The General Assembly [pp. 545-580]

The General Assembly.
congregations to contribute regularly to the objects of Christian
benevolence recognized by the Assembly in the organization of
the Boards of the Church, and to such other institutions as to
them may seem right. 2d. And at every spring meeting to institute a proper inquiry into the diligence of ministers and
church sessions in executing the provisions of such method.
3. Resolved, That the Presbyteries are further enjoined to
enter on record, and report to the next Assembly, their action
on the first part of the foregoing resolution; and also to record
at their next and all subsequent spring meetings, the result of
the inquiry prescribed, and report the same to the General Assembly with the usual Annual Presbyterial Report, stating the
delinquencies and diligence of pastors and church sessions.
4. Resolved, That there shall be appointed by the Assembly a standing committee on Systematic Benevolence, which
shall be charged with the reception and examination of such
reports, and the presentation to the Assembly of their aggregate results.
5. Resolved, That the Boards of the Church are invited to
aid in the proper execution of the foregoing arrangements of
the churches in such official communications with the Presbyteries, as may seem proper.
6. Resolved, That the Professors in our Theological Seminaries are respectfully requested to give proper attention to the
right training of the future pastors of the Church, in view of
the duties herein contemplated.
Further, the Committee recommend the following plans for
contribution:
1. A committee may be appointed by the session for each
object of benevolence, and a particular month assigned in which
they are to do their work, by calling upon the people, or otherwise obtaining contributions.
2. All the objects to be aided may be presented in separate
columns, and each contributor called upon to say what he will
give quarterly or annually.
3. Weekly or monthly collections may be taken up, and
thrown into a benevolent fund, which the session may divide
among the several objects approved by them, in such proportion as they think proper.
574
[JULY,