The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-10

With that portion of Protestant sects in
which the clergy believe they have "calls
to preach, it is noticeable fact that the
loudest call is always the one having the
largest salary. And in this way the big
cities and wealthy congregations secure the
most talented preachers and leave the
small towns and weak societies with those
of lesser ability Other denominations,
like the Meth odists, the Catholics, etc.,
assign their clergymen where they think
best, instead of leaving them to be called
here and there as salary or other whims
mas dictate. The tendency in all co0n-
tries in towards Capitalization. Thus we
find the most talented professional men,
editors, lawyers, doctors, scientists, etc.,
and business men also, concentrating in
the big cities.
We are net disposed to censure Mr.
Mabie-though the world is apt to say
that, In his profession, the salary should
not be considered at all, 1t is easy enough
TO make ones self believe that he can do
more good for the cause, and all that sort
of thing; but would clergyman reason
himself into that mode of thinking if the
salary where he is called was to be less
than that where he is la boring? We
havn't any very strong faith in "calls'
| from low salary to higher one as being
of divine origin.
We are sorry to lose Mr.. Mabie from
the town. He is good man. is much
liked, and 10 talent above the average of
preachers we have had in Rock Island.
The Baptist society has prospered under
his care, and the members of his church
are really panied to know that he is to
leave. Sunday, at the close of his sermon,
he read his letter of resignation. The
anxious looks of his people. and many
weeping eyes told in what estimation he
! was held. The following is a copy of the
letter:
| Rock ISLAND Jan 8 1876
! To the First Baptist Church:
| My DEAR PEOPLE, BROTHERS, SISTERS AMI
| FRIENDS During five years we have labored to.
gether happily and harmouiously No Jar Of dis
cord worthy the name has occu red between
| us as past and people The Divine blessing ha
richly crowned our mutual labors here. These
years of our common work on this field have beef
| to me the most eventful years of my life. hav
| been led down into deeper waters OF persona
affection and have been lifted to greater heights O
JOY in Christ than in any other period of my life
| Your tender regard for me and your deep sympath,
with Inc in sorrow have bound you to me with cord
so strong that words seem vain things to expires
their N m rpi he.
|, abundant; your hearty cooperation in on
common work has been Of no ordinary kind. YoI
have oheyed in large measure the scripture lnjuDC
ion: Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and wee
with them that weep
The peculiarly endearing relationship l have
held among yol, as your pastor, has furnishe
| abundant material for remembrI noes that will hol
a deep and warm place in my heart to the lates
day of my nfe. Delightful memories will eve
r. revive at the mention of you and yours people
/ | Fully persuaded when l C me among you that Go
mad sent me here, am as fully convinced now tha
ne calls me to another field, after more then tw
Divine guidance, / am fully persuaded hat dut,
calls me to accept the hearty, cordial and unannl
ou- cal to the passionate of the Beaumont stree
. Baptist church, of St Louis. therefore tender
you my resignation pastor OF this church, for tn
purpose of entering the field to which | have bee
called-this resignation to take place February Is
1876.
r, The call of God 1 deem paramount to ever
earthly tie. In leaving YOU, bonds must be severe'
the strength of which words can never tell. Ne
it's but Il little while, and we shall meet agai
with Christ Be assured, my dear people, tn
interest of this church do and ever must lie yer
near to nay heart. never be forgetful of the Il
0 Your prosperity shall be my joy. | shall not ceas
! to speak in your praisc and to pray for your we
- fare shall he my sweet privilege. Ii after my d.
: pAture-let me impress these words upon you
shall hear that you rally unitedly to hold up Chri
| and the honor of his name here above every cres
ture cirCums ancc, shall be assured that you 10,
my Savior more Than you have ever loved me- wi
has beea bat an instrument in Hi hand anon
You Never mind me, but don't let that standa
Of ,hc cross go down into the dust here. IT.
| Almight arm ia left to you, and is your streng
now ever in the past
e Men may come, and men may go" but 4
abideth sure. May the God of all grac give y,
u wisdom and courage, b0dness and strength, COZ
fort and grace, Sufficient for the responsible tiles
y che hour. and for the sacred trust committed
Il your hands.
And LOW let me say with Paul, FINALLY, bret
le rem, farewell. BE perfect, be OF good comfort,
of one mind, 1--we in peace, and the God of love a
IL peace STALL h. with you
~ Very truly yours,
IL In the bonds of Christ.