The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1857-10-17
Appreciation of Pulpit Talent.

hpplCCldIlOn VI i ulplC AoANh'
There is an article in the last Methodist
Christian Advocate of New York, on the
relative appreciation of pulpit talent IN En-
gland and America. We thought at first
of copying the article, but its laudations OF
certain American preachers are so utterly
extravaganza that we gave up that design.
Of one American minister, it says, for ex-
ample, that he is a man "of infinitely more
talent" than Mr.. Sturgeon; of another, SIT
he were to appear in London, we doubt not
there would quickly be stampede from
Surgeons tabernacle; and of still another,
that "he layishes diseourses which sanhe-
drim of angels might listen to with admira-
ton, on a house half filed every Sunday
morning" The force of nature cannot go
much further than that last gentleman, and
we can only regret that the angels are in
advance of men in approaching American
eloquence.
There is an idea, however, in all this ex-
travagance, one that has long been slum-
bering, perhaps, in many minds. 1t relates
to the methods of appreciation in England
and America, of pulpit powers. If we are
not mistaken, there is heartiness of &C
acknowledgement of talent in England, for
which we look in vain in America. AS the
Advocate remarks in its peculiar style, ''cri-
ticism, congratulations complimentary meet
ings, and public breakfasts or teas are
understood only in England" 1t is OF a
similar nature to the applause in Parlia-
ment, and at public religious and philanthro-
pic meetings. The matter is organized and
understood.
We have two suggestions. The first is,
whether the English method be not more
honest than ours. Why attempt to conceal
palpable fact? Why not rejoice to-
gether when Providence has given man
power to do good? Was there ever peo-
pie before, in the history of the world, who
pursued our methodl Is it not Il kind of
hypocrisy?
The second suggestions is, that men great
" need encoura cement. Not one minister
in hundred in America but is thrown main
" upon tbe-supports of religion and. his ma
tive manliness alone, for support III the
most arduous Of all professions. The clergy
faint by the way for the want Of approving
and cheering voices. We know that there
is danger of feeding vanity, but we think
few.men are less tempted to it than the Anne
rican clergy. What rewards have theyS
VIGOROUSLY theirs is an impoverishing pro-
fession. A man has only to preach long
enough to lose what property he may inherit
If he keeps clear of debt, and manage to
exist, he is considered by his brethren as a
case for congratulation. Worldly office is
very properly shut out by public opinion in
America from the clergy. We need not say
that in both these respects America differs
from almost the whole world. If literary
distinction be conferred, it is by solitary
labor it is deserved, and in solitude it is re-
ceived. There is so little social organiza,
ton in America, that the minister is left tc
plod his weary way. except III so far as he
can be cheered by the company of his family
and his brethren, and an occasional visit tc
or from parishoner.
1t is the opinion of wise men that to sue
coed in profession, one must take pleasure
IN 1T. Our fear is, that IN America the pro-
fession of the ministry is made unnecessary
ly repalsive. Mere labor, or mere suffering,
or mere privation, is not unattractive to ar
dent minds. Our young men are ready
enough to enter the army or navy, or to
rush to CaIfo : 1rdeed., with many d
them,
! The dangers self is lure alone.
But it is in human nature when toll ha
been endured, and danger has been passed
and sacrifices cheerfully undergone for I
=, great cause, to wish to be cheercd by thu
! appreciation of ones fellow countrymen o.
fellow Christians. But how know this, j
. there be no manifestation Of it?
We confess to have felt very sad when We
{ have noticed the treatment received by some
of our noble missionaries OH their return t.
their native land, broken in health by sacri
: fees for their Master. We have looked will
= positive pain at some venerable servant o.
Christ, who has faithfully and eloquently
> and wisely served the Church at home fol
nearly half a century. So far from honor
ing these men, the Church does not give
them food and raiment. For one minister
, petted and pampered into vanity and ego
; tism in America, twenty struggle in silence
and fall dead, without groan, in the har'
ness. But we are growing melancholy, and
, so pause.-American Presbyterian.