The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-10-17
RELIGIOUS READING.
HOW TO KEEP GOOD MINISTER AND MAKE Hin
BETTER.

HOW TO KEEP GOOD MINISTER AND MAKE HIn
BETTER.
When he comes among you and enters up
on his sacred office, receive and treat him as
an ambassador of Christ. Esteem him very
highly In love for his works sake' Attend
punctually on his ministry, and 'take heed
how you hear" To see the church we'll filed
every Sabbath, even In stormy weather, will
greatly quicken and encourage him in his
weekly preparation for the pulpit. Remem-
Der him daily IN the prayers Of the family
and closet, and be especially large and ear
nest in your supplications on the Lords
day. that God will enable him to "come
to you In the fullness of the blessing OF
the gospel of peace" This, while it helps
him to preach better will prepare you to
receive the word into good and honest
hearts" If he is becoming dull In the pull
pit, wake him up, by keeping wide awake
yourselves Nothing quickens preacher
more, than that fixed aud solemn attention
which assures him, "Now then are we all
here present before God, to hear whatsoever
Is commanded thee Of God" Allow him
time for study, and when he Is prevented by
sickness or other unavoidable interruptions,
make every reasonable allowance, and be
satisfied with the best he can give you. This
will help to keep up his spirits, and he will
exert himself the more when he Is well.
Give your pastor liberal and comfortable
support, and little over what he Is obliged
to expend as he goes along, 'for rainy day. "
This Is more necessary than it used to be-,
when ministers were ''settled for life" 1t ts
not we'll that they should be numbered with
fat endowments but there cannot be more
miserable policy, than to keep them upon the
shortest allowance. 1t compels them 'to
leave the word OF God and serve tables"
When your pastor goes beyond his strength,
as he will sometimes feel constrained to does
pecially in seasons of extraordinary religious
ligious interest, don't wait till he Is quite run
down-but allow him seasonable relation land
even urge it upon him If he does not feel in
clined to take 1t. A short journey and few
weeks rest will often prevent utter prostra-
ton, and add years of health and usefulness
to laborious minister.
Always put the most favorable construction
you can upon your pastors motives and ad-
ministrations If he sometimes commits
(mistakes, and who does not?) overlook
them-bear with them. AS long as he shows
himself ready to spend and be spent for
you. stand by him and let him know that he
shall be sustained In his place, and in the
discharge of his duties. Give no counten-
ance TO such restless and unreasonable men
as sometimes conspire against their minister
without any just cause; but on the contrary,
frown upon them. Meet them, the moment
they begin to agitate, and convince them at
once that they have undertaken a hopeless
task that you will not allow the peace of the
society to be disturbed, nor the standing of
faithful pastor to be shaken in this way. If
they choose to withhold their support. let
them withhold it; II they have mind to
withdraw, let them withdraw: but give no
place, mo, not for an hour to those who seek
to deprive you Of pastor whom you love.
By rallying round him, and properly repel.
ling every attack, you will attach him so
strongly to you, and yourself so strongly to
him that neither party will consent to sep
aration till overruled by the most imperious
circumstances. [Dr. Humphrey.l