertake the business of preaching, and
10 sudden transformation is effected;
henceforth as they inform US their ruling mo-
tives are piety and pure benevolence. 1t
appears then that the clergy have strong
temptations TO hypocrisy and having siron-
ger inducemc than others to make false
profession of religion, they have less roal
piety than other professors How many free
thinkers there are among them they never
will inform US. Without doubt the number
is respectable.
There is however no necessity Of reason
ing from general principles to expose the
true character of the clergy. Consider their
actual conduct Does it correspond with
their high pretensons? Does not public
opinion regulate their outward pety? Is il
not the fact that their religious services are
sold to the highest bidders' Can it be de-
fnicd that their prayers and exhortations are
Lssways brought to the best market?- We may
say ofthe priests of our country in the words
4 Of Micah when he denounced the priests and
4 prophets Of Judea "The priests thereof teach
for hire, and the prophets Msreof div,ne. .jo'
money yet ,0iu they lean upon the Lord and
say is not The Lord among us ? none eril can
come upon us."--It appears then both from
'lgeneral reasoning and from actual observa-
tion that the occupation Of the clergy is q
mere trade.
\ 1t may be argued that the clerical occu-
patton, although mercenary employment,
is yet a learned profession, but it hardly de-
serves to be ranked as high as trade. A
Mechanical trade requires its apprenticeship,
and the professions oflaw and medicine can
be acquired only by long course of study
tut how can that employment be termed a
3professlon, which every person accustomed
to the use ofbis pen, or to puplic speeking is
fully qualified to undertake at weeks no.
rltice. Thus an employment far more adsan-
ia geous than most others, is freely open to
'teyery needy adventurer. II is virtually said
to him: "In return for a handsome support
we merely require you to talk to us. Nc
species Of composition is more easy than
1thst 6f prayers and religious discourses; and
fths p0eltcal grandeur of the subjects give
taoms sPpearance to the most insignificant
Any iiteratc youth who can deelaim with
empty volubi!ity on religious subjects, and
who wishes to display his powers and to be
well paid for it. is forthwith termed an eJo-
quent preacher. But not even this degree
of talent is necessary. Two sleepy sermons
per week inmost cases answer every purpose.
IN the clerical occupation, talent commands
"a high salary, but duness obtains a good
support
L But notwithstanding the slight acquire
ments OF the clergy. their mercenary motives,
and the injurious effect Of their employment,
the trade of preaching CO Iinues to flourish
in every quarter and even our own fair
townis coon to be ornamented fas the ex-
preston s) with three large edifces not tenn
/ pies of the deity, bat mere workshops OF
priests. The exertions of the clergy benefit
themselves only. The vast sums of money
raised by their influence and so often trum-
! pcted forth to the world are chiefly given as
wages to part Of their own number. The
remaining sum is expended to improve their
trade.
The influence Of the clergy results not
from the religious feelings of mankind, but
i merely from their slavish fear of future pun
y shment. itwas the prevalence of this selfish
e ear that gave the Church Of Rome her nflu-
$ nee. BY this she ruled and pundered Eu-
/. cpe and bumbled The pride Of the haughtiest
. nonarchs BY this she led every one to keep
n ter obssrvances and 10 practice her cere-
!. Monies with reverenlial awe depressing the
minds Of men in the post vile and timid SUI
Iersttion. Itappssik then that inthose ages
the fear Of torment in future state had a
most powerful influence, in fact 1t was often
sufficient to convulse empires. But in our
days the dread Of futurity 10 comparatively
powerless. The morning has dawrel upon
US. The black darkness of mental night is
diminished to mere twilight Of horror.
There exists mere calm speculative belief