C 02 - A Fine Social Position

A FINE SOCIAL POSITION

2. The minister enjoys a fine social posi tion. Again this fact is only mentioned without unduly stressing it as one of the subordinate attractions of this calling. The minister, by reason of his ability and education and especially of his position as a preacher and pastor, at once steps into the esteem of his people and is accorded a respected and influential place in the community. Due deference is paid to his person and opinions, character and dignity, by all classes, and he and his family are the recipients of social attentions and favors that are as enjoyable as they are honorable. Often he is the most conspicuous and influential man in his community or city.

It is true that a minister is no longer regarded as a sacrosanct being and paid almost divine honors on the ground of his sacred calling. That kind of fictitious dignity and divinity is gone, and it is well that it is so. The minister is now judged as a man among men, and if he is unworthy of respect he will soon forfeit it and be stripped of the honor that attaches to his office. If a minister is not a genuine gentleman, he will soon be found out and no artificial veneer and polish will save him in the hour of his exposure. No longer will “the cloth” cover and hide unworthy ministerial character and conduct.

Nevertheless the minister starts with all things in his favor, with the public presumption that he is a scholar and gentleman and man of pure character worthy of all respect and honor. This honor will be freely ac corded him, and unless he justly forfeits it, he will keep it and grow in social esteem and public influence.

Let no one jeeringly say that Peter and Paul and other great preachers never once thought of such things as a comfortable living and a fine social position, but counted all worldly considerations but loss and did not even count their lives dear that they might preach the gospel. This was their call to service and sacrifice in their exceptional day and circumstances, and nobly did they respond to it; and did such critical circum stances and dangers confront them, ministers would meet them with equal consecration and heroism to-day. But the case is different with the normal call that now comes to our young men, and it is proper that these secondary considerations, while being kept in due subordination, should yet be taken into account and permitted to add their attractions to the ministry.