The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-05-24

VVFOA tLAG uCLOlVs
The Committee has done everything In
its power to fulfil the mission the Church
has entrusted to it. It's sphere is limited;
its theatre of action confined within very
narrow boundaries. So far as the students
are concerned, its relation is simply fnan-
cial; and so far as the General Assembly,
the lower courts and the churches are con-
cerned, its relation is that of an agency for
facilitating their work; and with reference
Co all, It's relation is ftly described as an
Executive Committee. 1t originates, and
can by its constitution, originate nothing; 1t
simply executes the orders of the Assem-
bly, on the one hand, and responds to the
wishes and facilitates the work of the lower
courts on the other hand. 1t is made its
imperative duty, by the instructions adopted
IN its guidance, to keep the Church in
formed of itS wants, and OF TIE actual state
Of che work entrusted to it; and, in order
to accomplish this surely, it is required, at
least twice year, to issue circular to the
Church, informing it of the facts in the case.
Accordingly, in September last, the annual
circular was issued which is required by the
Assembly, previous to the annual collection
| in November In this circular, it was stated
that it would in all likelihood require S25,-
900, to meet the necessities of the case
When the receipts for November were an
nounced by the Treasurer amounting to only
$1,74721, the Secretary published brief
note, calling attention to that announcement,
not doubling that the ministers and churches
which had failed to attend to the collection
at the appointed time would do so at an early
| day On the 10th day of February, the
Committee issued an appeal to the Church
for aid in view of the fact that the claims rest
ing against it for appropriations to students
were about S23, 900, whereas its receipts up
to that time were only $4,000, and at that
date only 372 churches had contributed to
the funds of the Committee. On the 25th
of March, under the order of the Commit
tee, circular was addressed to all the Pres
byterieS, and published for the information
of the Church, giving full statement of all
facts which the records of the Committee
exhibited, viz : The number of contributing
churches in every Presbytery, the whole
amount contributed, and the amount of ap-
preparations requested In these various
ways, the Committee has aimed to secure the
attention of the Church, and to keep the
brethren informed as to its wants. If the
Committee properly understands the existing
orders of the Assembly, it is required to do
precisely what it has done; and in so doing
it has exhausted its function, as to the mat.
ter of securing funds.
While it is necessary to look the embar-
easements which surround this work fully in
the face, it ought not to be forgotten that,
in large part, they arise from the abundant
blessings which Zion's King has bestowed
on the Church. Steadily, year by year, in
answer to the prayers of His people, He has
increased the number of candidates; and
thereby is at once showing His condescen-
sion to our wants, and His love and faithful
ness to His Church; and also is calling on
that Church to show its faith by its works
He has heard our prayers, and has sent His
Spirit to the hearts Of our choicest youth,
calling them to preach the Gospel; while, on
His people, He makes corresponding call
to furnish the requisite means to enable His
young servants to 90 forward. The reports
thus far received show steady increase of
candidates this spring, so that the number
seeking the ministry is greater than ever
| before and the calls on the Church will be
larger than during any preceding year, for
the requisite funds.
And, here, let it be observed that there is
no evidence that the embarrassments of this
Committee, and the Inconvenience to which
our young brethren have been exposed, arise
from lack of interest on the part of our
Christian people. On the other hand, there
are manifestations that the heart of the
Church is in this cause; and that Gods peo-
pie are not only raising their voices in prayer
to God for an increase of candidates and for
His blessing on the work; but, also, that
thew are ready to contribute the needed
funds, when the subject is brought before
them, at a suitable time and in a fit manner.
This is made evident by the fact of the
steady increase of contributions year by
year, and by the interest invariably excited
throughout the Church, when it is made
known that funds are needed, and that stu
dents are subjected to annoyance and want,
because of this fact.
And here, it is due to the candidates to
give expression to the admiration which the
Committee feels for the heroic self-denial
which they have exhibited under unusual
trials; and that Christian and flial conf
dence which they have shown in the dispO-
sitiOn of the Church to extend all the aid
in its power to her adopted sons, while pre-
pairing for their high vocation. They have
submitted to much hardship; they have re-
sorted to every expedient for exercising
economy; and, without exception, so far as
there is official information, they have pressed
on in their work of preparation without fall
tering. A number of them, moreover, have
economical their resources so as to abate
their claims on the Committee; and in all
respects, under circumstances of privation
and embarrassments, they have exhibited
such spirit as should secure the confidence,
the love and the fostering care Of the Church,
In addition to the increase of candidates,
and the enlargement of the claims resting
on the Church, arising therefrom, there are
other causes for the stringency of the treas
ury, some of which are of annual occur
renee; but none of which can be removed
by any action which it is possible for the
Committee to take. The remedy, if there
is any, must be devised by the Assembly it
self, or by the lower courts.
l. The time for the annual collection for
Education could scarcely be more unsuitable.
1t is at the precise season of the year when
the lower courts, especially the SynOds are
in the habit of meeting; and, in point Of
fact, at that time several of the largest
/ Synods have been in session each year, Sc
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