Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1883 — THE MANLY MINISTER. [ARTICLE]

THE MANLY MINISTER.

One of the Master’s sayings is, if heeded, sure in nine cases out of ten to remove irritation and allay strife. It is that which bids an offended man to talk over the matter with the offender, “between thee and him alone.” Those who try this method usually have it to say, “I have gained my brother.” Dr. Withrow tells in the Advance the story of a clergyman who adopted this manly course. Was it Dr. Chalmers or Dr. Guthrie of whom this story is told? On entering his pastorate in Edinboro’, when still quite young, a hard-headed old Scot of the Kirk took great umbrage at such a youth being set to teach him the ways of the Lord. He criticised the call, and then treated the preaching with lofty contempt. Getting wind of it, the minister had the wit and sanctified wisdom to meet him man fashion. “I hear you are unhappy under my ministry.” The man gruffly admitted that he was. “And I am told that you consider my preaching poor, and that I have no business to be standing in such a distinguished church. The dauntless Davy not only would not deny, he avowed that just such was his view. “Then,” said the minister, “you and I can well afford to shake hands and be friends, for we think exactly alike. I never thought myself the fit man for the place. And every Sunday lam ashamed of the sermons. The people have a fancy to the contrary; and until I met you there was none to sympathize with

my vterws. Bet ns shake hands and stand together.* Even if this stor/ ipocryphal, which I believe it is not, is not the method which outlines the manly and Christian course that which will surest conquer the most cross-grained and contentious? Go tell thy brother his fault.