The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-15


and Texas also had this matter under
prolonged discussion, which cannot fail to
do good.
Another deep feeling which was easily
discernible in the addresses as well as in
private interviews was an utter dissatis-
faction with the past growth and expan-
sion of the Church, and an earnest and
hopeful reaching out after greater eff
ciency. This was observed every where,
and the cheering thing about it is, that
brethren did not seem anxious to lay
blame upon any body or content to criti-
else methods of work, or to find fault
with this or that thing, but rather as can
did Christian men they wished to see
facts as facts, and to stir themselves and
one another up to greater zeal and dill
gence in the use of the means of God s
appointment and in giving increased eff
cheney to existing methods and agencies.
If the same spirit in this respect which
prevailed in several of the Synods, is
found in the church sessions represented
in them, it is almost certain that when
the brethren meet together again, next
fall, they will have much to tell of the
gracious dealings of God and the wonder
ful strengthening of the Church.
Another thing which forced itself upon
my attention, not as new subject Of
thought, but one which could not be
avoided, was the painfully inadequate
support which is accorded to many of
our ministers, and specially to those labor
ing in our missionary fields and feeble
churches. Que, of the chief objects had
IN vicitipc, +ba SupoJe 1,o, +o J;,o,,.. Al .
very subject, with the view, 1st, of try
ing to start movement in the churches
for higher standard of ministerial sup
port, and I'd, of getting before the minds
of brethren clearer conception of the
magnitude of the Assembly's sustenta-
ton work--snd from my own observa-
ton | am sure have not over-estimated
the imr7rtanoe of these great matters.
Leaving out few favored localities, and
with rare exceptions, ministerial support
amongst us is painfully inadequate. This
is one of the burning questions of the
day which ought to agitate every one of
our congregations which has not already
settled 1T by raising salary sufficient
really to free it's minister "from worldly
cares and avocations." Next in impor-
tance and obligation to this is the matter
of providing fund adequate to supple
ment the support of every minister,
wholly devoted TO the service of the
Church, to the point deemed by his
Presbytery adequate to his comfortable
support Until this is done, the Church
must be more or less inefficient; Presby-
terial oversight will not be rightly en-
forced; pastoral relations will not be
formed or will be unstable; our churches
lett periodically vacant will tend to
deteriorate, and things in many places be
left at odds and ends, instead, under the
influence OF that masterly and heaven
descended system which has been be-
queathed to us as a blood bought heri-
tage, of going on to FIJI the land and con-
quer the earth for Christ. If I could
gain the ear of every congregation in
our connection, [ would tell them as the
result of my observation and experience
(Which are now by no means small) to see
to 1T that their own minister is adequately
and regularly supported, and then to
do all that In them lies to supply the
General Assemhly's fund with an amount
sufficient to supplement the support of
every faithful minister laboring in feeble
churches to the point recommended by
his Presbytery. When this is done
Presbyterial order will be maintained
and our scriptural system of doctrine
and government will have an opportunity
to expand itself for the blessing of the
land and the world.
Had [ space would tell you some
thing of the need the Church in the great
West and Southwest has of men and
means to carry on the work; of the rapid
strides our Church has made and is max
ing in the State Of Texas; of the pressing
demands there are at this time for aid
In erecting church buildings; of the un-
precedented development Of the resources
of some parts of our territory and the
consequent increase Of population, found
ing OF new centres of influence, and in
creased fields and opportunities of use
tulness, etc, etc, but / must stop. I will
only add that | have returned home with
even a deeper sense than I ever had be-
fore OF the greatness Of the work set be-
fore our branch of the Christian Church
of the grandeur Of her opportunities, and
OF the responsibilities resting upon her
ministers and members and with pro-
found determination to do all that in me
lies to get all our people from MARYLAND
to Texas to prize the heritage bestowed
upon us, and to co-operate in extendino