The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-01-28
CORRESPONDENCE.
The Synod of Virginia on sustentation


l had the pleasure of reading the Syn
od's paper on this subject in the columns
of the Central Presbyterian some months
since. A re-reading of it in the printed
Minutes just received has impressed me
anew with its wisdom and Importance.
The whole paper is admirable and worthy
OF careful study being the fruit of the ex-
perience of the venerable men who have
been entrusted for years by their Presby-
teries with the care of this work in their
bounds. The resolutions appended, which
contain the pith of the paper are SO much
to the point which ought now to be before
all the churches, that | venture to sug-
gest their republication, with a remark
or two on each. They are
" "Resolred, i. That the ofice-bear in every
congregation 5e earnestly exhorted and instruct
ed, not to rest In inefficient and partial collec-
tions, but wisely to devise and diligently to car
ry out such methods of collecting the gifts of the
people, as will eectually reach all and elicit the
contributions OF all according to their ability"
Synod has here hit the nail on the
head CD a collection in eUery church
~ by. an efficient method (3) so that all
may be reached; and a. induced to give
according to their a6i55ty This action
has already borne fruit In one church,
Of which have heard, the office bearers
sent a special envelope to every member,
the pastor presented the subject fully
from the pulpit on the preceding Sabbath;
and the result was an astonishment to all,
both In the number and amount of the
contributions. Several congregations of
which | have heard have trebled the
amounts which they gave the year pre-
vious. These and such like are, no donbt,
rejoicing in success. But possibly some
have rested Gin inefficient and partial
collections" What of them? Well I
don't know what to recommend except
that they Repent, and do the first
works over again; that is, that having
made mistake, they rectify it, as quick
y as possible, by taking up a collection
in sympathy with the Synod's action. It
is important that every congregation
shall at this time feel the onward move
ment indicated by current events. Jan
uary and February are devoted to this
cause. Let them not pass without secur-
ing the gifts of all the people according
to their ability for it,
"ResO!oed, 2 That, in addition to the regular
congregational collection we advise the forma-
tion of Home Mission Circles. wherever this is
practicable"
In the columns of the Central Presbv-
terrain some months since writer. over
the signature Il. Il. d., showed the pro
priety of the organization of such socie-
ties and explained the philosophy of their
action. We regard this suggestion spe-
clally important, because it will secure an
agency in the churches which will keep
alive interest in this vital department Of
work all the time, and which will tend
to communicate the zeal, intelligence. and
plety OF the best portion of each congre-
cation to larger circle, and thus to in
crease the general interest in the cause
1t will be bright day for the prosperity
OF our Zion when our whole people be-
come stirred in regard to this great mat
ter, and when the Church, as a whole.
moves forward steadily in its prosecu-
ton
Resolced, g. That this Synod will endeavor
to raise in 1880, for the cause of Sustentation az
our portion Of the $4,000 imperatively needed
the sum of at least $4,000"
This is noble resolution. The SYNOD
which is about one-ffth of the Church in
membership, resolves to raise at least one
fourth of the amount called for. Last
year its churches actually gave one-third
Of what was given by the whole Church.
They must, however this year raise dou-
bic as much as they did last, if they are
to come up to the amount assumed by the
Synod This can easily be done if, during
January and February, Office bearers will
follow the advice of the, Synod, and if,
wherever it is practicable, Home Mission
Circles are organized and go zealously to
work.
"ReSolUed, 4. That the Presbyteries are here
by instructed 10 take this paper into considera-
ton at their next meeting with view to give
IT all the effect possible"