The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-24

less uncertainty on the part of the trustees
as to the amount. of money upon which they
could depend for the year. According to
the plan we now propose, each person brings
what he is willing to give for pew, Sab
bath by Sabbath, and hence while he is not
incommoded by his voluntary Offering, the
trustees are able to tell every week the pre-
else state of the finances.
Third. 1t is the fairest method for those
who have been in the habit Of paying fixed
sum semi-annually for their pews. Accord
ing to the old plan that definite sum must
be paid whether prosperity or adversely at
tended their daily employments. According
to the present plan if the income they re-
ceive increases, their contributions to the
church will increase, and if the income di-
minishes. their contributions can readily be
reduced. Nearly every one can tell about
the amount of money he spends week by
week, and if from this amount he will con-
scientiously set apart certain proportion to
be given on the Sabbath to the support of
the sanctuary, he can never feel embarrassed
by any obligations he has assumed before
hand to contribute to religious objects.
Fourth. 1t is the most equitable method
of de raging our ordinary expenses as a
congregation. According to the old plan,
it is possible that there were those who paid
more for their pews than they were able in
strict justice to afford, and it is also possible
that there were others who did not pay what
in strict justice they ought to have given for
maintaining the Gospel among us. Accord
ing to. the present plan, the burden of main
tanning the Gospel, if it can be esteemed
burden, will be equalized as far as possible,
for it is manifestly in conflict with the law
of Christ and with the rule of Christian
charity to require the poor man to pay out
of his small income as much for his pew as
the rich man who is able probably with less
self-denial to give sum thirty, or sixty, or
hundred times greater.
Fifth. 1t is a plan which will take away
the reproach SO frequently and so fairly
brought against our city churches, that they
virtually exclude the poor. We are striving
to realize as nearly as possible the idea of
free church without infringing the legal.
rights of those who own pews; but even if
the Church were absolutely free, we would
preserve order in the house of God, and
hence assign certain definite seats to families
and others who might choose, to worship with
us. We propose now to assign pews, or
half.pews, or single sittings as the case may
be, to all who desire to be considered mem
bers of this congregation, until every seat
in the main body of the building and in the
gallery shall be taken if God prosper us
thus far, and then we will leave it to the oc.
cupant of each seat to determine for himself
how much he will give for the privilege of
hearing the Gospel. 1t is obvious that this
plan will make our church free practically,
and that none need stay away on account Of
pew rent.
,Sirth. We hope the plan will work sue
cessfully. According to our former method
of raising money, much larger number
even of the members of the church than is
generally supposed, feeling unable to pay
the rent assessed upon the pews, actually
gave nothing whatever to detray the ex
penses of the Sanctuary. According to the
present arrangement we expect all of them
without single exception to contribute their
just proportion to this important object, al
though some may themselves be supported
in part out of the Deacons fund, or al
though they may not be able to give more
than the widows two mites which made two,
ffths of one cent. When this is done con-
scientiously, as we are confident it will be
done by the great majority, and we trust
by every one of the people, the revenue of
the Church will be largely increased.
Seventh. 1t is scriptural plan, and is there
fore wise and right. 1t certainly appeals
to the right motive, and rests upon the right
principle. God has said in His word, "every
man according as he purposeth in his heart,
so let him give not grudgingly or of neces-
sity; for God loveth cheerful giver." e
Cor. tx: T. The requirement in this pas
sage is, that our contributions should be
freely made, and not constrained by circum.
stances. Elsewhere the Bible represents
giving as grace and an act of worship
and consequently if acceptable in the sigh
of the Lord, it must be voluntary offering
expressive of our gratitude to Him who
though rich, yet for our sakes became poor
that we through His poverty might be made
rich.
We therefore present this plan to your
consideration, being satisfied that the more
you think of it, the more certainly it vii
meet your cordial approval.
But if efficiently carried out, it must re
ceive the intelligent and earnest cooperation
of every member of the church. 1t must b
regarded not as matter of convenience, bu
as matter of conscience 1t must arouse
all who are connected with the congregation
old and young, rich and poor, to be faithful
in the discharge of the duty which we hav
pressed upon their attention, and to give a