The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-04-19

that he could not decline such proffered
aid, especially when the design is to en-
large the missionary work." when he
cannot show that the plan would not
work just as well in sustaining the field
already possessed or chat the missionary
would be sent forward with the expecta-
ton of his falling into ranks and working
with his brethren already on the ground?'
Has the Secretary the slightest reason for
supposing that the missionary would not
work with his brethren under the Com
mittee just the same as if his support were
not the special object of some church or
Individual contribution These simple
inquiries make his language entirely
meaning less, unless they betray jealousy
OF any interference with the supreme
control of the Committee, even when it
is not threatened.
STILL greater objections have against
the Secretary's disparaging giving for
special objects" by asking the questions
whether it is right or christian for in
dividuals or societies Ito restrict their
efforts to one single department of the
missionary work, -" to limit the interest
of a Sabbath School to the education of
single boy in China, and leave the
schools ignorant or indifferent to the
CLAIMS of all the rest Of tile aoorld?"
The italics are my own, and are intended
to put into conspicuous notice a sup
position which only needs to be known
to be denied. Is Christians interest
In the extension of Christ's kingdom here
at home "reSt11cted'' because he is labor
ing specially for the conversion of some
one soul in his congregation or COM
munlty? Has it ever been found that
having special objects of prayer lessons
the interest IN prayer. as a means of
grace, however less platitudinous it may
be on that occount? Is preacher any
less earnest in his desire "by all means
to save some" when he breaches a special
sermon for particular person in his con-
gregatlon? Is that man less friend of
education because he endows particular
school or college? If one wanted to raise
sum OF money tor any cause connected
with the Church of Christ would he not
sooner go to an individual or church
which was supporting some special mis-
sion and therefore doing twice as much as
would otherwise be done for a general
contribution, than to one where the
general contributions were not half SO
large as the special ones?
This objection of the Secretary is GER
tainly unfounded, and makes us wonder
if after all it arises from sensitiveness
to anything like suggestion or dictation
from without, even in matters where the
liberty Of individual choice conduces most
to the work of extending Christ's king
dom. What else could provoke such re-
marks as those with which the Secret
airy closes his editorial, that, "if the
Committee are worthy of the honorable
position to which they have been called.
they ought to know how the means of
Gods people can be most advantageously
employed in promoting this great work."
and again, that the making of special
appeals for particular objects should be
as seldom as possible, and only under the
advice of the Committee ?"
To us it seems that this natural desire to
have-a special object for ones interest,
shared by adults as we'll as by children
who like to get letters from lady mis-
sionaries, could be turned to magnificent
account in our Southern Church.
Charlotte, " O. W.R. A.