The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-01-02
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
The Annual Collection for sustentation.
CIRCULAR LETTER TO ALL OUR CHURCHES AND
CHRISTIAN PEOPLE
OFFICE OF SUsTENTATIoN
Baltimore, December 10Th, 1877.

Baltimore, December 10Th, 1877. (
Dear Christian Frtends,-In calling your atten-
ton to this collection, which is to be taken up by
the direction of the General Assembly and the
Presbyterles, In all the churches on the lat Sab
bath OF January, or as soon thereafter as may be
convenient, we would ask your liberal contributions
thereto as equal in importance with any collection
gathered in the churches during the year. Indeed,
the cause which now appeals to you has peculiar
claims upon every lover of Christ's Church, not
merely on Its own account but also because of its
relations to the other objects of Christian benef
cence. In itself considered, as furnishing aid to
destitute congregations in the support of their min
listers; as assisting the poor of Chrst's people in
providing themselves with houses of worship and
maintaining the ordinances of religion therein; and
as engaged in giving the gospel to the benighted
colored people of our own land, it deserves the
cordial and generous support Of those who love the
Lord Jesus Christ and His Church but besides
this it lies at determination Of the Churchs growth
and prosperity in all departments of her work. 1t
is not possible that the Church can successfully
prosecute any branch of Christian effort unless
this be adequately sustained for the strengthening
of individual congregations, the addition of new
and self sustaining and helping churches to the roll
of the General Assembly, and the establishment
and development of the churches at home is abso-
utely necessary to the promotion of any other eff
fort either at home or abroad. The difficulty which
has been experienced in the successful conduct of
this cause heretofore is two-fold: Il. So many
entire churches, and so many individuals in all the
churches have been accustomed to neglect this col
lection altogether. IL So many of those who
have given regularly for its support, have failed to
estimate its importance properly and have there.
fore done so little for its maintenance. Now if
these two troubles can be overcome at this time,
T. e. Il if ell the churches and all the individuals
in all the churches will give something; and IT,
il each one will give according to his several ability
in proportion to the importance and needs of this
branch Of work, then we believe that in their pow
vide fund adequate to do her work. There are
hundreds Of feeble churches which must have help
in the support of their pastors if they are to enjoy
the ministrations of Gods Word there are nearly
hundred weak congregations which must be as
sisted in securing suitable houses of worship, and
there are tens of thousand Of our colored popula-
ton who are looking to our Church to give them
the gospel. We confidently appeal then, not only
to brethren in the ministry and to church Sessions,
to see that collections are taken up in all the
churches, but also to Christian men and women in
all the churches to do what they can to assist in
this great work, that the Word of God may not be
bound, but may run and be glorifed throughout
our whole land,
The usual article in the January number of the
Missionary on this subject, together with the ap
peal to the Christian women of the Church" and
the letter to children and Sabbath Schools" con-
tanned therein, will give you full information in re-
gard to this cause and therefore, referring you to
these, we remain,
Yours faithfully and fraternally,
RICHARD NICKNAME,
j. LEIGHTON WILSON,
Secretaries