Extracts from the Diary of a Country Pastor

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864. Excerpt: ... MY CONGREGATION. 33 NUMBER II. PARSON MAGOG. Lanswood Parsonage, Oct. 13, 18--. Yesterday was the Sabbath. For the first time I succeeded in interesting the congregation. They are very unlike the enterprising audience at Millcreek. Usually, before I have fairly introduced my theme, I am edified by seeing quite a number deliberately settle their heads on the backs of the seats in front of them and shut their eyes for a nap. I think their foreheads must be calloused as well as their consciences, or the hard pillow would prove unendurable. But yesterday only one of my Church members went to sleep in the afternoon, and he was slumbering peacefully when I announced my text. However, he overtook me on my way home, and we had a long talk on spiritual things. He felt that something must be done for souls. They were fast asleep in their sins. Did n't I think I could put more life into my sermons? The people did not need prettily-rounded periods or flowery essays; they needed the marrer of the Gospel. Wouldn't it be a good plan, as the evenings grew longer, to have a series of extra meetings, and get some experienced revivalist to help? There was parson Magog, down in Newtown, about the strongest team going, and he hired himself out to do such extra work. Indeed! I said, and what are his terms? O, cheap enough. He can get a hundred dollars a month, but I reckon, as we 're neighbors, he 'd come here for seventy-five. I should think he might. Very few of our regular clergy are paid so liberally. Well, you see this is different. There's no humbug about him. When he says he 'll do a thing you may account it already done. If he pledges himself for a good work here, we shall have a most wonderful increase. PARSON MAGOG. 35 Are the other brethren desirous to ...