The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1872-01-16

"DEACoNS. ALLOW me space Tor
few words respecting Rev Mr.. Murray's
lecture on this subject. We are led to
this request because Of most iusinuating
thrust recently dealt it by the Congre-
gationalist. Having listened to the lect-
ure we were not little surprised to find
it so slightingly referred to by that pa
per. We failed to see wherein it was so
greatly at fault. At first reverence for
the authority of 30 grave periodical led
us to attribute our inability to some abb
erraton of heart or head; but we found
that others experienced Il similar difficult
ty for the lecture has been most gracious.
ly received nil through New England.
1t has II popularity so great that the au-
thor would have to deliver it every night
until june next in order to answer the
demand 1t has been listened to with
great favor in the principal towns and cit
les Of so conservative a state MS New
Hampshire. Nor is this all. 4 promi.
nent Doctor of Divinity in that State
pledged himself to secure the signatures
of all the New Hampshire pastors to a
petition requesting that the lecture might
be published for circulation among tho
churches. This enthusiastic admiration
in such high places cannot be without
foundation. 1t is justified by the literary
merit Of the performance. Ia this re-
spect it is certainly unsurpassed during
the present season. Its originality Of de-
sign and picturesque execution is decide
ly grand.
But it has practical worth. IL aims
to remove 4 source OF great embarrass
ment to the advance of religion This is
the chief point Of attack on the lecturer
lie is accused of ministerial improprety
But the charge is not well founded. No
body in position to know the facts will
venture the existence of the evil denour.
ccd. Where is the pastor who has moi
encountered deacon Slow-upY" lie is
unfortunately the "senior deacon" in toe
many churches to-day. lie hangs sc
much lead on every religious enterprise
He is Mortified by the proposal of any
measure calculated to open new channel:
Of endeavor. Sabbath school activities
must never rise above the sepulchra
strain Of "hark from the tombs dolefu
: sound" His prayer is so thoroughly
stereotyped that the people know it with
ont going to the Friday evening meet.
ing.
Then as regards "Deacon Sharp face, ;
what pastors heart has not been wound
ed by the cruel edgo Of his severity? Al
honest reply would show but precious
few. These different types of deacon,
are sprinkled through all the churches
They invariably unite in the common pur.
pose of embarrassing their pastor They
settle and unsettle the minister at theil
pleasure and have come to regard that
parsonage us only fulfilling his mission
when he conforms in word aud action tC
; their behest. This is one unfortunate
tendency Of the Congregational polity
Unless il is curbed anu the chief director
ship be fully surrendered to the pastoral
office, Congregationalism will prove sui
cidal.
Now in view Of so serious result ough
not somebody to come boldly forward ant
publicly utter his protest? Who theI
is SO well prepared to speak the unvarn
ished truth in this matter as pastor
This is what Rev. Mr.. Murray has done
If his words are needed and greater car,
taken in the selection of those sent to tn,
: help of the ministerial office urtold gooc
will have been accomplished.
"But the lecturer is at fault in hi
method of correction. lie makes Deacon
, 'Slow-up' and 'Sharp-face' objects o
, laughter" Wel,what if he does? Tha
ls often the speediest cure for certain evils
Besides it is scriptural. This was Iii
f jah's method Of curing Israel Of ldolatr,
in the days Of Ahab. Observe also tina
there is a current of charity prevadiuI
, the lecture Oh "Deacons." Brother
"Slow-up" and "Sharp-iace" are both fin
all y admitted ito the beforehand. TheI
it is most beautifully shown that all dea
cons are not fashioned after their order
The church has It's "Deacon Good d-heart.
Hence the critics are mistaken when the,
, pronounce the lecture crusade agains
the deaconate. 1t is not. Tho presenc,
, of noble deacoDs in many churches is mos
generously recognized. CASDoR.