The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-02-23

Country Churches. The remarks of one of oul
brethren about the difficulty of carrying out IL
many places the plan of weekly contributions, are
worthy of consideration. We think comparison
OF facts and diereutplaus and views would do muct
good and therefore their communication through
this paper has been invited. Let all aspects of the
subject be looked at We offer one or two sugges-
tons touching some points in the article by FAC
cheus"
One is that the plan of the Apostle does not
necessarily call for an actual collection, taken up
every Sabbath 1t directs them to clay by IN
store on the first day of the week. If church
meets for public worship on every Sabbath, let
the contribution be made; if only every other
week, or once a month, let it be made then. But
this need not hinder the laying by IN store every
Sabbath; and there is great advantage in getting
that habit fixed.
3 There is too often disposition among our
people to give nothing because they cannot give a
good deal. Let us beware that pride is not mixed
with this. If man can say that he has consci-
entiolsly considered the whole matter, and has
given I" as the Lord hath prOspered him, - he has
no cause to feel ashamed if it be but five cents or
even but one. But if he can give that much and
does not, that is cause of shame. The burial Of
the one talent drew down upon the delinquent his
dreadful condemnation.
Is it really in,practicaJle to carry out the plan
for weekly contributions, or at least laying by in
store, in some parts of our Church? Is it not
worthy of serious inquiry how it has been and is so
efficiently carried out in other places, where the
communities are in precisely the same condition as
the churches in Southwest Virginia; some Of them
greatly more sraitened. 1t is not our business to
sit in Judgment upon any. Only let all see to it,
as in the sight of God, that there be first will
ling mind, then all else will come right, and the
Lord will make plain what is duty and what is the
best way to perform it.
We call attention to the fact that all reports thus
far indicate an advance under the new plan, most
of them a very great improvement And further
let it be marked that as monthly collections show
an advance upon the quarterly, so those taken
every week are an improvement upon the monthly.
This fact is worth good deal.
The picture which our brother Zaecheus gives
is by no means all Shady Side" P'-Nwn state
menr shows there is an imprOyeH
PASTOR elders and deacons persevere good
work; let the system be kindly but firmly held be
fore their people, In few years they will be sur
pissed to witness the results. Prejudices will give
way, and the congregation, will be surprised to
ind how easily they can do what was once thought
beyond their power. If any continue to stay away
from church on account of the frequent contrbu-
tons, they will be very few, and in almost every
instance will consist of those contracted cOvetous
persons,
"Whom none can love, and few can thank,
Creations blot, creations blank.
The suggestions about giving to pastors, supplies
Of provision, &C., is all well, and more of it may
and should be done But ought it not to be rather
in addition to regular stipulated sum of money
than a substitute for it? All provision has some
market value, and it is in general much better to
give the person his due in money, and let him
supply his family as they need Otherwise the
supply is likely to become tumble, and the result
is unfavorable to well-reguated economy.
In regard to provisions for candidates. We only
express the opinion that while it may be well for
year or two of peculiar exigency it will not work
well as permanent thing.