The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-12-23
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
sUsTENTATION.
OFFICE OF SUsTENTATIoN.
Cnlnmhia. s. @ Dec d. 1874.


Dear Brethren,-In calling your attention to the
annual collection for Sustentation ION the first Sab
bath in January or as soon thereafter as may be
conveniently we beg to remind you of the impor-
lance OF the cause towards the support OF which
you are invited to contribute. The Sustentatlon
Fund was established with the view Of supplying
aid to feeble churches in sustaining their pastors
and in the erection of houses of worship. lnesti-
mable blessings have been concurred by it in past
years, scores of such churches having, under its
fostering care, been furnished with suitable church
accommodations and become self-sustainipg, who
are now aiding others that are still feeble and
needy. There is yet great and growing work to
be accomplished by it. The receipts Of the fund
have never been adequate to the demands made
upon it, and there is at present necessity for the
highest and most liberal exertion in its behalf
Never perhaps in the history of our Church, have
so many signal tokens of Divine favor been be-
slowed upon her by her exalted Head and Saviour
as at this time. The increase of her ministry the
number of new churches organized, the large ad-
ditions to her membership, the zeal in extending
her borders evinced in many places call for devout
gratitude. But these things entail heavier re-
sponsibility, and require of our Christian people
higher degree Of conservation in supporting the
work now SO apspciously prosecuted. If plans
now on foot ipshe Presbyteries for the fuller es-
Enlistment and equipment of Zion can be sus-
tanned, if efforts already begun with the greatest
promise of success can be aided if our ministry can
be maintained in their abors in the gospel and are
enabled to give their stregth to the upbuiding OF
the Church. there is the best reason to expect that
increased prosperity will rest upon our heritage.
Her growth and the work accomplished by her in
the midst of poverty and trial, are already making
her study for the Christian world, and she may
become an example to incite others to guide them
in their efforts to build up the kingdom of God.
Brethren, critical juncture is upon US. The time
has arrived when our full strength must be put
forth. Surely, the merciful dealing of God with
us is sufficiently impressive to awaken the most
unimpassioned, and to arouse even those who have
accustomed themselves to sloth. We call upon
you then at I" such time as this to come up gen.
erousy to the help of the Lord in promoting the
great interests of His kingdom. The Executive
Committee will need much larger amount fol
this cause this year than ever before. Already
applications for aid and letters of inquiry reach
ing US, and vast area of work, which must bt
sustained by your gifts, has been mapped out BY
the Presbyteries Will you not then be true tt
your own Christian interests, to the best interests
of the Church, to the gracious bestowments of Goo
upon yourselves and the Church of which you arr
members to the work already undertaken but al
yet unfinished and which calls for your aid, by Civ
ing as the Lord hath prospered you to this mos
important cause2 We await with profound anx
iety the practical reply you shall make to this In
quiry, when the opportunity is afforded you t.
testify your love and zeal by the bestowment o
your gifts. Remember, dear brethren, that the ad
vaacement or hndraace of the cork for the nee
t,oelue months depends on 0hat gou do at this time
In the January number of The Missionary w
have set forth the claims of this cause upon Sab
bath Schools. Pastors and superintendent vii
confer favor by bringing this matter to the at
tention of the children. The officers of vacan
churches too are specially invited to gather tn
gifts of their people in support of this object.
Yours In the work Of the Church,
RICHARD NICKNAME,
j. LEIGHTON WILSON,
| Secretaries