The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-24
The September Collection in East
Hanover Presbytery.
BoNsACKs. VA. An

DoSsACkS, VA, Aug. lS, 1881.
Messrs. Editors,-As the time for the Septem
Der collection on behalf of Domestic Missions is
close at hand I ask space in your columns to
call the attention of all the friends of this great
work. and especially of pastors and Church Ses-
sions to the action of East Hanover Presbytery
taken at its last stated meeting. 1t will be re-
membered that the Executive Committee was
authorized to proceed with its work according
to the schedule and with the estimate of ex-
penses presented in Its annual report; and that
to carry forward this work and meet the neces.
sary expense, it was resolved that each church
would endeavor to raise for this cause during
the fiscal year sum which should equal at least
one dollar per member upon its roll. In order
that this result may be reached it will be neces-
sary to secure as large contribution as possible
on the first Sabbath of September or as soon
thereafter as may be practicable Our Septem-
Der collections have usually fallen short for two
reasons: First, in many of our large and more
liberal churches the first Sabbath of September
hnds either the pastor or large number of the
wealthier members. or possibly BOTH still absent
In the mountains or at seaside resorts. The con
gregation is thin; the cause is presented bv a
stranger; no special effort is made and So not
one half of what the congregation under other
circumstances would give is realized. Let me
beg that in these cases, either the collection
shall be postponed until the absentees return
or what is better still, the cause be urged the
collection taken, and the absent members waited
upon by letter at the time or in person after
their return, so that their aid in the support of
the cause shall not be lost.
Second, In two many instances the fact that a
second collection is to be called for in January
is made the excuse for a small contribution in
September; the purpose or expectation of the
glver being to make up by larger gifts in Janu.
airy what he has failed to give in September.
But when January comes, with the increased
opilgatlons connected with the close of the old
year, and the opening of the next there is found
10 be as great stringences in finances as in Sen
tember, and so the treasury of the Lord receives
as meagre an offering as before. Let me beg
then' since am charged with the responsibility
OIL this work, that an earnest effort be made in
all our congregations to raise in connection with
the September collection at least one.balf the
amount voted by Presbytery; that is to saw a
sum In each church equal to ftty cents per mem.
Der. 1t is of course important that the collec-
tionS shall be taken as promptly as possible, but
1t is OF paramount importance that they shall be
tull and liberal, If therefore the amount of the
collection is likely to be seriously impaired by
It's presentation early in September by all means
let 1T be deferred until the earliest moment at
which large and generous response may be
expected.
Trusting that the spirit of enthusiasm which
characterized the discussions on the floor of
Presbytery still burns in the hearts of the breth
ren' and that they will strive to enkindle it on
contribution day in the hearts of all their peo
pie SO that all may be zealously affected in
this good cause. am, with sincere regard,
7. d. WITHERsPooN.
Chairman Presbyterial Committee.