Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-12-08

/
IL may be ministers piH be hired By the
aOeek or month; most certainly they are
now hired By the quarter, which is nearly
akin. <-.s.s ...c
| 7. Ministers mag be superJfcidl-not
calculated to fulfil the expectation, which
had been raised by their FIRST effort L may
not always be best to hold out an exterior
which equals our ordinary efforts, so that at
least we shall avoid being considered super
fetal. Some men, for once or twice, or ev
en- a number of times, may succeed well &
excite much interest, but can not hold o1,.-.
Much evil is done by men extending them
selves and showing off their great ability or
learning at the onset. Pity that all did not
know enough not to pretend to great learn
ing or splendid talents. Much modification
to themselves and disaPpointmentto church
es would be prevented, and there would be
no occasion to say, 'this man began 10 build
and was not able to finish
s. Ministers may be looking out for am
portant posts or places of Distinction
Paul said covet the best gifts, not the great
est places. Men who are ambitious Of high
posts are for the most part always uneasy,
and never al home. Consequently whenev-
err there is vacancy in an important place,
! thew must visit it and show of their talents
as a kind Of bait for a call. Whenever
move of this kind is discovered by the
church, with which such a minister has the
misfortune TO be Connected; they will feel
that his labors will be Of bat little use; and
| he must soon take up his line of march and
travel on. -~r~@
9. ministers may betoo 1rorIdIy or Hce
TOO loosely. Every minister should take
care of his family, if he has one; but to
leave his proper work and follow after the
loaves and fishes, will destroy his interest &
efficiency in his holy calling. Again, min
listers should exemplhy what they preach
Some men. and ministers as we'll as others,
are TOO light and vain. Scarcely greater
curse can fall upon church and society,
than a vain or testing minister. Be So
ber,' should be constantly before every mes
senger Of truth. II is too often said, he
breaches we'll, but is as much Of boy as
any Of US, for he can laugh, tell stories and
crack Joke, as we'll as our best Such
man, if be has an intelligent congregation,
or spiritual church, must and ought soon
to teare, and a blessing it is when he
breaches his farewell sermon.
Many things nigh; be written, as contrib
citing 20 the permanency and efficiency of
the pastoral relation and character; but let
the following suffice at present:
l. Let churches be satisfied Of a mans
qualifications and character as a christian &;
minister.
2. Let them regard him as Gods mes
senger, and representative, providentially
sent 10 their aid.
8 Let them be willing to hear the whole
truth, on every subject that involves the
present, or future good Of man, or the glory
of God.
, 4. Let them be punctual and liberal in the
= support of their pastor.
5. Ministers should bear some things ant
forgive others.
> 6. Be faithful to God, and the Church.
-, 7. Be willing to wait the Ieadings O
Providence, before they look out for a high
g err place.
a 8. Treat all with true christian simplici
u ty and affection.
Y g. Cultivate union, so far as truth will ad
NIT.
TO- Act for Gods glory in all things.
These are a few plain and simple hint:
- which may do good if rightly improved )
- but like every other direction useless, ur
less carried into practice. And if the lea:
good may result from the above remark
IF the writer will be amply rewarded TIL
81 subject is important. 1t affects the who
o. Zion Of God-ninisters and people.
lie Yours, A. il.