Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-02-05

To tho Editor Of tho Free Press and Tines
There is much in life that seems to be
mysterious. hard to account for on general
or definite principles. This Is especially
true in regard to man-his physical organi-
zation, his powers of vclition or will. BIS
actions and relations in life in fact there
hangs around man a mystery that as get Is
not fully solved. Man, in his natural or
unregeneratc state. often pursues q course
that looks singular to the regenerate, al
most unaccountable, except upon the gen
eral principle of the total 6eprayitY CT the
human race; while on the other hand the
professediy Christian man often woaves
labyrinth Of inconsistencies that, 10 the IN
generate is unacccuntable. except upon the
principle that either the man Is hypoerite
or religion is mere noorshine. These
two classes look one upon the other and wor-
der. But there is class OF men upon
whom all mankind may well look and study
to account for the course they pursue seek
after q solution by any known principle IN
the political OF religious world and yet
mystery it remains still. l refer TO reilrGd
clergymen. those who have ceased 70 be
pastors and become simply members OF the
church.
In company with young pastor l was
riding by the home CT one OF these men
when ne made this remark: - | VIII never
settle again over church that has an ex-
minister for one OF It's members | pom
dered Il moment and inquired low Is
that" Tie went on to state that this ex-
minister had caused him more trouble than
all else besides, watching continually 10
find an opportunity TO crIticise, 10 hnu
fault and 10 Illustrate his plans. ms
locke 4 mysterious. and thought Il must
be an isolated circumstance. but 4lttle
timn elapsed before ! found myself IN com
pany with another young pastor and IN con-
yer sation he said Zone Of the members OF
my church gives me much trou0!e-tries
my very soul" very naturally concluded
some one Of the Young members had been
drawn into temptation and had joined IN
card playing, dancing or had indGlged too
freely in the use of intoxicating drinks. or
was absenting himself or herself from
meeting. desecrating the Sabbath or 50 ne
thing OF that SOFT. | said " May / ak
who this troublesome member might be?'
said lie lis An aged retired minister.
lie seeks to block up my every effort any
question or suggestions N meeting CT Sab
bath School that may pg; or make. be
feels called upon 70 reply 10 10 q spirit the
opposite Of Christ's. he seems e court
controversy and IS always determined %
have the last word everywhere; and. add
ed the young pastor. " it has . depressing
influence upon meand at times 1 am almost
discouraged and often fear .will break up
the Sabbath school. and | actually dread
the covenant meetings, the unkindness Of
this man . 50 apparent. 1 listened 10
this recital a. to mysterious legend,
wholly At L loss % account Tor such con-
duct,-so unworthy IN aged disciple of
the Lord Jesus. actually neutTa.zing the
work Of the pastor. actually in the service
of Satan, really acting Ike au enemy Of
the cross of Christ. and his position en-
aiding him TO do more harM thaa one out
side Of the church. How sad tb.. he can
not sec himself as others SEQ hin How
sad. that - the sun Of Iii, lie seems 10 be
setting, should not love - s.row
flowers instead Of sLcrns ia that young
pastors pathway. staying 40 bus BANDS o.
Aaron and !lar s.aycd A. tae bands OF
Moses T..