The Connecticut Observer, And New York Congregationalist

Esteem of Ministers.—Are not ministers, even when good men, sometimes slighted and neglected, not only by the ignorant and rude, but by those who from their situation in life should know better? If ministers do not happen to have commanding or popular talents, or great learning, or private property, they are put in the back ground and trodden upon. How contrary is this to the express direction of Holy Scripture! —We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. 1. Thess. v. 12, 13. Surely the very circumstances of a man's having fewer worldly commendations will only be another argument with a generous and Christian mind for more special courtesy and attention. Is he a humble, patient, self-denying, faithful laborer? receive him in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in reputation. Is he defective in any point? remember his office; and you will act towards him as you would in the case of the failings of a revered parent. Even St. Paul had defects; and it is recorded in honor of the Galatians, Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the Gospel unto you at the first, and my temptation which was in my flesh, ye despised not, nor rejected. Gal. iv. 13. 14.

It is a very important part of this esteem not to listen to, or catch up, foolish, silly, or scandalous tales, which are always afloat respecting any public character, and almost invariably originate in gross mistake, if not in entire falsehoods. It is very injurious to propagate such things; and persons who do so, are often unconscious how materially they may impair the effects of ministerial labors. The scriptural rule is, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." 1. Tim. v. 19.