Troublesome Church Members.
A PASTOR was pleasantly situated—had charge of an affectionate and active church—and his ministrations were crowned with ordinary success; but there was one cause of discouragement and trouble. Brother John Johnson, a wealthy and respected member was dissatisfied. He was hard to please. Nothing exactly suited him. The preaching was not sufficiently doctrinal, the discipline was altogether too lenient, and the singing was without life and fervor. He opposed new measures because they were new, and wished old ones changed because they were old. He had a natural affinity for the minority; and would probably have changed his opinion if he had found himself in the majority. He was not wanting in liberality, and the church was in no small degree, dependent on his contributions for support; but he was a thorn in the side of his pastor. He watched him with an eagle's eye, and improved every opportunity of finding fault with him. The pastor resolved to endure the tormenting censures of Brother Johnson no longer; and much to the sorrow of his church, sent in his resignation. He soon took charge of another church, where he found many brethren and sisters warm in their attachment to him, and ready to aid him in all his efforts to do good; but to his dismay, he discovered that there was in that church too, another John Johnson. The pastor changed his field but did not escape his trials. He removed several times; but could never get clear of John Johnson; and came finally to the conclusion that every church has its John Johnson. So much for the story. We have been long acquainted with the same John Johnson. Few churches are free from his croakings. In some churches there are several, sometimes as many as half a dozen John Johnsons. It is perhaps an advantage to have more than one in a church. They are sure to be on the opposite sides of every debatable question, and they neutralize one another's influence and divert their batteries from less pugnacious members. What should the church do with Brother John Johnson? He should not be expelled. He is a good man and does some good in his way. He must be borne with. He has been raised up to exercise the patience, temper, and forbearance of the brotherhood. He is a thorn in the flesh of the pastor; but it will preserve him from being exalted above measure, and he will find the grace of Christ sufficient for him. Time may exert a mellowing influence on the spirit of Brother Johnson; or, if he should grow more querulous and troublesome as he grows older, he will not live always, and his son, though he inherits the disposition of his father, will have less influence and be less able to cause trouble. Pray for Brother Johnson; be not fretted at his complaints and contrariness; strengthen the hands of the pastor in his work; and be sure not to fall into the spirit and copy the example of the old man; and let the pastor retain his place, trust in God, perform his labors, and leave John Johnson to do the croaking.—Religious Herald.