The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-12-20
Home Missions.
BY RICHARD NJ 'ILwAINE, D d, SECRETARY.
Financial

L1O111O 1N11S01Oll0.
BY RICHARD NJ ILwAINE, I. D., SECRETARY
Financial
The receipts for November as COM
pared with the same month last year are :
1881. 1882
Sustentation, 5 74O 90 81 ,1O6 10
Evangelistic Fund, 1,943 53 2,167 "a
Gain during the month, $3.50 81
The receipts for the eight months from
April l to November 80 are as follows:
Sustentation, $3,74S 90 8 5,645 "a
Evangelistic Fund 1919 68 10,o11 08
Gain during eight months, 1928 II
1t appears at first sight that this gain
is encouraging; but when the vast growth
of our population, the wide doors of use
fulness lying open before us; the INSULT
cient support accorded to most of our
missionaries and the urgent demand
made in the providence of God for en-
larged work in all parts of the Church,
are considered, it will be seen, that the
increase is rather tantalizing than salts
tying. The truth is, our receipts are
most disappointing and far below what
was expected. A few churches and some
individuals have done nobly, but there
has been no general movement in this di-
rection, most of the collections being very
small, and not third of all the church
es having as yet contributed anything
to Evangelistic Work, the collection for
which was appointed for September. The
time for the Sustentation collection too
is pressing on and will soon be here
FHhic otot 70 of C,oEc
The Situation Critical.
Something must be done. 1t will not
do to sit listlessly by and see this vital
department of work injured and the best
interests of the Church brought into eop-
ardy. Our higher ecclesiastical courts
have presented this matter in all its i'm
portance. The Executive Committee have
done their full duty in fostering and pro-
noting the great interests committed to
them. The Secretary has exhausted the
resources at his command in giving infor-
nation and setting forth the claims of
the work. The crowning responsibility
now rests with the officers and members
of the churches. 1t is for them to say,
whether these efforts shall succeed or
fail? Whether the Church shall fulfil
or neglect her mission? Whether our
time-honored Presbyterianism shall do
her part in the evangelization and saliva
tion of our Southern land or prove un-
worthy of her glorious trust?
Practical Methods Needed.
That there is much interest through
out the Church in the subject of Home
Missions cannot be doubted. That our
people are abundantly able to furnish all
the means needed to carry on the work
efficiently will not be denied by any ac-
quainted with their present financial
condition. That they will be willing
under proper instruction and application
to give what is wanted, we sincerely be-
lieve. The difficulty we think, is o. in
the lack of information; and (2) in the
wretched methods of collection. The
idea that any people, by the means
usually employed in most of our church
es, will ever meet their responsibilities,
presumes degree and kind of piety
which Christians Of our part of the world
rarely possess. We need plain talking
on the part of ministers; no apologizinp
for mentioning the subject no hesitation
or mincing Of words, but outspoken and
earnest instruction and exhortation to
duty and then we need plain acting !;
open, honest, candid dealing in per-
sonal application to every member Of the
Church, laying it upon the conscience of
each one to do what he can and ought
for this cause.
The perfunctory basket or hat collec.
ton has proved failure and snare. 1t
has already done great damage and
threatens to ruin the Church. Means
are needed to make personal application
to every individual Christian. "Alexan-
der the coppersmith,' has been the pre-
siding genius Of our benevolent contri-
buttons long enough. 1t is time that the