The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-03-19
FALLEN CLERGYMAN.

FALLEN CGEhG1 HAN
Under this heading the Daily Ns'Os, of
Lynchburg, Va, offers some remarks SO just
and timely, that we take pleasure in trans,
ferriDg them to our columns. The partiEan
journal to which it administers a proper re-
buke, while dealing thus with the Christian
Church, can readily defend or gloss over any
amount of corruption in its party, though
case after case has recently been publicly
held up to the scorn of the world and the
disgrace of the country. If the party in
power had been as faithful in dealing with
those who have acted this shameful "wick
edness in high places" as the Baltimore
Conference with DR.. Huston, it would not
have injured its reputation in the least,
There are few remarks worthy of con-
sideratiOn connected with the cases of fallen
clergymen. 0ae is that, compared with the
whole number in this country, such cases
are very few-fewer than in any other coun,
try in the world. This is testimony TO
what is undoubtedly the fact, that there is
no part of the world where the ministers OF
the gospel are more distinguished for the
purity of their lives.
Another is, that nowhere has discipline
been more promptly and faithfully applied.
We have never heard even complaint that
there was any disposition in any Protestant
church TO shelter an offending, minister, ex.
cept in the cases of Bishop OnderdOnk OF
New York, who was, however, deposed; and
in the case of Bishop Dame of New Jersey,
who was not.
A third remark is, that while such cases
of failing away" are deeply to be lamented
by all people of right feelings, none but
those who are themselves 'men of cOrrupt
minds will ever speak of them after the
fashion of the Baltimore american and some
others. When such comments appear, they
always remind one of a certain unlovely bird
| Though perhaps the comparison is hardly
fair to the buzzard) who never whets hi
beak with keener relish than over some
sheep that is weak and sickly, and who would
not give one poor dead calf for all the beau
tiful cattle upon thousand hills" The
rebuke of the Lynchburg News is rightly
given.
The Baltimore american is in high feather at
/ present over the number OF clergymen who have
/ been alraigned larely in Baltimore Tor immoral
conduct. 1t seems. that the Southern Methodist
Conference lately IN session IN that city, has thT
one overheard, and the American gleeiusy aasici
pates that another will follow. Not satisfied with
this plentiful banquet of shame, 1t relates with Its
mouth watering like g0sslpplDg old village crone,
/ that another Baltimore Clergyman, name not given,
IS suspected OF evil practices. Ii won't say that
the charge is true,-oh, no but IL hopes Tor the
BEST As il all this were not enough, 1t Sleeps Its
| adutery-Seeking vision round the horizon OF the
whole United States, and mentions the names oil
divers and Sundry clergymen, Of various denomI-
nations who have been dismissed IRON the Church
Tor immortality. Well, what should the Church
do2 keep them in their places, as ii the Church
we're a radical newspaper office, and had neither
power nor inclination TO turn out people ior c0rrup
tion and rascalty? or does the AReericdR mean 10
charge that the clergy generally are bad men, be-
cause there are some black sheep 10 the flock ?
Are there no genuine notes In circulation because
there are some eounterfeltS? and would it be right
to say Of the whole newspaper press, because there
are such journals IN existence as the Baltimore
/ american, that It panOers TO sewd, sensual, and
deylisn appettes; that It ills ITS columns with 10
deceneies which the respectable members Of It's
own party do not wish to be seen by their house.
holds; that it is q eOrrupter Of society and an
enemy Of virtue?
As to the morality of ceFgymen in general, no
one can question 1t VINO Is not either IgnoTamus
an in6del fanatic, or who does not jldge others oy
the standard OF the vile passions IN mis- own IN.
clean heart We are aware that maH is but a
man after all, IN whatever station he may be, and
that clergyman or not, his daily prayer should be
/ lead Us not into temptation, aud that he should
act 10 accordance with that prayer and avoid the
very appearance OF evil Stall, as We cannot have
angels come down from Heaven to preach to Us
every Sunday, aud If We to have any ministra
ZION at our affairs az all, 1t must be by mortal men,
we need not expect perfection. The best that can
I be done tor every one contemplating the ministry
Is TO examine thoroughly his temperament and
moral quantities before entering It, AID then II these
are satisfactory do the bts. he can, striving to in
| prove himself and his people In virtue, and ever
bearing Ia nina the hOrubis crime anu fearful pen.
atty OF acting the volt IN sheep clothing.