Page images
PDF
EPUB

PECUNIARY TRANSACTIONS.

It is not enough

that a minister of the gospel sacredly guard against every thing in his dealings really fraudulent, and of which the laws of the land can take hold. He is here, as in all other concerns, to shun every approach to that which is incorrect, or even to that of the correctness of which there can be the least reasonable doubt. If there be any speculation or purchase, of the perfect fairness of which there is a popular question, however strong may be your own conviction of its fairness, have nothing to do with it. To go forward in such an enterprise may be injurious; but to withdraw from it entirely is always safe. Whatever may be your opinion on the subject of what is called usury, either as to the Bible meaning of the term, or the wis dom of human laws in reference to it, never allow yourself to engage in any transaction which, either immediately or remotely, bears the least alliance to the usurious character. In short, never permit yourself to be concerned in any pecuniary affair, which, if, by any unforeseen occurrence, it should hereafter be dragged before the publick, could possibly implicate either your probity or honour in the minds of the most scrupulous. Remember that, in all cases whatsoever, it is infinitely better to suffer wrong, than to do wrong; and that many things which would not be at all noticed in

another man, may, in a minister of the gospel, be considered as far from reputable.

8. There are some advantages in KEEPING A

REGULAR ACCOUNT OF YOUR EXPENDITURES.

You must by no means suppose that this practice is confined to men of a parsimonious spirit. Some of the most judicious, and even liberal managers of their pecuniary affairs that I have ever known, were in the constant habit of keeping such an account. The purposes which it may answer, are various, and by no means unworthy of regard. It will be likely very materially to promote a general spirit of system and order in your finances. It may not only serve as a salutary check on unnecessary expenses; but it may enable you to solve many important questions respecting the cost of living; and it may form a record of no small value, both as a matter of curiosity, and of instruction, in subsequent years of your life. Such a record has often furnished the means of ascertaining dates, and important facts to an extent not at all contemplated at the time of its formation. A man, therefore, of habitual order in his affairs, ought to be able to say, how much he receives, and how much he expends, in every year of his life; and what are the date and amount of every important purchase that he makes.

9. Set a good example to your parishioners,

and to all around you, IN CONTRIBUTING TO CHARITABLE AND PIOUS OBJECTS. You will often have occasion, both in publick and private, to inculcate on others the exercise of christian liberality. Indeed I have frequently thought that attention to this duty was not urged by ministers, either from the pulpit, or in private as much, by any means, as its importance demands. But what will be the appearance, if, while you strongly recommend this duty in words, you set no example of the discharge of it in your habits? It is true, ministers can seldom give much to charitable and pious objects. Of silver and gold they commonly have but little to bestow on any thing beyond the daily provision of food and raiment. But if they exercise a just economy, they may and will have little. And if that little be suitably divided, and cheerfully bestowed; if you show a readiness, to the utmost of your ability, and beyond your ability, to contribute to the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom, you will give one of the best possible evidences of your sincerity and zeal

10. Do not indulge A HABIT OF UNDUE SOLICITUDE, AND ESPECIALLY OF FREQUENT COMPLAINT, RESPECTING YOUR TEMPORAL SUP

PORT. Where there is either an inordinate love of property, or a querulous temper, the

subjects of salary, perquisites, &c., will be apt to engage more attention, and to be more frequently the topicks of conversation, than a minister of the gospel ought ever to allow them to be. Never converse on subjects of this kind, unless it becomes absolutely necessary; and then let it be done sparingly, and with a few confidential friends only. You may rest assured, that dwelling much on his pecuniary affairs, in intercourse with his parishioners, never promoted the real benefit of a clergyman, either as to his purse, or his reputation. All that can be done, to any advantage, in providing for the temporal comfort of a pastor, may, I am persuaded, be commonly done, quite as effectually, by dropping a hint, now and then, to a discreet friend, and much more to the honour of religion, than by the most unceasing complaints, and the most importunate solicitations.

11 Be not in the habit of proposing to your congregation to MAKE SUBSCRIPTIONS OR DONATIONS FOR YOUR SUPPORT, BESIDES YOUR SALARY

Some distinguished ministers, both in Europe and America, who had liberal salaries, have been repeatedly guilty of this indiscretion. Either improvidentiy falling in debt, or being called to meet some extraordinary expenditure, they openly solicited, or indirectly encouraged one private subscription after ano

ther for their own relief. This is seldom expedient, and often it is exceedingly injurious. Where any thing of this kind, on a special occasion, once in a minister's life, is spontaneously, and without his knowledge, set on foot by a few friends, and carried into execution with a delicate privacy, it may be accepted without any injurious consequences. But if he solicit it; or if it be repeated from time to time, it cannot fail, insensibly, to depress his standing with his people. It brings him before their view too much in the character of a pauper; and if he be presented to them in this character again and again, in spite of every thing that can be said or done to the contrary, he will occupy a less respectable place in their feelings. No man who ministers at the altar, ought ever to consider a decent support, imparted by those whom he serves, as charity. It is nothing but his due. And yet, there is a certain spirit of independence which his own reputation, and the honour of religion, equally call upon him to maintain. The character of an habitual beggar for himself, is a miserable one for a minister of the gospel.

12. NEVER LEAVE A CONGREGATION ON ACCOUNT OF THE SMALLNESS OF YOUR SALARY,

IF YOU CAN POSSIBLY AVOID

IT. Every min

ister ought to expect from his people a comfortable support. Not that which will enable him

« PreviousContinue »