The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-07-19
From the New York True Sun.
THE CLERGY-AN IMPORTANT HINT.


In Christian countries, the clergy must always be
an influential and numerous body. Their separa-
ton with but little excepon from secular pursuits
their being recognised as the ministers of a mystic
rious but not unrevealed Power, whose mighty en-
erges are everywhere seen in nature, and Of whose
character and designs these men commissioned
to speak, clothes them with sacredness of char
acter which commands respect. Throughout So
cety we see their influence, in the organization OF
the external system of religious worship, in their
constant mnstrations at the bapsma font, in their
prayers beside the sick-bed, and their exhortations
at the grave. ALL at stated periods, recognise their
services; all, in moments of anguish inclined to
yield them their confidence, and receive their coun-
sells
Though among them, at times, are seen ndivid-
uals who dishonor their calling, and are unworthy
of our respect yet the large body of these persons
are conscientious and devoted men, and their actual
condition in life is the best proof of their sincerity
tits ascertained, that, out of the cities in the Uni
ted States, the rural clergy do each receive,
an average, four hundred and fifty dollars year.
Let us, for moment, look at the career of a
country clergyman.
young man--one of large family of children,
perhaps-early discovers u marked sedateness OF
character. He is fond of study, and mngles but
slightly with those around him, who are devoted to
mirth and gayety.
1t is perceived that he has religious tendency;
and he conesses to his family that his thoughts are
in the direction of the church. His education is ac-
cordingy continued with that view. If his father
can afford it, he is pushed forward through cole
giate fe-often with the declaration in advance, that
the outlay will prevent him from participating in
any further share of the paternal estate. Some
times, this advance cannot be afforded and he
obtains his diploma through the aid of some found
alton at the university the result of the benevolence
of other days He passes through his theological
studies, and is at length ordained.
The hour has at last arrived. He is the accred-
tied minister of his Divine Master, and he looks
about him for the field, where, like the sower, he
may go forth to SOW.
And now what is his poson' He is poor and
friendless in this worlds opinion, though rich in
faith, in energy, and hope. At last, he finds
the opportunity of testing his abilities as cam
didate, happy if he meets with candid hearing. If
his health does not alter under the discipline
of study, he keeps in his chosen path, and finally
becomes the pastor of some village church, or the
guide of some remote and scattered flock of the in
terror.
The pursuit of wealth is cut off from him for ever
Ambition is not the ladder he may climb no worldly
elevation offers him its rich prize of fame and for
tune. All around him are busy and appear prosper
Gus; he alone stands a stranger amid the busy
crowd; and when he speaks to them, it is but to
warn, to exhort, to mplore; to hold up standard
which, in the nfnity of his nature even he cannot
reach and to utter the continual cry of wo! wo! to
those who will not be wise in this 'the day of their
visitaton.n
In this state of mind it is not singular that the
clergyman should seek some one share his ankle
ties, and to be the depose of his affection. He mar
ries and thus blessed even in his poverty che thanks
God and takes courage
But care comes, with even this tender connexion.
A young family springs up around him, and then
ties alternately overcome him with their bliss,
or sink him into the depths Of apprehension. His
small salary receives no increase; Often indeed, it is
not regularly paid, and, as each year rolls away,
fresh anxiees and dstresses arise to claim his at
tention. He struggles, he economises, he exerts
every faculty to improve his condition.; and yet has
but professional channel before him in which he
may move. He must not embark in trade or spec
uation; secular employmens are not for him; he
knows his Father in Heaven is merciful, and will
not forsake him; and yet he also knows that Attic
tons are not sent for naught and that those whom
the Master loves are thastened
He comes to this concusion--to do the best he can
and leave the event to Providence; and this is the
wsest teaching of philosophy, and the earnest man
date of religion. And in this condition Of mind,
we know that among the two thousand five hun
dred clergymen of this State, there many hun
dreds. We know of men of fine minds, and pro-
found scholarship, who supporting large families
on three or four hundred dollars year; and even
portion Of this sum is contributed by religious
and benevolent societies. But there is another trial
which the poor clergyman feels more deeply than
all the rest. He knows that when death comes to
him, as come it must, he will leave behind him.
probably in destituten and Distress the wife of his
youth, and the children Of his love. 1t is not in
the power of mortal to contemplate such an event
without sorrow. To be separated from our families
by death, even when they are protected by the
munments of wealth, is the bitterest infection OF
the great enemy, and the widow and the orphan
may well be broken-hearted when their stay and
and prop and hope on earth is gone.
We could relate many affecting incidents within
own personal knowledge, if it were proper, that
would melt the most obdurate heart.
But we will not trace any further this melancholy
picture Of individual suffering so strongly in con
trast with the aggregate power, influence, and i'm
portance of the class in which it may be found
Our object is to point out to the clergy mode Of
obviating this, their chief difficulty One of the re-
markable features of the day--one of the singular
providences.of AGES, that the very desire OF
men to make money compes them to have recourse
to good purposes as well as bad. Many Of our no
blest schemes are connected with the prospect of in.
come and Of wealth. Thus it is, that associations
bnvn Sr~."e II, lao usrve, upon the payment of ar
annual sum of money, to return to the representa-
tlves OF the person paying 1t, large sum in gross
II is termed "ife insurance." but might better be
termed the purchase of legacy to be paid at oul
decease. Most people are willing to toll for a long
life, and suffer every privation themselves if they
can but leave sum certain to their children. This
can actually be done, with but small sacrifice Of
means or comfort.
The clergy (of all other men) should awake to the
| advantages II offers them. They may see here a
leading of Providence in their favor, in the very fact
that such system of benevolence is now matured
among us. Let them at once purchase this inherit.
ance for their children by a small annual payment
out of their income, and at such Office as the Naut-
lus for example, in this city, where the sums they
| pay also make them stockholders, and entite them
TO share of the profits Of the institution! The in.
stalments they advance from year to year, in fact
become an increasing deposite for their own advan-
tage, as they can be used aferward to raise money
upon, or TO continue the annual payments, if their
future incomes should for a time be cut off.
But we trust the clergy will not be left sren 10 do
fhis for themselves. We propose that the ladies' OF
every religious congregation in this State and the
United States, should take this matter into their own
fair and ready hands. They are now foremost IN
all good works. They are the pastors best friends
and could they do all they wish, would shield him
from many a hitler hlast rIhc. d..s.,.a-