The Virginian

The following temperate remarks from a Connecticut paper, relate to a subject which begins to attract much public attention. We take the opportunity of inserting it to say, that having understood that some of our readers take exception to the expression of a sentiment which is adverse to levying subscriptions from the Public to maintain travellers under the name of Missionaries, and to support pensionaries in Theological Colleges, we hope it will be distinctly understood that we will readily, nay gladly, publish whatever may be decently written in opposition to the views which we may take on that or any other subject. We are far from desiring to interfere, in the remotest degree, with any matter of conscience; and have no other wish than that those who can scarcely decently support their own families should understand the purposes to which, under a virtuous impulse, they bestow a portion of their hard earnings. How many poor families are straitened of some article of necessity, to support one such mission as is described below!

(Vat. Int.

From the New-Haven Gazette

The Rev. Dr. Spring and his son, intending to visit London, Edinburgh and abroad, have sailed from N. York for London. Mr. Spring, we believe, receives a salary of $3000 a year, besides the usual marriage fees and tokens of respect from those who wish to be esteemed by their clergyman. We believe Mr. Spring to be a very pious and useful man-and we only mention his intended visit, as an instance of the growing evil in our land. It is a fact that in this country we are rapidly following the example of the old countries, in attempting to make up the large salaries demanded by those who assert that they are sent [from College- to declare the humbling doctrines of him who had not where to lay his head. In many places in the United States good snug salaries are already obtained, and the consequences are that many of those clergymen who enjoy them, are neglecting their flock-and travelling in style by sea and by land--and if their salaries are not sufficient to warrant the expenses of their visits, the people are called upon to make up the necessary sums by contribution. On this appeal being made, whoever else may be in want, the people must cheerfully give, their last cent-for it is all for the health of the clergyman, his wife and dear little ones- and the moral and religious improvement of the world. We know that if an individual dares to question certain practices at the present day, he subjects himself to the hazard of being called an infidel. Be that as it may, it ought to be known that there are many good people who read the Scriptures and are disposed to practice their precepts, who cannot reconcile with those Scriptures every demand for money made in modern times. There is considerable murmuring among the people, at the examples set by those who ought to discourage extravagance -and the calls to contribute to salary men, Bible, missionary, and education societies- the call, for bids as bounty money to induce indolent young men to obtain a college education, and assist preachers on our side. There is also much of pride in putting out their life members and charity students, and publishing in the papers the sums received from those who were never known to feel the hunger or clothe the naked. It is said that a thousand additional educated clergymen are now wanted in the United States. It so happens, however, that the educated clergy cannot live on small salaries. If we say nothing of the expense of their education it would be a very moderate computation to say they will want, when settled, one thousand dollars each year, which makes the round sum of 1,000,000- These might, no doubt, for the most part, be called domestic manufactures; but whether they would add much to the wealth of the nation, is a question yet to be determined- Much is said of the increase of Socinians, Universalists, Infidels, Deists, &c. Would it not be well to enquire into the causes which produce these disciples of erroneous faiths- In- stead of mounting the back of dull theology & roundly moving on in human strength, would it not be well to look into the law and the tes- timony-into the simple truths of the gospel, and see if all things are right at home? The people of the United States have eyes, and though they see not at present, we trust the time is not far distant when they will see, and feel, and act, like men, who intend, by the blessing of Him who has thus far smiled upon the nation, to preserve and maintain both their civil and religious freedom.