The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-11-20
For THE CENTRAL PRrsBYrsnlAN
Ministerial Support.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.

hEPOhT OF THE COMMlllbE.
The Committee on Ministerial Support beg
leave respectfully to report to the Synod upon
this subject committed to them by the Synod
of 1866 as follows, viz, proposing that the
Synod now adopt the following:
|. ReSolced, That every congregation be re-
commended (required) TO make one oblation
to the service Of Christ abroad and within It's
own boundaries, on every Sabbath, accord
ing a. the Lord hath prospered them"
2. That the Synod approve of the plan. OF
Sustentation recommended by the Memphis
Assembly, and recommend the Presbyteries
under their care to cooperate in it with the
two-told view OF giving greater efficiency, to
the Domestic Missionary work as such, and OF
securing at the same time a competent sup
port for all the pastors under their care
3. With the view of carrying out these ends
the Synod further recommend the Presbyte-
ries to organize their Committee of Missions
with sufficient powers to carry out the objects
contemplated in the general PLAN
4. That upon these committees should be de-
volved. the duty and responsibility Of appoint
ing Missionaries and Evangclists, directing
their labors, receiving their reports, NC, all
however subject to the approval and direction
of the Presbyteries.
5. That the Chairman, as organ OF the Com
mittee, shall use due diligence to the fol-
lowing ends, (be instructed to see, lst. That
all the churches in the Presbytery contribute
according to their ability to the general Sus-
tentation Fund, and so far as practicable, ac-
cording to the plan recommended by the As
sembly, viz: by a special contribution on the
first Sabbath in January, and by weekly obla.
tons; I'd. As corresponding member of the
Central Committee he shall see that the wants
of his Presbytery are properly brought to the
attention of that Committee. 3d. That he
shall make himself acquainted with the gene
raj condition of all the churches in his Presby-
terry, and do what he can by his personal inhu
ence to induce those churches to contribute OF
their substance, not only TO the general Sus-
tentation Fund b-Et for the support of their
own pastors. 4th. That where any church
continues persisteDtly delinquent in the per-
Torrance Of either of these duties, it shall be
his duty to report the same to the Presbytery
for its action. 18th. That he may be employ
ed as the organ Of bringing before the Presby-
terry any complaints which such congregations
may make against their pastor for not making
suitable pulpit preparations, or for not devo.
ting his time mainly to their spiritual improve
ment, after they have provided him compe-
tent support 9Th. That he shall, as organ OF
the Committee, report both to his Presbytery
and the Central Committee, at least once a
year, that the first may exercise the proper au-
thority over the churches in the matter, and
that the latter may have the means of bring
ing the general condition of the work before
the Assembly 10Th. That the said Chairman
shall be entitled to an equitable compensation
for these services, and also to meet his expen
ses in the performance Of these duties
6. That the Synod recommends to the Pres.
byteres, wherever it is practicable, that two
or more churches be united under the same
pastorate when neither is able to contribute as
much as one half Of the salary Of their minis.
| ter
I. That in the present impoverished condi.
ton of the country, weak churches should be
supplied as much as possible by neighboring
pastors, so that the necessity of employing
Missionaries and Evangests, especially in old
er portions of the country, be avoided as much
as possible for the time being.
s. That the Synod strongly advises, as an
important step towards the adequate support
of the ministry, that every congregation shall
proceed as soon as practicable to provide it.
self with a manse.
NoTE.-The portions of the above paper in
brackets, Indicate what was stricken out of the
original paper as reported by the Committee.
They are here published for information accord
ing to the wishes of many members expressed
on the floor of the Synod.