Rensselaer Union, Volume 6, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 July 1874 — The Pastoral Crook. [ARTICLE]

The Pastoral Crook.

“Recent and continued developments,” to quote from a late ‘‘open lett erf 3 - give reason to belieye that the pastoral crook should not be extended over female parishioners just as it has been in times past.— I‘astorAl visits should be modified

in character and in frequency.— The minister of God and the pastom of-a clmrch occupies an exceptional, ttbjiovmal position. The women of his flock, in whom ‘the religious, superstitious and emotional characteristics are strongly developed' think that “the king can do no wrong.” They reverence the minister. They not only submit to, but covet} earejs.sgs from him r which, offered by a gentleman mat surrounded by the ministerial halo, would be resented as insults. It is by no means true that the clergyman is always the tempter, he occupies a more responsible and dangerous position, so far as this one point of chastity is concerned, than the physician. He occupies the position of saint. lie is regarded as the nearest approach to the God of the Universe that men are permiKed to see in this vale of tears*. In the country the diist which his feet havc-pressed a j certain amount of saoreUness. — , The youngest school girl and the ; oldest parishioner watch the goings i out and the comings in of the minister with utmost,as much curiosity as little Zaccheus fuanil.ef.ted when | he climbed the sycamore tree to get a glimpse of the Savior of men. In the city, the situation is not relatively changed. In the village where life is simpler, lium-an conduct purer, -the simplicity of the minister is often the guarantee that his exceptional privileges will not bejabused. His opportunities for mischief'arc greater, but perhaps his -disposition to do mischief is less. Neither in city or in country ij^thfre any' excuse for giving to the pastoral caller any privileges not granted to any other caller.— The glamottr of holiness that, is thrown around the preacher, needs, to' be dispelled. He -is believed to have been “called.” He is simply engaged in a profession as is the lawyer or thedootor. . lie

has debated within himself, when a youug man, whether to preach, or teach, or peddle pills, or practice law, or soil merchandise, and has decided the question between the law and the ministry just as another man has deoided between the law' aih} medicine. If the ladies of the land will learn to regard “the minister” as simply a man, exactly like-other men, no better and no worse, and treat hnn accordingly, one step will have been taken toward making- the pastoral call a harmless, if nos a useful or beneficent custom. But the pastoral call is not shown to have vastly promoted the spiritual worthiness of religious flocks. The profession of the clergyman is onp of the highest honor and dignity, and is entitled to the respect of men.— But it really is becoming evident that the minister is a more useful member of society when in the pulpit than when enjoying exceptional privileges in the homes of men. — Cincinnati Enquirer.