The General Assembly [pp. 545-580]

575
8The General Assembly.
Ministerial Support.
A paper was presented from the Synod of New York, in relation to this subject, which was referred to a committee consisting of one ruling elder from each Synod, Judge Fine, of the
Presbytery of Buffalo, being chairman.
1. Resolved, That we affectionately and earnestly recommend to the churches under our care, that they scrupulously
avoid holding out any inducements to a minister to become their
stated supply, or settled pastor, which will not be realized.
2. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to every Presbytery, that unless suitable provision be made for the support of a
minister or stated supply, they decline to give their aid or
sanction, as a Presbytery, to settle him in any congregation
which is unable to furnish such suitable provision.
3. Resolved, That we recommend to the elders, and deacons,
and trustees of our churches and congregations, to meet together
on some daybefore the 1st of November next, and yearly thereafter, or oftener, if necessary, and institute the inquiry whether
the minister or stated supply is properly and fully supported;
and if they find that he is not so supported, to take immediate
measures to increase his support, and report to their Presbytery
at its next meeting.
4. Resolved, That we recommend to the Presbyteries to require of every minister to preach on the subject of Ministerial
Support-"' that, laying aside all false delicacy, they enlighten
their people upon this, as upon any other branch of. Christian
duty, pleading not for themselves, but for their Master, if haply they may reclaim their respective charges from a grievous
sin, which must bring down God's displeasure;" and that the
Presbyteries call upon every minister to answer whether he has
complied with their injunction.
5. Resolved, That Messrs. B. M. Smith, Stuart Robinson,
and James N. Dickson, be appointed a Committee to publish
this report, and that the pastors be directed to read it from the
pulpit at such time as may be considered most convenient.
On several different occasions the subject involved in the
above report was brought to the attention of the Assembly.
There was a general expression of opinion, especially on the
1854.]