The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-02-19

that all the ministers of the Gospel over the
country, could at this day be comfortably. sup
rOrted upon what its families expend in super
understanding by that, as the word does,
things that are not necessary.
In all this pastors themselves and their fam
lilies should be an example to others. And
while there may, of course, be exceptions to
the rule, we will here undertake to say con-
corning the ministers of our Church and their
families, (the same applying to all other
Churches, that there is no other class in the
country which surpasses them in. this virtue
The proof is found in the undisputed fact that
no class in society cOntrives to live more com
f0rtably, shows better supplied table, more
tidily clothed aud furnished household, bet
ter educated family upon so small an income.
No people in proportion to their means give
50 much to objects of charity, or contribute so
much to sustain the ordinances of the Gospel
in their congregations. 1t is our life long OBJ
seryadOn that, upon an average, they have al
ways contributed from their own private
means, fully one third OF what was necessary,
under any fair economical view, to the comtor-
table maintenance of their families. They are,
upon an average, certainly not doing less now
and they are doing it not only without com
plaiut, but are more than willing to share the
burdens Of the day,with the people they serve
aud love.
4. Carry out an efficient system Of church
finances. 1t is amazing to find how many con
gregatiOns have nothing which deserves The
name of system. No wonder they are weak
aud siekly; the wonder is they we're not deac
and buried long ago. Such kind of dealing
would speedily kill anything upon earth, er
celot os-ed0re6, aud thsr-~cerribly oripples.
Many more. that have a system, fail TO work
it promptly and efficiently They neglect tC
have the amounts subscribed collected wheu
due. And people who know that their dues
ought to be paid, neglect to do it. But from
long observation of this. matter we are salts
fed that the failure in collecting regularly the
pastors salary, arises ia most cases, more from
thewant of an efficiently conducted system, than
from unwillingness on the part of the peopletc
pay what they promise.
Now the main cure for these defects is tC
have the whole Church, its officers and Its
members, deeply imbued with sense Of eternal
things, of their responsibility to God, aud with
love to Christ and his cause. Then they viii
pray earnestly and labor zealously The wall:
of our Jerusalem now must be built as were
the walls of Jerusalem in the days of Old
- So zee built the looU, e.. for the peopb
had a mind to ,cork. Who ever heard of 8
thoroughly earnest, praying, working church
that was deserted, and that persisted?
Many other appropriate counsels might be
suggested. 1t is certainly a time in which al
should. feel their responsibility, and resolve
that nothing they can do shall be lacking, t
uphold the interests of the Redeemer'
Church, which he purchased with his owl
blood. A timid, half hearted policy may leav,
many church to go to ruin. They need mel
and women with warm hearts, aud each on
ready to every good work" With this spiri
we need not fear at all Our churches vii
pass through the fire unscathed; yea, purified
as gold for the Masters use.