The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-06-20
BY REV. H. H. HALVES.
No. 3.

In the first article, there was notice taken
of a sad fact-viz: that the number Of
churches contributing to Foreign Missions
was sixty-six less than last gear; and that
766 churches contributed nothing. A falling
away of eight in the number of Sabbath
Schools was also noted.
What then is the matter with the churches
and Sabbath Schools
1. In some cases, there is doubtless sVant
of courage on the part of those whose duty
it is to lead and guide the people,
Too many have the idea that it is 6ke
begging" to ask contributions to Gods work.
Now and then, also, We hear those who are
doing this called "beggars," "money-men, "
&c. Now this is all wrong. 1t is utterly
and shamefully wrong.
OF one thing the Church should be care
ful-viE, not to make impudent demands for
mOney-thst is, demands which countenance
impudent or doubtful schemes. But where
any work is clearly and plainly the work of
God, let there be no hesitation whatever. 1t
is duty to the people to say that when they
really understand the wants of Gods work,
they WiU respond Nth their money! They
have to work hard for it. 1t is often dearly
earned money. Yet, if they are convinced
that it is, in truth, needed for Gods cause,
they aOiH giiue It. This is due to the people.
If they look with wary eye upon one who
is seeking contributions from them, this is
generally because they 90 not understand,
or are not convinced, that the object is q
worthy one. feel assured of this, after an
observation and experience of many years.
Let the ministers, and others who can, az
struet the people clearly, candidly and faith
fully. The approach to them should not be
with a down cast, hesitating manner, as if we
feared and doubted the cause for which We
want aid. If it is a good cause, show il
boldly to the people, and explain it fully to
them, then they will give. 1t is not 'chari-
ty' that we ask, but sacred duty to God
Let them understand this. 1t is not right
to simply say, I'VE want some money fol
missions;" or to throw the responsibility Of
the demand upon the General Assembly
Synod, or Presbytery. The people must not
be made to feel that their gifts will be doubt
fully applied; or that the ecclesiastical pow
ers are demanding money Of them. No
let them be sure that their God and Saviour
wants them TO aid in uphOlding and extend
ing His kingdom, and they will give.
have never yet known them to refuse posi-
lively to honor fearless discharge of dut,
on the part of their leaders. If som
churches do not give, it is either through ignO
rance or want of proper application.
,. Great trouble arises out of "hart
times" All feel the financial pressure. Bu
it is always bad plan to withhold our gift
from Him upon whom we are dependent 70
all. God will honor those who honor Him
If we give to Him, He will give to US.
If this doctrine be faithfully kept befOr
the people, they will give to God, in spite c
"hard times" Let them be Instructed.
is the business of ministers and other officer
to do this. In many cases the fault liz
with them, rather than the people.
3. The hOme-ehurches in many place
need more nOurishing. Efforts should mol
freely abound to build them up, and so il
crease our giving ability and territory. Br
let it be, in no place, taken for granted, thj
any church or any member is not able to gi'
or DO for the work of Christ. This is Oftt
done. Of those 100 churches which ga
nothing, almost all, if not every one, cOu
and would give if true instruction had be-
oiyen, and application made. To overlot
any church or member is not nourishiDg, b
aeglectinq all such. Thousands of dolla
for Christ are waiting to be put into circul
ton; and faithful, fearless, kindly instrU
tion will do it. Many cases have come
light where church members have sent
their contributions, which had nsusr be
asked for By the officers of the ekGreh. 1t
fair to presume that many others who Ia
not done this, would be found ready a
able to give if sought out. Sometimes, t
it comes as revelation to a man, that
can give, though he and all others have tai
it for granted that he could not. But wi
a clear instruction is given, the mistake
discovered and the ability to give also.
Neglect of some home churches will ca
them to dwindle away to nothing. If
member be neglected, his graces are apt
dry up. Let there be thorough cultiVsi