The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-02-26
Clerical Danger.
BY W. W. HALL, NJ. D.

To preach sermon in cold room,
especially if the atmosphere in it be
damp, is suicidal-because the lungs
are warmed by the exercise of speaking,
and in that condition large quantities of
cold, moist air are taken through the
mouth and dashed in upon the lungs at
every sentence, the effect of which is like
applying a cold, wet cloth to a perSpiring
skin.
In attending funerals in the country,
or at private houses in towns, ministers
are often placed in dOorways or on stairs,
and are thus exposed to drafts Of cold
air. THESE, of course, chill the body,
and passing through the voice organs,
cause irritation and Inflammation, which
sometimes results in loss of voice for
life. The minister should be placed in
the corner of the room, as a general rule,
but not very near the fire.
One of the most eloquent and promis-
ing young clergymen in New England
had preached funeral discourse in a
private house. 1t was a cold, raw No
vember day, On going to the carriage
intended for him, he found that was al
ready filled, and not wishing to put others
to the trouble of changing their seats,
he took a place beside the driver, while
-7,77sszs,,:ts warm from the effort of speak
s Sos5 room. A piercing wind
was blowing, and in few minutes driz
ling rain began to fall, and before the
burial offices were over he became hoarse,
heavy cold followed which travelled
down to the lungs, and he died very soon
of throat all and consumption combined.
The effort necessary in conducting
church services warns the body much
above its natural temperature, and if in
this condition the speaker sits down with
out the protection of extra covering, the
body not only cools too rapidly, but the
effort of speaking having left it some
what weaker than usual, the circulation
is less vigorous, and less able to repel the
influence of cold. Thus it often happens
that before leaving the pulpit the clergy
gyman finds himself chilled, and days, if
not weeks of discomfort follow A man
can no more become used to cooling of
TOO quickly than his finger will get used
to being put into the fire, so that pain
does not result. Therefore they are wise
who will habitually take the easy precau-
ton of having an overcoat always at
hand, to throw over the shoulders the
moment sitting position is resumed,
even if they remained seated but FIVE
minutes. If the weather is at all cool,
or the building is not comfortably heat
ed, gloves should be drawn on the hands
also; for if they are uncovered, the heat
of the body is rapidly carried away by
the insensible perSpiration arising from
them. If the head is thinly covered with
hair, handkerchief should be thrown
over it.
Many a good mans life has been lost
by riding home after sermon, especial
ly if the atmosphere is damp and very
little air is stirring; while no such result
would have occurred if the speaker had
remained in the church ten or fifteen
minutes, to let the temperature of the
body gradually cool down to its proper
standard. The man who breaches while
he is hoarse may almost be called sui
eide, especially if every word be an effort,
and every sentence give pain. When it
is considered how many long years of
study it requires to prepare for the min
istry, and what large amount of money
is also expended, it is surely worth while
to take the precautions suggested, espe-
cially as the "harvest is plenteous, but
the laborers are few"