The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-06-28
For the Central Presbyterian.
Lost Factors.

We are hearing great deal just now
about the claims and the difficulties of
the Home Mission work. We cannot
well hear too much on such theme,
and hence l wish to say a few words
upon branch OF this subject that I have
never seen advanced by any one else.
The general tone of what we hear and
read in this connection is that of an ap-
peal to our preachers to be more active,
to our people to be more liberal in giving
their money to aid the work. But there
is class of our people, and in some re-
glons large class, who need to be urged
to give not their money but Themselves.
They are the members of our Church
who do not reside within reach of the
particular church to which they belong
the "Lost Factors of our sum total of
membership.
1t has been said that there are in New
York oity enough Presby Lerians to make
two good congregations who belong to 10
church at all, and it is no less true that
there are enough Presbyterians in many
sections, "absentees' from their own
churches, to make good working con-
gregation, certainly enough to add ma
terially to the strength of those churches
near them if they would only transfer
their membership. AS the matter now
stands they are counted on the rolls of
some church, but they are of very little
value to any. So far as their influence
ls concerned they might Just as well be
members of the Episcopal or Methodist
church, and so far as its influence for
their good is concerned the Presbyterian
Church might just as well not exist at
all, and if their practice were generally
followed, the Presbyterian Church would
soon cease to exist, or would be confined
to the towns and cities.
Their reasons for not severing their
old connections and forming new ones
are various. One does not want to leave
I" his mothers church," but he forgets
that his mother is in heaven, and if she
were alive would prefer his being active
In some other rather than retain his
nominal connection with the halloweG
sanctuary Of the past generation. An
other belongs to the eloquent DR.. Blanks
great church and cannot bear the sug-
gestion that his membership should be
withdrawn from it (for fear it may de-
clineO. Another one Elves too far
from the nearest church to attend reg
ularly, so he prefers to belong to one
that he can never attend. Sentiment or
something else is allowed to override
duty.
But is it duty2 If not then all that
has been said is useless, l think it can be
shown that it is the duty of such people
to transfer their membership to the near
est church and work with it.
l. 1t is their duty to the church. It
needs their help and their presence.
=" We are members one of another" God
never made a useless thing, certainly not
a useless Christian; but an idle Christian
Is very nearly useless-so nearly that L
would not like to be required to show
the difference. l wonder if they never
hear the "still email voice" saying,
What doest thou here p But some
poor woman perhaps will say What
can / do to add anything to the power
Of the church, Ny sister, you can do
great deal. You can come sometimes.
You can save few dozen eggs, or q few
pounds Of fruit and bring the price Of
them to the Lords treasury. It was O.
woman's work that had the promise of
an immortality Of fame and blessing CO.
extensive with the gospel itself "Ehe
hath done what she could" Have you
done as much? This suggests another
thought
2. 1t is their duty to themselves, if
they ever hope to grow and be useful
and therefore happy Christians. Pas