Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-11-07
TIE L d G. R A p Eo
BRANDON, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1888.


pecially the subject of which it treats, does the
merits of the subject itself-to the attention of
churches in general in Vermont. g.
For The Vermont telegraph.
FREQUENT REMOVAL OF MINISTER'S.
BROTHER MURRAY: | have often, of late.
heard complaint Of the frequent removal of
ministers. Says one, ministers, nova
days, settle, and stay jist long enough to be-
come acquainted with their people, and be-
gin to be useful, and then away they go,
somewhere else." This is too true. The
fact is TO be lamented. And ministers, no
doubt, are often to be blamed for so doing !;
there being no just cause for such removal.
But, the blame is notalways theirs. Church
es are not all clear in this matter. A minis
ter removes to a church with view of stay
ing with them. The church promises we'll,
both as to the amount of salary, and the
time Of paying it-perhaps three, four, or
five hundred dollars year-to be paid quar-
'ery or semi-annually. He commences la
Dor, fully believing the church will punctu-
ally fulfil. He contracts necessary debts
for the support Of his family, making prom
Uses of payment, corresponding with those
made TO him. The first qnarter expires, and
a few scattering dollars only have been paid.
Nothing is said, and the second quarter pass
IS in the same way. The minister begins
10 wish that the good deacons would do as
much as to ask him if he was needy that
would be some relief, tc know that the church
81 promises were noi wholly forgotten. But he
wishes in vain, even for this. Finally the
year is gone, and the minister has received,
by piece-meal, the amount Of one quarter,
perhaps half his salary. The church are
anxious he should remain, and similar
promise is made Tor another year. The first
Gpartcr Of the second year soon passes, and
the minister has received, perhaps half the
back arrearares, and little butter and
cheese, aud a bushel or two Of gram, towards
the second years salary; together with a
very acceptable hint from the committee, that
something shall soon be dune about collect
ing. This year rolls on, and brings only the
scenes Of the first The minister becomes
a little discouraged, but, by earnest entreaiy
concludes to try it again.
But, perhaps you will begin to inquire
What has he done with his debts TO the mel
liant, blacksmith, shoemaker, &C., by thl
fme. Ianswer, if he is punctual man )
Il he regards his promise, his credit, or TIL
eause Of God, he has been TO his creditors
BE expiration Of his promise to pay, and ha
setted with them and given his note on an
tereSt. "But," you continue, show can h
bay these notes under such circumstances :?
That is hard question for he not only ha
she interest TO pay, but if he receives hi
pay at all, he gets it dollar at time jus
bout as fast as he needs to pay it out f
looks and stationery. Every man who hf
lad the trial, knows how hard it is to pa
hrge debts with such small sums, receive
% such different times. But this is not a
t often happens that after so long delay
subscriptions are not collectable. Son
ave died-some have moved away, ar
oihers think it has been so long since thu
subscribed, that they must have paid alth
hey cannot tell how, when, or where.
Hence, somebody must lose, and as /,
ehurch has not adopted the scripture cour
of supporting the gospel by equality, benz
elent brother or two gives five dollar b
md the minister must lose the rest. Q
spinister, with whom am acquainted, a
Tho has just left his people, lost, am to
rom thirty to fifty dollars annually, Of
Dry o. less than four hundred dollars, in 4
Hay.
Meanwhile, the church wonders their m
ster IS not more spiritual and lively in
preaching,-wonder he don't feel grea
interest for the church, and above all, W
Ter he should think Of leaving them. BIZ
here is cause of wonder, it is that he
Preach at all, or that he should think of 81
q with them more thar one year, at m
ersalnly, this is longer than farmer &C
pect to retain laborer, under such circ
Htances.
Ane frequent removal Of ministers, is
zen charged to desire for larger sal;
anu ai'noush this, NO doubt, is often
case sometimes from necessity. to NEE,
growing wants Of his family, and some,i
from other and less worthy motives. $,
venture to say, and not withou, reason
THAT four out Of Eve removals are 6,