The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-03-26

If oar 900rE IN ats several departments aS Il
be carried on Vith becoming vigor. To fal
much below them must necessarily greatly
embarrass and hinder the Church's progress
Of course it is conceded that entire equal
ity would not be reached in this matter
even if every contributor to the pastors sal.
ary should contribute to our several benevo-
lent schemes at the rates proposed. Some
congregations are more liberal, and do bet
ter by their pastors than others, in proper
ton to ability; and in every congregation
the same is true of the subscribers to the
salary. But the more liberal in the one re.
spect will, of course, because they are lib
eral minded) be the more ready to answer
the call made upon them in the other.
1t is conceded, also, that in some cases,
where a very great effort is involved to ena-
bic persons to make their salary subscrip-
tions, it would be difficult, perhaps impossi-
bic, to make contributions to the benevolent
schemes at the average rate required. With
he beet VIII there void s.e some failures.
Bat still greater deficiencies must for the
present be counted upon on the score of neg
igence and lack of zeal, till the Church be-
comes educated much nearer than it now is,
to the proper standard of really Systematic
Benefcence. How, then, is this deficiency
to be met? Only by the more liberal and
the more able-all whose pecuniary condi-
tiOn is comparatively easy-going beyond
the figures named; doubling them even, in
many cases, as some now do, whom 1t costs
self.denial to do go.
But do we not thus introduce inequality
in the very act of proposing what aims to
equalize contributions? The plan looks to
ultimate equalization, but it were vain
hope to expect to reach that goal ut once.
The present aim is rather to afford ready
means of making known to contributors the
minimum standard, in all ordinary circum-
stances, by which to regulate their gifts,
leaving the way open for those to whom God
has given the means, (Deut. viii: 1S; l
Chron. xxx: 12-16,) and who appreciate
the debt they owe to Christ, to make up for
the inevitable lack of service in Others Nor
let them think it hardship to have this to
do; but let them look to those gracious and
blessed rewards that are promised. They
who are rich in good works lay up for them
selves good foundation against the time to
come. / Tim. vi 17-19.
1t will be readily seen that what is pro-
posed does not interfere in any way with any
existing plan of benefcence-whether by
+" weekly" collections, by the envelope sys-
tenn" by six annual collections for the six
objects proposed by the General Assembly,
or otherwise. Every congregation knows
what it pays its minister, and every sub
scriber knows thetamount Of his eAbscTip-
ton. Let the General Assembly each year
ascertain in the way above pointed out the
percentage on salary subscriptions that will
raise the amount required for each object
Let this be published to the Church, and by
each minister be made known to his people
and at once every congregation and every
member is informed as to their respective
quotas, to be made up in the aggregate by
their weekly contributions, or in whatever
way they are accustomed to contribute.