Let Ministers that Chew Be Eschewed.
THE following is taken from the N. Y. Observer. Such an admonition, thanks to the Christian doctrine of temperance, is not needed among S. D. Adventist ministers. But coming from the source it does, we give it to show that hopeful signs do still exist in some quarters. “THE DEAD FLY.—Not many years ago a certain vacant parish had a candidate on trial. He was a young man, fresh from the theological seminary, and possessed many favorable qualifications. His natural abilities, which were good, had been improved by cultivation in the best schools. He was of sound doctrine, of sincere piety, and his promise of usefulness was favorable. The people were satisfied, and were about to extend to him a unanimous call, when, alas! a dead fly was discovered in the pot of ointment, causing it to give forth an unsavory savor to the better portion of them. It came to their knowledge that the young divine was a patronizer of tobacco, both chewing and smoking inordinately. This being the case it was at once concluded that he was not the minister for them; and he went, we know not where. And in our humble opinion that people acted wisely. ‘Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.’ No minister given to such a habit can be as useful as he would be without it. The excessive use of tobacco consumes valuable time as well as money. It impairs mental and bodily vigor. It renders a man offensive in his intercourse with his people, and especially with the sick. It diminishes their respect for him, and his example is bad for young men. We say, then, all honor to those churches that eschew ministers, whatever may be their excellences, who chew and smoke the vile weed.”