The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-10-16
HARD ON The MINISTER.
His Poor Pay Cor Special services--A Few
Hints.

His Poor Pay Tor Special Services-s IL"
Hints.
These old questions concerning paying
the minister for such special services as
combinations, blptisms. weddings ana
funeral services are again up for agitation
and discussion. People are TO De iounn
who think not only that minister ought
TO work for almc 81 nothing and ma nm
self. hut tina. he ought 10 include all
these special services in the work he does
for his regular salary. 1t is hard on the
ordinary minister AS 20 tho few minis
ters who receive princely salaries, Their
fees are large in proportion. People who
expect special services Of them generally
do the fair thing as to compensation.
Such special services as ought TO be per
formed in church when the congregation
is assembled are usually considered part
of a minister's regular duty. Should
minister be called toa private house to DaP-
tie baby there is an evident propriely
in making him present OF some kiha III
return for his kindness and "a a compen-
sation for his trouble II may be IN cash,
or Il may be some acceptable article Tor
table usa or for household decoration
People who give books to ministers gen
orally make the mistake of selecting some
book which the minister does not want.
Some good people who recently gave Their
pastor copy 81 The Bible did not stop TO
think that he already bad in his library
about fifteen copies in various styles ana
language
In wedding fees it may safely be said
that the man who gives none is mean
fellow. not worthy TO have a good wife.
He who PAYS only dollar or two 70 not
much better unless his abject poverty j.
the cause Of thcsmallIes Of the fee why
a minister should . expected 10 attend
and conduct funeral without charge Is
hard TO guess II is quite as hard work
both for mind and body, as to preach "a
sermon. More attacks Of clerical bron
chtis and pneumonia have been suffered
bv going 10 funerals than from any other
cause. The person who stands bar
headed on the cold ground or damp boards
beside an open grave is apt TO be reading
his own death warrant while he pro
nominees the words of the funeral service.
I'm a word. the minister ought to be as
squarcly dealt with as any other man OF
any profession or calling who renders ser
vice e any kind.
Tho art and science Of handing the
preacher his money would seem very
simple thing. Yet there are many cAur D
officials who lack understanding as 10 the
most speedy and graceful method OF dong
II. As 10 the regular pastor, u - 20 DE
supposed that the treasurer promptly
hands him a check on pay day. Bat 1t u
In regard t. theminister who happens 10
be the supply" fora Sunday or two that
embarrassment sometimes exists. oonc-
time the treasurer happens to be absent
especially in summer Ills mind has been
so full Of preparation for his own vacation
that no has gone away without thinking
Of leaving the necessary cash for the nm
listers fee. Tho minister feels basliiui
about asking for it. With blank look
ON his face and with possibly heartfelt
vacancy in his coilapsiblc pocketbook, he
sadly departs, hoping that somebody VIII
think Of the matter and send him the price
Of Liz dav lnb0- In a week or two IT
comes by mail; perhaps with Gn apology
perhaps rs a matter Of course.
There arc cases IN which the treasurer
comes to the supplying minister after he
service. and lust when some of the chief
nenulc of the church are stalking hands
with him aud telling him how greatly
they were pleased with the sermon. WITH
n show of official Importance, and with
descending smile on the preacher the
treasurer hands over the fec in sight OF all
who are present The idea conveyed by
this procccding is, I'm treasurer you're
preacher; you've beea preaching for
money. Here. take yolr pay and 80
The most graceful way Of settling with
supply" is for the treasurer or some
other gentleman connected With the
church to shake hands with the minister
In Il quiet and uuostcntatious way and
whilc doing so to leave in the minister $
palm the exact sum, either in gold or IN
notes Of tie largest denomination the
sum will allow. \ bank check Is quito as
acceptable and as proper The practice
of handing the minister a lot Of ragged
currency and some small change IS rude
and boorish Yet the preacher .for the
DAY would rather receive small change or
ragged bills than be indefinitely hung
up" for his fee by the treasurer or com
raittcomcn. who politely say as he de-
parcs. You will hear from us sir. -
NJ. Vii .Draal