To My Younger Brethren: Chapters on Pastoral Life and Work — John Shaqi
To My Younger Brethren: Chapters on Pastoral Life and WorkMoule, H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn)
Religion
To My Younger Brethren: Chapters on Pastoral Life and Work
Moule, H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn)
Pastoral theology
I will begin, then, with the assumption that the young Clergyman
recognizes, and seeks to practise, the great Gospel principle of a
sanctified chivalry. "To the feminine vessel, as to the weaker, give
honour," writes St Peter [1 Pet iii. 7.]; words which must be cut large
and deep into our ministerial hearts if we are to live as true Ministers
and true men. They have a particular reference to married life, I know;
but their full scope is far wider. And they are among the most wonderful
utterances of the apostolic Gospel, when we read them in the light, or
rather under the contrasted darkness, of the contemporary
_anti_-chivalry of the Rabbinic teaching about woman. They are the
utterance of Peter, the married man, after his discipleship in the
Spirit at the feet of Jesus, the Mother's Son. "_Giving honour_;" do not
forget the phrase. It lifts us into a higher and far healthier region
than that of either mere fondness or mere admiration. Indeed, it is
all-important to remember what a deep gulph lies between two things
which at first sight may be mistaken for one another--Admiration for
Women, Reverence for Woman.
So let apostolic chivalry, unaffected, but watchful and practical,
govern your life, by the grace of God. Let it be quite impartial as a
principle. You may possibly have to speak with a princess; you are sure
to have to speak and deal with very poor and ignorant women. But each
and all they are WOMAN, and you must remember the Apostle's word.
Courtesy and consideration are due to them all, as you are a man, a
Christian, a Minister of God. The expression may vary, and within limits
it must, but the principle must be always there. To the poorest woman
give the wall in the street, offer the best seat in the train.
WE ARE TRUSTED.
I must here so far anticipate a future chapter as to point out how
constantly this call to "give honour" must be remembered in pastoral
visitation. We Clergy are _trusted_ to an extraordinary degree in
personal intercourse with female parishioners. How often a pastoral call
is paid, whether at mansion or cottage, when no man is at home! "Take
heed unto thyself" _then_. The call under those circumstances should be
as brief as possible. And the whole interview should be ruled by a
heedful while unobtrusive respect and self-respect. Do not think a
strong word of caution in this matter out of place and out of scale.
Carelessness of even appearances here may wreck a life; it may certainly
blight an influence.
WHEN AND HOW TO TAKE HEED.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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