Smyrna times., 1871-06-07
NZiSccIIU 10 e o us.
For the Smyrna Times.I
The Envelope System for Church Fl
nanCeS,

Great desire has been expressed, that the |
Envelope System for deEraying church expen-
ses, be explainedin in the SMYRNA TINES. Not
only for the benefit of our own community, |
but for the instruction of those in other lOcali
ties who may be anxious to take advantage OF
any thing that will aid, in that most difficult
Of all tasks in church-the proper manage
mcnt Of its finances.
Small envelopes by 3 inches are distributed
in packages of 40 or so to each member of the
church. These envelopes can be purchased
for $l.3j per thousand, from Henry Cohen Il
Son, 507 Chestnut street, Phila.
| Ece,y member of the church is expected to
obigate themselves to give SC much per week,
according to their ability, ranging from cts.
to $500.
The benefit of weekly payments over quar-
terly or annual payments are these. First,
there is weekly Identification Of ones thoughts
and feelings with offerings for Gods cause;
this revives our sense Of obligation to the
church 50 times, rather than once or four times
as by quarterly or annual payments, thus the
number of links binding US to the church are
increased, and our connection with the church
kept up by "perpetudl 0feriagS.' Then if
ones subscription is payed in one or two in
stallments, the power of his example Is lost
over the different persons that may chance to
sit near him the balance of the year. The en-
|
ed in the collection basket every Sabbath, If
there is failure to do this either because of
quarterly or annual payments one not only sets
a bad example unlntentiOnalIy, but also sub
jectS himself to great mlScOn3tructlon or mis-
understanding.
This System proposes to cover all the cur
rent expenses of the church, including the
Presiding Elders and Pastors and Sexton,
Salaries, also the expense for light, fuel and
Danoa in mob
f his weekly payments, must embrace in his of
fering his obligations to all these expenses
If by absence or inability or great incOnve
nience, the weekly amount is omitted once OF
twice it can be paid, just as any other obliga
tion ought to be paid, as soon as possible.
1t will be great blessing to the children ant
church OF the coming generation, if parents
would divide part of their subscription with
their children, thus teaching them early, thei
- obligations to Gods cause, and identify
!. ing them with the church in its support
0 This is one of the greatest blessings of tn,
= system, it will forstall what is called "begginj
sermons and begging talks in the church o
the future, by training the children in the wa!
they should do, and when they get old the.
will not depart from it.
In order that an account may be opened
and kept with each one, the names of oil CON
trtbutorS lcdh the amounts gjyen must be ,crit
ten on each enUetOpe, this will save great troubl
S to the treasurer and avoid the probability o
error in accounts.
ID The benefits of this system are these. 1st
Regularity and punctuality in the payment o
1t all church debts, is secured. I'd. 1t is easie
e for most people to pay their yearly subscrip
tons in 50 parts than in one payment Sd
Many of the members who do not attend clas
meetings have weekly opportunity in tn
public service to do their duty 4th. Man
3 high minded moral men who are not churc
members, and yet feel obligated to do wha
they can for Gods cause, have an opportunit
to give, by this system. In some instance
: unchristian men of moderate means, give twic
as much, as christian men, Of equal ability an
even of greater means In the Methods
Church of this town, though many of the sub
scriptions are at lower figure than the
ought to be, to cover all currant expenses. ye
:, basis of $40 per week has been reached
VI which is thirty per cent more than was reali2
by the old system of collecting in classes
Great complaint is made in many circle
or against the Methodist Church, as being
begging church." The facts show that tn
Methodist Church not only takes care of hom