Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-09
RABBI CALIsCH on MARRYING.
The Responsibility Attaching to the
OHiciutiuy Minister.

The following article from the pen OF
Rev. Z. ~. Calisch, d. d.. appeared IN
recent issue Of the Jewish Covenant:
There IS a deep responsibility resting
on a minister in the performance or
marriage. There Is no clerical function
of a higher or holier Importance. Yet by
its frequency and the joyous circum-
stances attending II, II IS in constant
danger of becoming perfunctory. SICK
beds always stir the impulses or SYM
pathy. and at funerals the sight OF 'he
motionless socket of LIES eXtinguisned
candle. and the grief OF the bereaFeu
moves the deeper emotions, causing II
ever to be reverent occasion. But Weu-
dinas are often only lght-hearted Incl
dent among the graver and more serious
duties.
unfortunately, the average minister is
not inclined 10 so behind the returns, ana
will marry any couple that presents ltse1
Ia him having the requisite license. YET
there is a greater and more solemn oDh-
cation resting upon the clerk OF the
court who has TO satisfy merely the legal
COINCIDENCE. There il something deeper
than the requisite of age and other tecnni-
cal conditions. The marriage aHects not
only the lives of the couple themselves,
hut laws its touch upon the existence oI
generations yet unborn. The ability or
the novitiates to enter the temple OIL
matrimony goes beyond the mere passage
Of time There should be something
deeper something more Of knowledge OF
the duties thereof, some degree OF COM
prehension of the sanctity and RESPONSE
bility of parenthood.
"It Is true the minister has hardly the
right If even he had the ability, 10 pass
absolute judgment upon the elgiplllty Oh
the candidates. But there should be no
question of his position in doubtful cases.
The runaway couple cannot be TOO closeiy
questioned. Minors without the presence
or written acquiescence or the parents
should by all means be refused. III the
minister has any reason 10 suspect thal
fraud. intimidation, or deceit mas Deen
used 10 gain the consent of either one OF
the parties, let him decline 10 marry tue
couple
az there Is anything In any way or
sbane that may arouse the suspicious OF
the minister. let him not proceed uhth
tbasa have been allayed. If more care
and discretion we're exercised in the tying
thereof the civil courts would not so OF
ten be called to the unhappy task OF dis
solving the hastily-looped nuptial Knot
at is a poor plea on the part OF any
cleric that II he had. not married the
couple would have gone and been mar
ried anyhow by some squire or justice
Of the peace. Doubtless they Wouiu
have but the shame and the burden OF
the unhappy life that would possibly
have followed would not rest upon one
u,hoee life was devoted to the noblest
and the best Of earthly callings. The
conscientious minister cannot but re-
ioice I'm whatever added restrictions may
be placed upon the marital act. 1t were
far better. indeed, II the power TO con-
summate II were not vested in every
cross-road squire and the ward hummer
who attains the dignity Of 'justis Of de
peace
strength and validity of the marriage
condition is upheld by the power OF
the civil court where the disappointed
seek the soace OF the sword that shall
sever the Gordian knot OF their marital
woes. yet the true strength or II Hes
deener within that sweet purity and
chastity whose presence within the hui
man breast is the offspring of religions
teachings For that reason the power
To make marriage shall lie only within
the province Of the Church. which shall
Undue IL with all the sanctity and solem~
nity that shall attend this most weighty
step In the human span.
"The hearthstone is the cornerstone
Of the nation. Let the hearthstone be
carefully bedded with al truth. purity.
and earnestness. Let the ceremony OF
its construction be surrounded by all
that inspires and elevates, free from all
that detracts or makes light.
"Much has been eaid OF those passion
blinded mortals who fetter their lives
for years because of moments infatua-
ton; not enough mas been said OF
those ministers who Willingly make
themselves parties thereto b. indscrlmi-
na.a rnarryine"