The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-11-03
Entered at the Post-O Office at Richmond, Va, as
second-class matter.
To Pastors and Churches.

Dear Brethren,-The first Sabbath of
November, the day set apart by the Gen
eral Assembly for collection to aid our
candidates for the ministry is at hand
Our candidates have been decreasing for
several years past. How far this may be
owing to the fact that they have not been
sufficiently aided by the churches is not
for me to say. 1t is not reasonable, how
ever, to expect the blessing of God upon
a cause that is not properly appreciated.
If the heart of the Church was moved on
this subject as it ought to be- our students
would not want for aid. They cannot
possibly get along on the amount of ap-
preparations now made to them. The
Executive Committee of Education is
now substantially out of debt We ear
nestly desire a collection that will enable
us to pay our benefciaries $3.50 or $175.
Shall we have it? We make the appeal
on these grounds
lst. 1t is bat simple justice. When a
student is accepted by his Presbytery as
suitable" candidate, and gives himself
wholly to preparation for the ministry, it
is but simple justice that he should be
supported.
I'd. 1t Is wise policy in the churches to
do this. If we do not aid them sufficient
ly, we need not be surprised if they should
seek and find aid elsewhere. Students
have the same human nature that all the
rest OF us have. Then let us take care of
our own.
Sd. 1t is humane to aid them sufficient
ly. 1t actually seems cruel to suffer a
uN hof l.
the ministry, to be harassed with debt,
or the fear of debt, during his course of
preparation, or to compel him to turn
aside to make money to educate himself.
Other reasons might be mentioned, but
these are enough. Will not every church
IN our bounds give us liberal contribu-
ton to this cause? We request our breth-
ren, the chairmen Of the Presbyterial Com
rnlttees of Education, to try to get col
lection from every church Of their respec-
tive Presbyteries.
b. M. RICHARDSON,
Secretary of Education
g. w. MAoRAE, Treasurer, 800 Front
street, Memphis, Tenn.
We append the following resolutions,
adopted by the Synod of Virginia at its
late meeting:
The Committee appointed to prepare a
paper in reference to the address of Rev.
DIR. E. M. Richardson, Secretary of Edu-
cation, beg leave to report the follow
ing:
Synod has listened with qualification to
the address of DR.. Richardson, and here
by expresses its profound sense of the
Importance of the work of that Commit
tee.
ResoIved, That Synod views with deep con-
Germ the fact that the number of candidates for
the ministry has been decreasing for several
years past and in view Of this fact would urge
the Presbyteries to give serious attention to this
matter, and search out suitable candidates, and,
as far as in their power, remove the obstacles
that may be in the way Of their entrance upon
the work of the ministry.
ResotUed, That our ministers and people be
urged to observe the day appointed by the Cen
sral Assembly for prayer for youth in our Col
le9ges and other schools and make earnest sup
Pllcatlon to the Lord of the harvest, who alone
can give them, that He would send forth laborers
into His harvest.
]. r. GRAHAM,
JAS. H. LEPs,
n c.