The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1860-09-11
SUNDAY 33eaSing.
For the IntelHgcnccr.
Letter of Southern Planter, OH the Claims
Of the Ministry to Support.

part, dedicated TO moral instruction; ana
numbers among its patrons those who are
bound to the fulflment Of certain moral
and religious duties, we feel that no apol-
ogy is required for presenting the letter
of "a Planter" for publication, pretaced
by few remarks.
The letter points out the obligations Of
Christian to give of his substance to the
support of the Gospel, and the true meas
ure of that obligation as enforced in the
Bible And though written to urge the
members of the Methodist Chuch to do
their duty in this respect, we presume it
will be found alike applicable to those Of
the other orthodox branches of the Chris
tian Church. The writer makes an ap-
peal timely in its character for it is a
lamcntable fact that, while in this young
and fruitful country, immense fortunes are
gathered, competence is general, and
money is lavishcd upon every temporal
enterprise, the Golfers of the Church are
comparatively empty, her Ministers poorly
paid, and her efforts in the field OF foreign
and domestic missions, and in supplying a
sound religious literature are crippled
This is a crying sin of the Church and
needs to be repented OF.
Subscriptions to railroads and banks,
turnpillcs and canals, are readily made !;
nor do members finch from paying lib
cral salaries to their overseers, clerks and
other employees to supervise their tenn
poral interests, but are unwilling to allow
those whom God has sent to instruct them
in spiritual things, an amount sufficient to
enable them to live decently and comfort
ably. Hence it is. that most of our Min
listers are unable to devote their entire
time to preaching, but are compelled to
teach school or follow some other secular
calling to support themselves and families
We should like to see statement of
the contributions Of the members Of the
various Churches. as compared with their
means, to the support of the Ministry, to
the cause Of Missions, Theological Semi
naries, to the education Of young men for
the Ministry, to the Sunday School Union,
the Bible Union, the Tract Society, and
for the publication and dissemination of
religious books. We fear that each would
have cause to feel ashamed; nay, we have
cause to fear that the mere mention of
this list Of objects Of Christian benevo-
lence would startle hundreds 1.-The larg-
est dollar current is the Church dollar
1t has an effect upon the optic nerve that
has never yet been satisfactorily explain
ed" saws one But he is mistaken; the
great Chalmers, in his speech against GOV
ctousnsss, has solved tic mystery: "The
disease is as near universal as it is viru-
lent. Wealth is the goddess whom all the
world worshipcth. There is many city
in our empire, of which, with an eye of
apostolical disccrnmcnt. it may be seen
that it is wholly given over to idolatry.'
Another pious Christian thus paints the
wants of the Church: so for race of
merchants. ship masters, mechanics, OF
artists. Of farmers, lawyers, employers
and employees who will devote themselves
to God as much as if they were ministers
thus raising the common employments OF
life to the sublime dignity Of preaching
the gospel. Devoted hands are wanted at
this day as we'll as tongues. Devoted for
tunes, devoted energetic business men, are
the pressing need Of the Church of Christ.
A Church may possess devoted Minis
try, but if she has not devoted member
ship, she will go forth lamely upon all her
enterprises Of mercy. The Ministers OF
our Church need the backing Of an ener-
eetic, consecrated, Jealous membership.
Ready to go forth to the ends Of the
earth. Will you send them? Ready to
work to the end Of life. Will you support
chem? Will you let them die in the har-
ness of battle? Will you cease not to
care for the mother and the babes who
share their toll and poverty"
Solemn interrogatories, which each
christian must answer to God for himself!
Do they not feel the weight of obligation
that is upon them to do so? Have they
not considered the matter? If not, let
them read and ponder the following ex7
tracts from the letter of a wealthy, liberal
hearted Planter:
Galvanic remedies have been the set
tied treatment for the chronic financial
ailments of our Church. And the labors