| The Glory of the Common Life |
Chapter 13 |
Page 2 |
Somehow there is an impression in many quarters that the ministry is not an attractive calling. The number of young men who choose it for their life work is small, and seems to be growing smaller every year. Half a century ago many Christian fathers and mothers hoped that one or more of their boys would become ministers. Many a mother gave her first born son to God with an intense longing and much prayer that he might some day preach the gospel. Over his cradle she breathed this prayer continually. Perhaps the mothers do not now so much desire that their boys should become preachers. The attractions of the ministry do not win people’s hearts as they did formerly. Indeed, there are many Christian parents who even seek to dissuade their sons from choosing this calling. It does not offer much in the way of money – other callings offer more,
The commercial and financial world holds up its attractions and allurements.
The other professions present opportunities for more brilliant careers. A lawyer may become a great jurist or a great statesman. The physician may attain high rank among men; he may even become celebrated all over the world for his skill in his profession.
Over against all these attractions, the minister’s life seems to suffer in winningness. The minister is not likely to become rich. His average salary is small compared with that of a commercial or professional man. This means ofttimes plain and close living, even pinching. It means also, in many cases, obscurity, with little chance for fame. Then the ministry has its hardships, its self denial and sacrifice.
Page 2