The Sporting Clergy

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jan 9, 1855

The Sporting Clergy.

In "the supplement to the Bury and Norwich Post," bearing date Sept. 27th, 1854, are published "The Game Lists for the County of Suffolk," England. In this first batch of Suffolk sportsmen, there appear no less than forty-seven clergy-men! At the head of every twelve or fourteen squires or yeomen, stands a pastor or evangelist—one to whom is entrusted by God and the Church the care of souls—"who is to watch for them as one who must give an account"—who, by his ordination vow, is bound "to give himself wholly to the work," "to make full proof of his ministry," "to give himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word." And he conceives that he is carrying out his solemn vow and redeeming his pledge by taking out a license as a sportsman, exchanging his study for the cover of pheasants and the turnip and stubble-field, and leaving his sick and dying poor, and the half-taught children in his schools, while he amuses himself like a country gentleman!