Principles and observations on many and various subjects, for the health of nations and individuals / by John Moodie.

  • Moodie, John.
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Principles and observations on many and various subjects, for the health of nations and individuals / by John Moodie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    portance to the welfare of all, both in this life and in that which is to come, and as he guides and directs, and reminds and teaches the high and the low, the duties and principles which are to guide and direct them through every sphere of the world, and through all ages of life, and thus keeps them, and preserves them from dishon- ouring, or breaking any of the moral ties and obligations between man and man, and also directs, and makes them walk and act up- rightly in the daily transactions of this life, and he is one who con- soles, and assists them in the time of trouble and affliction. It is therefore right and incumbent on all, and scriptural, that such a per- son ought to have a sure and permanent support, and one befitting his holy, and dignified and most worthy station, education, and calling. If you once appoint him to be your pastor, it is you who are to blame if he turns out different from what you expected, as you ought to have inquired better after his character, principles, and ac- quirements ; and it ought not to be left to any to turn him off, or leave him unsupported, from any dislike, whim, or fancy ; this by some has been a cause of wishing to make, and to keep clergymen under the power of their congregations, if he should be wayward, or differ from them ; but this is a very hurtful notion and measure, as it takes from a clergyman his independency and self-respect, and the free use of his opinions and usefulness, where it is necesssary and requisite, although in opposition to the worldly opinions of his flock. If there is anything truly or contrary to the laws of your church or the Scriptures, you have always redress for such in your church-courts, but if it is anything else, it is not likely that it wTill happen, as he will demean himself, as his education, and the holiness and responsibility of his calling clearly indicate, that he will not likely act contrary to what is right, or you would not appoint him, whether he was endowed or unendowed, after he has left a better situation, or as good, and it may be where he was respected and would have con- tinued to be so. Besides, he has a right to be treated well, and to receive a stipend, which will allow of his supporting the rank and dignity of the sphere in which you have placed him and his family, and to associate with you as an equal. His education having been one of considerable length, and one of great expense, it is one which allows him to associate with the first of the land—it is one which makes him superior to most of you, if not all, and one, which from its expensiveness, and the length of time he has been at in acquiring it, renders it necessary that the remuneration should be in accord- ance with it, and those amongst whom he is to minister and asso- ciate, and also for the present, and future wants of his family, who are to be brought up and left with some future provision, if death should bereave them of their parent. Establishments or endowed churches, of whatever kind, either from Establish- having a tithe off the country or endowed by private individuals, are ments of vital of vital importance to the spiritual welfare, and the general good of importance to the country, and of the district where such churches are situated. Country6 An endowed church is a perpetual, or never-failing fountain or spring, from whence at all times, and during all seasons there is a never failing supply of religion, and public good to be derived; it is a constant source and means of supply, from whence branches to all parts are constantly to be had, and are perpetually pouring forth