The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-02-13


isters-Clecical Bohemians "A Minister'S
True Title-A Parting Shot and Critic
Criticised.
New York, Feb. 0, 1877.
As some of our readers may have de-
sire TO write for the press, let me suggest
that before they enter the field they realize
the officially Of pleasing wide variety of
tastes. Piques and prejudices are often
awakened, not only by books but also by
the incidental paragraphs Of the daily press.
Glbbon tells US that Louis XVI. of France
was offended by supposed parallel Gin the
"Decine and Fall) betW cen himself, Ar
cadlus and Honorius. In like manner
SCOTS "Old Mortality" which was hon.
estly written, awoke an intense displeasure
among large class whose traditions be had
invaded. Sympathizing as | do with this
class, l still admit the fairness of the auth
or's purpose. Then, again, Croker, in his
elaborate edition of "Boswell's Johnson"
censures Boswell for revealing his friends
weaknesses. Looking at American liter
ature, We find that Irving's first book
aroused the deep indignation of the old
Dutch gentry, who considered "knicker-
vacy. In his last book, "The Life of Wash
ington," he also Gispleased the Hamilton
family by an alleged error concerning their
famous ancestor. Willis was cepsured by
the British press for remarks on society in
his ''Pencillings by the Way" and, on the
other hand, Fanny Kemble was criticised
by the American papers for her showing up
of New York society. Even 30 interesting
n h, lott Of
der, which many value very highly, was
condemned by the Independent, which said
it should be suppressed on account OF its
personalities, l for one, am very glad it
was not. The most remarkable instance of
complaint is found in Pope, who was as
sailed SO necessarily that be exclaims:
"Why did write? what sin to me unknown
Dipped me In ink-my parents or my own?"
TOO.
The difficulty to which l refer is illus
trated by the recent critique have received
from "Presbyterian clergyman" thank
him for his attentions, and would cay that
his opinions are accepted in the same kind
ly bu. earnest spirit which they breathe.
have read the critique several times care
fully, and shall endeavor to improve by it.
Nevertheless do not at present admit the
correctness of his statements, and shall
mention few reasons. He says l do not
give 1.-THE most distinguished clergymen
their well-earned titles, nor even the plain
"Sir." which the commonest courtesy
grants TO every man." / reply that this
omission should be viewed as compliment
tary, for how many illustrious and beloved
names would be weakened OF deformed If
handled as he requires? Who says MIR.
Shakespeare, or Mr.. Cowper, or Mr.. Buu-
yan2 How would it sound to say DR.. Gree
ley, or DR.. O'Conor, of the editor and law
yer, each of whom was made LII. D.? Is 1t
"flppint" to place the clergy of the city in
the highest rankf l spoke of Bevan as l
would of Wesley, Spurgeon, Whitfield or
Moody, and l am pleased TO see that my
critic follows my example (even at the ex-
pense Of consistency, for he proceeds to
speak of Edwards" "Chrysostom" and
"Payson." You are correct, cir, in do
ing so.
CITY AND COUNTRY.
l am charged with disparaging the met
ropolitan clergy by saying that the average
of their preaching is inferior to that of the
rural parishes. This statement came to
me some years ago from once noted Fifth
avenue pastor and subsequent reflection
confirmed its truth. The pastor referred to
has since become successful college pres
ident, and is now retired upon the honors
of useful life / may mention his name
as ex President Smith of Dartmouth. To
prove its accuracy, refer to those who
have won note in the churches. Were they
metropolitan or rural !? New York has had
within half century a Mason, a Spring, a
Phillips, an Alexander, a De Witt, Hawks
while the country pulpit can mention a
Yale at Kingsboro, Prime at Cambridge,
a Gale at Lee, Murray at Elizabeth and a
Bullions at Cola. To these may be added
Todd of Pittsfeld, whose publications were
read more widely than those of any New
York preacher. Lyman Beecher did his
best work in the parishes Of East Hampton
and Litchfeld. Nettleton preached Ia the
rural districts, and often in school houses.
Griffin is another instance. II may be said
these men aae dead. Well, am contrast
ing them with the dead clergy of the city,
but If it were proper to mention the names
OF the rural clergy now living, / could
show that the came dUeraQe superiority is
maintained.
AT PRESENT.
The Fifth avenue pulpit includes one
man Of prodlgious talent, whose learning is
sOt off by earnest and humble piety. II
has another man whose rank, though infe.
rior to the former, is still first class.
Next may be mentioned three men who are
respectable" and after that the grade
gradually descends until "below medioc.
rity" is reached. In the churches of this
avenue two pastors have been, within few
years, quietly retired by their congrega-
tions as soon as employment elsewhere
could be found-this being done In order ia
save the church. One OF these men had
$50, 900 as an inducement to leave. An,
other preacher In this avenue has for sew.
eral years been regarded as inadequate to
the position he holds, and l regret to see
his napna In tha M no ra thia wall In NOu nan