Why Yakima Pastors Need a Break

Ministers of the gospel are generally accredited with having an easy life, and in fact the impression prevails that when once they have entered into the ministry their lines have been cast in pleasant places. But is this a fact? The serious illness of the rector of the Episcopalian church directs particular attention to this class, and the lack of strength and robust health of the clergymen of Yakima at least, shows the need at this trying season of the year of a general vacation. The labors imposed by modern demands upon preachers of the gospel are severe. They must study constantly if they are to keep abreast of the vast learning and thinking of our times. They must be prepared to combat skepticism—which has never before been so rampant and well fortified as now. They must be prepared to hold public attention in rivalry with the newspaper, the magazine and the lecture platform. They must grapple with new social, industrial and philanthropic problems, as well as to keep in touch with an ever shifting population by visitation and parish work. To build up and make a success of a christian church, under the arduous conditions now confronting clergymen is no easy task, and it is only reasonable that a summer vacation be granted to the hard working and weary minded pastors for rest and recuperation.