Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1847-11-10

the part Of professors Of religion is some
times cause of dimunition of ministerial
labor.
In order to success in his work, the Min
ister must not onl y receive the pecunary
aid of his brethren, but he must be sup
ported by their prayers, assisted by their
kindness and brotherly love, and aided in
his labors by prnmplness on their part, to
perform their respective duties. it some
times happens, that professors Of cigion
are so busiIy engaged in worldly matters,
they will scarcely atlenG The most public
minislratious cftheir pastors. Private meet
inss, for their especial benefit, are entirely
neglected. They and their families are
never prepared 10 receive, and Re benefit
ted by visits from their pastors. Hence
Ministers, too frequently, having to push
against wind and tide, both The opposition
OF the ungodly, and the almost worse indl-
ference Of professors Of religion, become
discouraged, and settle down 10 be driven
along by the current of events, concluding
10 abide The consequence.
Second,-How may these causes bo re-
moved?
l. A want Of zeal and proper energy
among Ministers, can be removed, only by
means similar to those commonly recon-
mended, for removing religious declension.
Such as earnest prayer, reading the Scrip
lures, cxhorting each other TO love good
works. &c. 1t is the privilege too, and duty
Of every professor of religion. 10 speak
plainly, but ahectionately, to his pastor,
or to other Ministers. respecting pastoral
duties. Let no ono suppose the Minister
has perfect right 10 point Quito his bre-
,hren their duty, and to reprove them for
not performing it, while they have no right
TO deal with him in similar way. 1t is
their right and they should use it. Let
Ministers then W ho are apt to lie remiss
in the performance Of duty, use the means
10 recommend TO others; and let christians
generally feel at liberty to srir.up such, 10
love and 10 good works; and this cause
will be removed.
9. Ii fewness of Ministers be cause Of
,les,ilution. this cause can be removed, on
Iy by increasing lhe number, There are
various ways Of doing this. Ministers who
are already in the field of labor, may, by
pursuing rlIe proper course, influence others
10 enter. Ii is their duty to watch, and
whenever they see one who they think is
designed for the work, to give him all the
encouragement possible. Private members
may, by using proper means, increase the
number of Ministery...1hey -,aEer- -4t,-11..raj5r
the Lord of the harvest, 10 send forth more
laborers.' The Lord of the harvest hav-
ing sont laborers. they are TO encourage
them, by giving Them labor to do, giving
them something for doing il, and praying
for success 10 attend their clloris. 1t is the
duty of private members too, TO find out,
and encourage by words, such as they may
suppose have impressions to become labor
crs. ff all, both Ministers and people were
to perform faithfully their respective du-
fies, fewncss of Ministers would mol long
remain cause of destiulion of ministerial
labor. Thc Lord Jesus has gifts for us,
and will besow Them, when we ask for
them. and conduct ourselves so as 10 be
worthy 10 receive them.
3. Lack ofminslerial support can be ro-
moved, only by more systematic, and
effective plan Of contributing to tho support
of Ministers.
The question will no doubt arise here
What system can bo adopted?
Wo would answer, by asking question.
What system do we adopt, with respect
To our school teachers, our physicians, our
public servants. in political affairs?
The answer is, we pay them in propor-
lion 10 their lahors, or the benefit o.! their
labors to US, as individuals, or communi-
ties. Now treat your public servants in
spiritual matters, in The same way. Pay
them in proportion 10 the amount Of the
value Of their labors. The great difficulty
is, we do not generally look upon The min
isIry as an occupation; while indeed, il is
not only distinct occupation, but Que OF
The most laborious, and responsible, tina,
man ever followed. ii seems 10 us, with
this fact in view, it is no. so very difficult
to determine, about what amount, amy labor
er in the gospel field should receive. But
some one will say to us probably; do
not sce how lack of ministerial support
eau induce fcwness Of ministers, as you
seem to think. For, | think if any one is
called, he will do what he can by way ol
preaching, &c., if lIo got nothing for it,
Ii is true ha, some love the cause of their
Redeemcr, and The souls Of their fellow len
so well, as 10 sacrifice almost every thing
like worldly comfort, 10 labor in the gospel
field. But suppose some Of those called
arc not quite so warm hearted; but thai
they are no more ready to make sacrifices
than their brethren around. them, who arc
Withholding from their Minister support
Is it at all surprising, that the same want
of a sense of duty, which keeps so many
christians from making small sacrifice
towards the support of Ministers, should
keep many, who feel impressed 10 engage
in The ministry, from making the trenen
dous sucrificc they must make, in doing
so Some will say no doubt; We want no
Ministers, that have so slight sense ol
duty, as uoi TO make any sacrifice, to labor
for Christ. and the good Of immortal souls.
Wo might say the same respecting pro-
fessors Of religion generally; and carrying