The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-11-18
PASTORAL CHANGES.

The extraordinary trials through which our
churches are passing lead to many changes
among ourpaStors. Nota few leave their fields
of labor because they are not fully supported.
Sometimes this reaches point of hardship
where it Is a matter of ReeeSSity-which knows
no law. Brethren cannot starve.
But may there not be sometimes a prema
ture anxiety on the part of excellent pastors
TO get away from hard lot? Far be it from
US TO dogmatize, or TO sit in judgment upon
Others All We mean to urge is that brethren
are likely, under existing circumstances, to
make changes which they themselves may soon
regret. We know that some who have tried
the e. pertinent already wish they had remain
ed where they were. These are times when
congregations, on the one hand, should De en-
treated to deal generously by their pastors; to
pay them all the salary they can In money, and
make systematic arrangements by which such
supplies shall reach them as shall make want
90 smiling from their door" That congrega-
ton must be desperately poor that cannot keep
a pastor and his family from want. Any TWEEN
ty or even ten families in any tolerable cireum-
stances could, among them, support one other
family. Why can they not do that much for
pastor, when in truth it is only so much done
towards supporting themselves 2 For they pro-
tess 10 believe that the maintenance of gospel
ordinances is of vital importance to themselves
their families, and to the whole community.
On the other hand, it should be eheerfully
recognized as the duty of pastors to put them
selves fully into sympathy with their people,
willingly to share their burdens and be COM
forters and guides in their Affections. Plain
living, a thorough economy pervading the
whole scheme of expenditures, can effect much.
If need be, let them not hesitate to supply
as far as practicable their own wants. Paul
did not become SecHldrized when he said to the
EldersOf EphesuS-" Ye yourselves know that
these hands have ministered to my neeeSsi-
ties. To do this "fr filthy lucre's sake, !"
would be a disgrace; to do it for Christ sake,
and the Gospels sake, is a self denial which
the Master will honor in the final day, and
which his Church-his people here below
should recognize as an act worthy of his own
holy cause. Mutual sympathy in lively exer-
else between pastors and people, will do meal
eulable good in binding them one to another.
Bearing one anOther's burdens is fulfilling
90 the law of Christ.
In saying here that throughout the bounds
of our Church its ministry can be pointed to
for examples of selfdenial which ought to
commend themselves to every mans conscience
in the sight of God, 1--WE speak that we do
know, and testify that which we have seen. -
Wherever found they stand as a witness for
the fidelity OF true hearted men,-the bright
est ornaments of the Church, --brethr n who
are willing to endure hardness as good sol
diers of Jesus Christ" Men cannot recon-
penSe them, but the Lord will reeompense
in the resurrection of the just.
Some of the changes among pastors are, of
course, brought about by causes always in OPP
Grafton. Such is the dissolution of the rela-
ton between Rev. Dr. Moore and the LIST Pres
byterian Church of this city, full account of
which is to be found in this paper. We make
no apology for the space it is made to occupy.
There are sentiments and feelings expressed on
such occasions which it is profitable to read
thoughts suggested by the severance of such
long and sacred ties which it would be useful
to ponder.