The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-02-14


!" Yes, of course. Don't. you think SO
We will begin on new ground, you see "
T" Yes, but you wilhhave the old mate
rial to work with, and when you find an
other pastor, you will go over the very
same course and come to the same end. =
Do tell me, then, how you manage
your pastor" said Mr.. Elder, hoping to
change the subject somewhat"
In the first place" Mr.. Parson re-
piled, 1--WE gave him hearty call and
sent a large committee to urge his accept
ance OF 1t. When he came to us, we gave
him one of the finest receptions we could
get up, and all the men, women, and
children attended it, and gave the pastor
warm shake-hands, and many assur-
ances of their esteem. The treasurer was
reminded that he might be scarce of
money on account of moving and travel
and was ordered to pay the first quarter s
salary in advance. When the new pas
tor made calls on our families, we made
it point to be at home to receive him,
and the children were taught to feel a
personal interest in him. We attend
church regularly, and stand by him in
any and every thing which he suggests
or sets on foot for the good of the church.
Ii he should ask us to undertake any i'm
portant work tomorrow for the welfare
OF the congregation we would unanimous
ly Join him in it, even though we should
differ with him In regard to the method
OF carrying it on. He knows this, and
never springs anything on us without
first obtaining the judgment Of the peo-
rOIa on ho cub Nv
qulries. AS for his salary, it has never
been mentioned to him, nor even in his
presence. We send him a check every
three months for the full amount then
due, and he sends us receipt through
the post-office, and that's the end of that
matter. If any one grumbles-you know
the chronic grumbler is in every church
we invariably answer the complaint
by suggesting to MIR. Grumbler that pro-
badly he could enjoy religion much bet
ter in some other church, under a diff
ferent pastor, and we never hear any
more from him. Dear brother Elder, 90
home and treat your pastor as we do ours,
and you will find that you have one of
the best ministers on earth, for I know
him well. If you receive him with indif-
ference at first, then pull down his sup
port after you have trapped him, next
pick holes in his coat, after that dog his
steps with committees on preaching and
stipend, throw cold water on his work
and speak evil of his sermons, so that
even strangers despise him through your
Misrepresentation, there is not minis
ter In Christendom who could be success
tul In your church. Let me tell you, Mr..
Elder, the church makes the minister
turn out good or bad for stingy, dis
contented, backbiting people will kill the
best minister In the world in far less than
two years. Yes sir, you should look on
your minister as your friend, and act to-
wards him as the best man in the con-
gregation; this will give him place in
the confidence of his people, especially
with the young, and it will make your
church place of worship well-attended
by all classes and, at the same time an
inestimable blessing to all the commu-
nifty"
" believe you speak the truth, d" ad-
mitted Mr.. Elder, with generous candor,
" and [ am quite sure we have done
wrong to our pastor. [ myself have been
a leader to the disafected, and l will
promise you to begin, this new year, to
use my influence for the introduction of
your plan among our people. 1t is GER
tainly worth an honest trial, and it may
be that, by undoing the evil we have so
practised, we can keep our
much ahused, but long-sufering, pastor
after all.