The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-04-05
Answer to Enquirer. 4"

In the Central of last week ga mother" makes
some inquiries and presents some points to which
a reply vas promised. 1t will be brief
l. It Is giving to the cause of Christ an act Of
ooorShip''' |; is not recognized in our Confession
of Faith among the "parts Of the ordinary reli-
gious worship OF God nor among the extraordi-
nary (see chap 81, sec. 5 Strictly speaking it is
not an act of worship, any more than visiting the
sick, or hoeing patch Of corn for the purpose Of
de7oting thu proceeds to the cause of Christ.
2. 1t does not follow from this that it is wrong
to practice it (such giviug) on the Sabbath day. "
There are many good things besides worship which
it is lawful to do then and both the Scriptures
and our Standards recognize the giving Of money
as among them. While therefore not an act Of
worship, it may be, andought to be Connected s7iti
worship; but not restricted to it.
g. This may serve to relieve the perplexity of "a
mother" and others about fairs, festivals, and
concerts" ('Theatrical exhibitions we give over
to general condemnation.) Fairs are not wrong
in themselves, if they are fairly conducted. Nor
are festivals and concerts If only reasonable
profit is received for the article or service given,
surely there is DO sin in that If evil practices are
connected let the condemnation be placed there,
not upon the other.
A. While right IN themselves, it may still De q
question how far it is expedient and useful to en-
ploy them for church purposes. Here is a.wide
discussion for Christian casuistry to enter. Ii
strikes cur mind thus Il. The highest style Of
giving would be one separated from fairs and festi
walls. 1t should be purely from the constrsinipg
"love Of Christ" Giving, where the giver ex.
poets to receive as much again, is certainly not
the highest order Of benevOlence. T. But it is O
great principle in the moral government of God,
that be docs net influence people by one motive only
If they cannot be ruled by the highest, there are
many Of an inferior grade by which they may be
moved. To take one example among thousands. II
would be best that all men should attend public wor
ship on the Sabbath mainly from the desire to please
and honor God Bat thousands who are dead to
that sentiment. will go from Difference to good
public opinion or desire to benefit their fami.
lies. 1t is better to go from even such motives
here. e While all efforts should be used to
train our people to give from the highest motives
and we should exclude all plans which are wrong in
themselves, for raising money for church purposes
as we'll as all wrong practices from plans that are
understandable, we are as far as can be from any
sweeping measure. Oar people arc asked to give
and do give at the collections in the churches
The amount is utterly insufficient Our ladies
every where exert themselves to make it up /; some
by sewing circles, (perhaps the very best plan Of
al) others by fairs and festivals. Provided no un
worthy devices are resorted to, our council is tc
"let them alone' No, not that; but let us rather
adopt the noble council Of "such one as Pau
the aged Help those women which sbored with
me in the gospel, whose names are in the book OIL
life -