New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-22

home missions, which are generally left 10 look
out for themselves, will be systematically cared
for under episcopal or diocesan supervision. In
order to set an example for the English
dioceses, the Archbishop intends to apply
the surplus of the TAFT Memorial Fund, to-
gether with special contributions that may be
made for the purpose, to the maintenance OF
Mission Preachers, to be employed under MS
personal supervision in this field OF evangehstlc
work. His hope is that the experiment VIII
speedily be tried in many of the English dio.
ceses. and that there will be a reawakenlng OF
religious interest in communities where the re-
straints of the parochal system are now 1eit'
II is doubtful whether the Archblshops e1-
Incident can be turned to practical account In
the United States. The Roman Catholics have
recognized such an order of preachers as
useful agency in promoting religious zeal, but
have made only q restricted use of it, depend
ing almost entirely upon tho ordinary pa
rocbial ministrations. The Protestant bodies
have their own methods of conducting rellg-
ious revivals and missionary work, the evan
gelst or revivalist preferring to act lndo-
pendently, without supervision or restraint,
and in accordance with his individual prefer
ences or convictions. The Protestant Episco-
pal Church, having a system of ecclesiastical
government and parochial activity correspond
ing to that of the English Church, is in the
best position to profit by the Archbshops
suggestions, especially in conducting the prac-
teal work of home missions in largo centres
of population like Boston, Philadelphia, and
New-York. Apart from revival work and
missions. there are certain features of the
Archbishop's plan which may be adapted to
the requirements of that and of other religious
bodies.
There are few cergymen who are equal to
the cOntinuou'. STRAIN of writing two sermons
a week and discharging the ordinary pastoral
functions The pcws are exacting in their
intellectual il not i'll their spiritual demands,
and the pulpit feels the deadening effects OF
pressure and il often paralyzed by It, The
young preacher. fairly allame with zeal and
earnestness. who takes charge of a growing
church with resolute determination TO
devote the remainder of his life to its service,
finds before many years that he Is re-
writing and repreaching himself Sunday
after Sunday The congregation perhaps
have anticipated him in making the
discovery and are not reluctant TO
sever relations which have proved recipro-
cally facilitating. 1t is only the most robust
intellect that can withstand the continuous
drain of pulpit mnistrations. Clergymen after
remaining in a parish seven or eight years
find it convenient to accept n call to n new
field of labor, where an accumulated stock of
sermons can relieve them of the drudgery oil
writing two sermons every week. Even II the
intellectual resources hold on, and there be no
dilution in the quality of the preaching, the
body gives way and the European trip be-
comes indispensable. An order of preachers
organized on the basis suggested by the Area
bishop of Canterbury would afford the clergy
some measure of relief from the strain of con-
tnuous sermon writing, and oftentmes
would exercise most invigorating effect upon
sluggish congregations. If the difficulty OF
providing for their support could be overcome,
these new Preaching Frars would be useful
clerical staff in any diocese or presbytery, and
be welcomed alike by overwOrked ministers
and inadequately nourished flocks