The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-12-08
Work for the Chairmen of Presbyterial Com
mittees of Domestic Missions.

The time has now come for these Cffi GERS
to act in their several spheres with vigorou;
zeal The character of the SustentatOr
work in the Presbyteries depends in large
measure upon the efficiency or inefficiency Of
those to whose hands it's management is in
trusted. The office of Chairman Of this
Committee is by far the most important and
responsible in the gift Of the Pfesbytery, aud
its acceptance commits its incumbent TO faith.
full and judicious labor. No one has right
to hold this position who does not discharge
its duties to the best of his ability, and every
Presbytery ought to see that it is occupied
by the right man. There are some things
which may now be done in forwarding this
work, and which ought not to be delayed
l. 1t is important that those churches, or
unions of churches, which have been hereto
fore aided by the Sustentation Fund and
which have become strong enough to under
take the whole support of their own minis
ters, should be induced to do so. 1t is a
great injury to any church, or act of churches,
to be aided beyond the actual necessities of
the case. and no obligation whatever rests
upon the whole church to aid congregation
which is able to support the Gospel for itself.
Care should therefore be taken to throw
every church upon it's own resources at as
early period as possible.
II. 1t is vital principle of the Sustenta-
ton scheme to develop the strength and educe
the self-supporting power of the churches aid
ed by it. 1t is therefore desirable that, as
far as possible, there should be some improve
ment from year to year in the support which
the aided congregations themselves furnish
for their ministers. In some cases the ability
of congregations will perhaps increase only a
little, but even in these, whatever Of increase
can be made by them in the direction of pas
toral support, ought to be obtained. The goal
is finally to be attained in many cases only
after repeated efforts, and every faithful effort
in the right direction will likely increase both
the ability and disposition to do more in the
future.
III. The proper grouping Of churches ia
matter of prime moment. 1t is unreasonable
for small and feeble churches to claim the
whole time of minister, or even one-half his
time, unless there be good promise Of growth.
A sufficient number of churches ought to be
put together to secure for the minister, in ad
dition to what may be obtained from the Sus-
tentation Fund, comfortable support
Where this can be done without calling upon
the fund it is desirable that it should be done,
so that other churches nots faVorably located
may be adequately assisted.
w. An effort ought now to be made to
induce every church to contribute literally
to this fund at the approaching annual Col
lection in January. Some PreSbyterial Com
mittees have been so successful in this work,
that scarcely blank is found on the list Of
their churches. 1t is important that this
should be the case with all.
We trust that every chairman in our bounds
will act on these suggestions, and that large
benefits will accrue from their labors.