The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-11-13

of human life in which, if the harvest
is not white, yet the soil is ready for
the sowing and cultivation to begin,
which will bring sure harvest in the
future. According to the census of
1880, there were 603 cities in the Unit
ed States, with population of more
than 1000. Among those 603 cities
only 1S9 have Universalist churches, or
even the dormant remains of them. So
that there are in the United States
more than Ala cities of more than 900
population without Universalism. AL
most every city of 1000 population
might support Universalist church;
and many large cities should have more
than one.
So taking our 235 unsupplied parishes,
our Ala cities without Universalism
our many large cities that need more
churches, and it is safe to say that we
ought to have double the number of
ministers we now have. Why do we
not have them Why are not young
men seeking this field of labor? Be
cause the materialistic spirit of the age
has blinded them to its advantages
and it has blinded parents as well, so
that they have not sought to guide their
children into these paths. And with
this, perhaps, false and foolish judg-
ment of the ministerial Office and func-
lions has repealed them from it with
something Of disgust. For the crafty
priest of medieval times, assuming to
hold the keys of heaven and hell, and
peddling divine prerogatives for priestly
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, have no sympathy ;
nor for the whining mendicant who
lived by aims in olden times, or who to-
day lives on the charities of the people,
travels by white neck-tie, visits around
to save victuals, meekly holds an ever
open hand for whatever favors the world
may condescend to drop therein, and is
considered by the average man of bus
mess to be good for nothing but to
make prayers and attend funerals.
But if people have got an idea that
such is the modern clergyman, they
make a mistake. 1 rank the ministry
of to-day with any profession on earth
in dignity, character, power and useful
ness, and they who think it an unin-
wiling or unworthy field for their labors
are deceiving themselves.
Now, am aware, it is not in good
taste to praise ones own profession !;
but for the sake of those young men
who are passing it by for other avoca-
lions, and of parents who are seeking a
place in life for their children, would
set forth its advantages with simple
truth and candor. Compare it with
any occupation you choose, and where
can you find one that offers more and
better inducements?
l. Financially. If young man is
poor, financial aid is given him with
which to thoroughly fit himself for the
work. The aid is so generous that
young man without single dollar of
his own can get thorough education,
go through our theological schools and
secure place for active work. 1 know
of no other profession in which such
aid is afforded.
But if one is properly qualified and
does not care to go through school, he
may enter upon immediate work with
immediate remuneration. / know of
no other profession that offers as ready
employment and as quick returns.
There are men doing successful work
in our church to-day, who began their
ministry without one months direct
preparation. l have in mind a young
man land not a remarkable genius
either, who, while engaged in another
occupation, was induced to begin preach
ing; and from the very first Sunday
received $13 per week, and has never
received less than that, and has never
lost months wages altogether in sew
eral years.
Thirdly, the ministry offers perms-
nency of place and income. Seldom
does a minister work less than year
in place, and it may be several years,
or a lifetime, with regular income
summer and winter, through all seasons,
through all administrations, through
all social or civil changes. A day off
or week off does not mean days or
weeks wages forfeited.
Fourthly, the salary of ministers will
average well compared with other occu-
pations. The average salary of day labor
ers is less than $500 per year. The av-
erage wages of mechanics and skilled
laborers, from $500 to 500. The aver
age of teachers, telegraph operators,
about the same. The average of clerks
of all kinds about 5000. While the av-
erage salaries of the ministers in this
State is about $1,000. True, no large
fortunes are to be made in the minis
try, but young men should understand
that the chances are few of their max
ing large fortune anywhere. And
all things considered, aid in prepare
ton, immediate work and quick re-
turns, permanency of place and income,