Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-05-14

The New York Methodist complains tna'
great numbers of hitherto consistent cnur'n
members have separated themselves IRON,
active church duties, and by indifference anu
Iuattentlon to religious matters have vir'u-
ally placed themselves tout of the church,
and are lost to II for all useful purposes.
There Ia doubtless vast deal OF truth u
the s,s,ements of the Methodist, and as there
ia never an eject without cause, would II
not be well for some OF the churches thus
complaining 10 inquire why 80 sad conul-
ton of things exists. 1t is well enough 10
scold, but scolding will not remove Tue
difficulty nor satisfy the inquiry. the
MetAodist mentions several alleged reasons
why so many people abandon their seats IN
the church, but among them we do not nnu
mentioned surprise parties" " gut conf
panies,n "sociable gatherings and so on
ct the minister's house. Whether ne &c
sIrcs to be so or not, by the very nature OF
things the minister is often under special
obligations TO those who figure most nroul-
nently in the foreground at these gaihef-
ings; and frequently the sensibililies OF Inc
humber members of the congregation whose
ability is not equal to their will to go and do
likewise, are wounded, and they feel and can
realize the fact that they are not so wei careu
for or so frequently visited or noticed by the
pastor, as II they had been as liberal as some
OF their more fortunate brethren.
Every now and then we hear good church
men and ardent christians deprecate thii
whole system of giving presents to INT
preacher, and look upon 1t as growing evi
of the tune, strongly calculated TO produc'
seriously unfortunate results. May not II
- some of these very results be found the paren
0 of the cause of the complaints Of the Metho
q dist We hold that Preacher, like an.
other professional gentleman, should b
u amply remunerated for his services. But
% should not be done in the way OF aim
t. giving or charity. 1t should be met by a
adequate salary, toward the payment /
W which all the members of the church migi
'f- contribute their proper and just share.
ie It were established as a fixed rule wit
III churches and congregations that they wou
nav fair and living salary TO their mini
ID tiers, and that the acceptance by them
ni' any donations from surprise or other Sc
on organized parties unknown 10 church
ga thority, would be displeasiug and ofiensi
to the membership, we think 1t would be
Gu first and long step taken in the direction oil
lss healthy reform In church beneyolence, al
per tend to diminish rapidly the number OF p'
VII sons who. AZ the Methodist truthiully asser
are tout of the church" A dispositions
ers aud candid glance at this matter in its pr
Of emit aspect, will, we think, reveal the fact Il
OIL In this one particular, at least the church
10 out oil its place quite as practically and ell
The tually as the people are out of the church.
This whole subject-with its various k
ssia bred lopics-is fruitful of suggestion to b'
hat preacher and people. When the minister
ven congregation suffers himself 10 beco
ling the especial iavorite or pet of any particu
and nersons or CLIQUE in his charge, by reason
the their ability to bestow upon him costly 6
and frequent donations Of money, mer
because lie is their minister, that moment
.;s impairs his usefulness to his entire flo
- and lays himself open to harsh critic
o,,. and unknd remarks from those whose at
800 ton and confidence be should enjoy as Il
80 spiritual counsellor and friend.
AZ We repeat, therefore, pastors sal
.asa should be large enough to place him hey
49,. the reach of such influences and go EN-
~. 80 him to maintain the proper dignity and
dependence Of his holy calling.