The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-02-18
For the Central Presbyterian.
Singular Errors of our Score
tarieS.

oluS ular ErrOrS OF our Score
taries.
1t is amazing that such good men as
our Secretaries have so little mother wit.
This deficiency is strikingly displayed in
that remarkable circular Just issued by
brother Hazen for the Publication cause.
What prominently old-fashioned ideas
he and Drs. Wilson and McIlwaine, etc..
have Our decision, as Church, seems
to be against paying old debts We are
abundantly able to pay the Publication
debt by q ten cent subscription. But we
do not do so. We can pay the Foreign
Mission debt, and send out new mission
aries, if we choose But we do not choose.
In fact we do not look at these things in
the odd .fogy' light If one, about to
die, concludes to spare little, of what he
can not take with him, for these causes,
we are willing. But we have more i'm
portant uses for our money now, than
paying old debts, sending men on trips to
China, and helping men to an education
they should work for. The Secretaries
are constantly talking about obligations
to Christ, and duty, and the claims of the
impenitent and dying world We know
as much about obligation as they do, and
differ from their opinions. Why, nobody
pays old debts now, except few curious
ly constructed people. Many are getting
rich by notpaying back scores So these
circulars of the honored-but old-fash-
Toned Secretaries disturbing ele-
ment to many.
If they will be popular and do their
work well, just let them issue, and SOW
broadcast over the Church, some such let
ters as these:
Publication.
Brethren, we rejoice to inform you that
we have succeeded in keeping our debt
about as usual. We can make it last
forever, unless some unfriendly legal steps
be taken by cruel creditors or we be
forced into a convenient and fashionable
assignment, which some over-sensitive
brethren object to, because of "old-tinaed"
notions of dishonor to the Church. hope,
however, to succeed in keeping the debt
by making some fair promises, and by
occasionally actually paying few dollars
to the cormorant creditors who cannot APP
preciate the honor of having us indebted
to them. Rely upon as. Secretary."
Missions.
brethren, our laborerS at home and
abroad are much cramped, while many
inviting fields allure them. Our num-
bers have steadily diminished, which is
subject of thanksgiving. While we
speak of hopes of sending out reinforce
ments, and do occasionally send one, we
are happy to inform you that in a few
years all our men will be able to return
home, and you will be relieved from calls
for mission work. Advanced science
proves that man rose from below the ape
so the heather will in the course of some
ages reach proper development and in
vent suitable gospel AS a weekly
amusement it may be expedient to main
tain some pulpit exhibitions at home a
while longer. But to a large extent the
desired recreation may be afforded by
popular Sunday excursions, beer-gardens,
etc. AS your agents, we will endeavor
to carry out your desires to cease foreign
and home missionary operations as quick
ly and surely as we possibly can, with
decent respect to many grand sentiments
we have expressed, in thoughtless mo-
ments that unfortunately overtake us.
Trust us implicitly. Secretaries. :.
We trust that in the midst of much
trouble our words may be as sunlight
The other Secretaries can take the hint
given. We look for the gratitude of a
rescued and relieved Church, and happy
Secretaries. MOSES HOPEFUL.