True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-01-28
MY ADVICE.

The chnrch at Willowvile was noted
for its frequent change Of pastors. No
one had continued his services beyond
three years, and several had left at the
end Of the first Whether they were
has lily settled, or had received their call
after a months trial, it made very little
difference in the duration of their labors.
By some process, not understood by all,
no less than seven had. within fifteen
years, commenced and ended there brief
pastorate. The church had three dea-
cons, two of whom were quiet, godly
men, easily satisfied with good minis
ter, and prompt 10 co operate with him
in his spiritual work. The third was a
man Of more pecuniary ability, and had
more influence, of certain kind. than
his associates and though he began well
with every pastor, yet in no case did he
end well. He was the means, directly
or indirectly, of the removal of the whole
seven. The majority oil the church were
often grieved by his management; but
his subscription was the largest, and apart
from it they saw not how they could
"support the Gospel" His custom was
to converse with others, and get up, in
the minds of respectable number, the
conviction that the minister they had was
not "the man" for them. BY thus work
ing underneath, he accomplished his OBJ
iect without being known as the princi
pal agent.
After The seventh had been dislodged
and had left with wounded feelings, more
than year elapsed before the vacancy
could be filled. Several were invited, bu
were unwilling to venture into 6elt
from which SO many had been virtually
elected. At length, young man, fresl
from his studies, was found disposed t.
accept The position so often vacated, will
the confidence that he could retain it. A
: council mel to ordain him but some o
The members, especially the ministers
hesitaled. They thought very highly o
the young man, but they feared to sane
tion his connection with that church, les
he should be treated i'll the same manne
; as his predecessors. The Rev. Mr.
had been previously requested to ad
dress the church and congregation" and
having come prepared for that service, h
, said privately to his hesilating brethren
that he desired the opportunity 10 Civ
a certain deacon and company some plail
, talk"
; The ordination services were perform
ed according to the programme. A, ,h
conclusion came the address, from wbicl
the following is an extract:
Though l am comparatively youn
man, this is the fifth time that | have bee
5 here to assist in the settlement Of pastors
Allow me to hope that this may be tn
P last. 1t is well understood, in oil thi
1 region, that your ministers have bee
!. successiveIy driven away by small mi
j nority of malcon,ents, and by secrt
management, in which no good Chrislia
| can participate. Your reputation for fai
: ness and honesty is suffering. Wit
r much solicitude and many misgivings, W
e recognize this young brother as your pas
e TOR. We have not ordained him 0
e wheels, but as a fixture. Now my advic
n to the few who have unsettled so man
r pastors, is simply this: When you wal
h another change, sell out yourselves, an
1t remove, and let him stay as long as Ii
= majority desire his services"
= This was regarded as "plain talk
h but i, cured the evil, and that pastor HI
o not yet been disturbed. .-Watchman an
it Reflector.