Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-11-02

What the Times call for, Of Priest and People.
The pastoral relation is quite as much affected as
any other by the. peculiar character of the times
through which we are passing. It is not that new
duties are suggested for that relation embraces al
ready the entire circle of human lfe but that the
old offices are now called for in changed proportions
Let US specify an instance or two Of these changes
The haste to be rich" which has always been
a crying evil in our land, and has always needed
rebuke, has swelled to such dimensions, has fast
ened itself on SO many hearts, has eaten deeply
entrusted with the care of souls may well feel that
all his energies are doubly tasked to meet and
resist it. His duty calls on him for singular plain.
ness of speech, not in set terms and general
defamation, but in distinct application to the sew
eral consciences of those of his charge who have
exposed themselves to this fearful peril How far
the evil can be checked in this way even, may
admit of doubt. Yet some may be saved by it
And there is no other way. To take this course
demands no slight degree Of courage, and no ordi'
nary share Of prudence. 1t may call for much
thought, involve much perplexity, require much
prayerfulness and watching; and he must now as
never before, think and watch and pray for the
misguided ones who are of his flock, lest what is
their great danger prove their ruin.
Again, our land is full of SORROW. 1t is IS IRA.
chael weeping for her children" hardly village
any where, which is not mourning for stout hearted
men gone down prematurely to the grave, hardly a
household through the length and breadth of the
land, whose spirits are not in heavness for fathers,
or sons, or brothers, whom this cruel war has taken
away frem their eyes forever. Then should all
priestly minstrations be marked by peculiar ten
derDess and depth of sympathy. Then should the
consultations of the Gospels Gods providence has
given them nearness of accessible brought near by
him, also, to the bowed and heart broken. Then
should he stand in his M ster's place, and lift up
the PROSTATE with his promises and mpart to "the
weary and heavy laden the strength and refresh
ment and grace which that Master has commission
ed him to give. In these days of trouble and afc-
tion when the strength of men is so plainly shown
to be but weakness and all earthly supports to be
only broken reeds the hearts of multtudes are turn
ing themselves in secret hope and prepartion to the
Lord, to find in Him that comfort and sustaining
power which their old reances can no longer give.
All such are to be sought out diligently and guided
with patient care in that way to which their own
clearly calling them to walk. Then too, there are
many who are in danger of being hardened by their
affection. They "refuse to be comforted." They
will see no kindness IN the hand that has smitten
them. They are almost ready to "curse God and
die" These, likewise, should be sought out and
taught more cheerful faith and better way
They should be especial objects Of the Pastors
and sympathy and labor, as being in q peculiar
peril for we believe that Christ, our Saviour, who
loves all men with divine love, looks also with q
singular compassion on those whom their misery
has made wsyvard. Let the Priest then, initiate
His heavenly pity and care for these as for sheep
gone astray.
Is not this time too, in which the Sacraments,
and particularly the Lords Supper, should be min
istered if not more frequently, certainly with more
earnest faith and solemn preparation? Should not
L. L. Al H.
been, and urged with affectionate Importantly to
make much Of what Christ bath so graciously insti
tuted for them, and gather from it the strengthen.
ing grace which in it He so freely givesf
So much may indicate the kind Of change the
changed aspect Of the times has wrought in the du-
ties Of the Clergy. We may instance the altered
duty of the Laity in point only, though in their
| case the changes are hardly less manifold. The
great body of them have very much increased their
all their former dreams of accumulation. Should not
the old proportion at least of this increase be given
into the treasury of the Lord housef Should not,
1t least in this if not in much larger measure the
| means be provided for the Church's benefactions
| Now as ever her institutions are to be maintained
her Clergy supported, the ignorant to be instructed
the poor to be relieved She must look to her lay
men for the means to do all this Surely the claims
of their duty caunot be satisfied by their giving q
! they gave in former times. Rather should Their
hearts be enlarged as their wealth has been enlarged
as the need for their gifts has become greater Tht
providence of God has given them an opportunity
Of showing. IS they have never before been able Il
show the generous impulses Of their nature, thsi'
gratitude to Him, their love for his cause. If they
prove unfaithful to this call which SO plainly III
makes on them, we may well fear that their added
riches will prove only . curse, and the unworthy
steward be stripped Of that imagined wealth which
he held so closely and would not use in his Master
ssrvica-GhurcA lntsllSgeaesr.
MK SrAMY on TIE EADAINsFRA7soE.-San Fran
cisco, Oct 11.-Edward Staniy, the Military Gov
ernor Of North Carolina publishes letter hvorin
Mcclellan and opposing the emancipation policy o
Lincolnb Administration. He expresses great kind
! ness personally for the Administration,