Mexico weekly ledger., 1883-05-31
THURSDAY, MAY 81, 1888.
THAT CANINE"

WELL says the New York Sun,
''this question of the famine of preach
ers is discussed from time to time by
papers that fly the flag of modern re-
ligion, and what is their favorite rem
edy for it? Attract to the pulpit by
the glitter of gold; pay heavier sal
aries to preachers let it be seen they
can make money. Give them such
incomes that they can live In fine
style, figure in high society and have
a soft thing o fit. They are constant
ly whining over the poor pay of the
preachers and giving this as a reason
why the demand is greater than the
supply: they are forever declaring
that preachers do not get their full
share of the prizes of life, and that
they have fewer chances to get rich
than are enjoyed by men Of other 70
cations. This, they tell US, is the
reason of so many pulpits being va
cant, and then warn us that these
pulpits will never be filed until the
jingle of the money-boxis loudenough
to tempt men into the clerical profess
sion."
Unfortunately, there is too much of
such talk in religious circles, and es-
pecially in the feminine portion Of
them, as well as in church papers;
and too many outside of them, that
think that only money car induce
men to enter upon and continue in
the ministry. But those that enter
tain and promulgate such views have
very erroneous ideas Of the cause of
the famine complained of, and of how
it is to be overcome in the present
and obviated in the future, and very
low conceptions of the power Of faith
and of that influence Of the spirit, that
makes recipients of it feel, "Woe is
me if / preachn not ~the.,gospel." Such
views also often cause small churches
to promise ministers more than can he
paid, to the great detriment of their
preachers, themselves, and the cause
Of religion.
1t is not money that attracts faith
full pastors, but promising fields Of
usefulness. The large sums occasion
ly paid to city preachers and the calls
of ministers from small to larger
churches are not sufficient of them
selves to account for lack of religious
standard bearers. The cause of that
is more cheerful and wholesome. Al
many and more ministers that move
90 to the West than elsewhere. New
towns, with four or five churches re
quiring as many pastors, are constant
ly spnnging up there, and, as a rule
ministers fare as well as other emf
grants, and have what no other elias!
gets, abundance of personal assist
ance in their enterprises and labors o
love. If nothing like the ~prevailin!
dearth of ministers has been expert
enced, it is because never before ha
there been such wide and rapid civi
and religious expansion.
It's ahopeful sign, also, that man.
are entering upon the work Of tn
ministry-many, whose whole fitnes
for it Is their condition Of heart; an
still more, who to that requisite ad
also the advantages Of education an
scholastic training.
The New York Observer, undo
head of s'Recruits for the Ministry,
recently said: "During the preser
month nearly all the theological sen
inaries of our country have compile
ed their scholastic year and sent fort
graduates. Thus several hundred
of educated men have been added
the ministry. These students 60 M
forth as ethical teachers, nor phil
sophie reasoners, but as heralds
the Almighty, announcing His wi
enforcing His claims, and setting for
His promises. Here lies the secret
their strength, their hope and SUI
cess. This being the case, tt
church may be thankful so maj
trained men have been added to tho
whose boast and whose crown is tn
they are ambassadors for Christ, al
speak in Gods name, not for none
but as moved by the power of t