Notes On Current Topics [pp. 371-382]

376 NOTES ON CURRENT TOPWS. [April,
sing of plates on the sabbath, weekly, monthly, or as each particular
cause is presented. These details must probably vary according to
the circumstances of each congregation, however any one of them
may be deemed intrinsically preferable, could it be made universally
acceptable. Finally, it is agreed that the number of our Boards
ought to be somewhat reduced by consolidating some that are now
separate.
The questions that still remain open are: i. The expediency of es tablishing the General Commission, ~nless the due reduction of the
size of the General Assembly should satisfy the brethren who desire it.
2. How far, and in what way, the consolidation of Boards ought to be
effected. 3. In regard to the expediency of one Central Treasury of
the Church. If; however, any congregations prefer to send their en tire contributions in one sum to one treasurer, to be distributed to the
various Boards according to a ratio fixed by the Church, probably all
would be willing to let the treasurer of the General Assembly receive
such contributions. 4. In regard to the extent to which the several
causes should be presented, each by itself; and upon its own merits,
and gifts be solicited for and made severally to each, or how far all
should be presented as one undistinguishable whole, the donor being
asked to contribute a round sum to be distributed to the several causes
according to the schedule fixed upon by the Assembly. On these
subjects our readers will find much to help them in the articles of Drs.
Backus, Hand, and Irving.
Just here we barely remark in regard to Dr. Backus' quotations
from the Frinceton Review, that if our readers will e~amine them as
they stand, in the original and with their surroundings, we are per-fectly willing to let them speak for themselves wfthout further com ment. We will not weary them here with any further reply. We will
only add, that all plans, machinery, instrumentalities of whatever sort,
including resolutions and injunctions of Presbytery, Synod and Gen eral Assembly, new or old, will avail for the end in view only just in
proportion as the ministry of our Church do their duty: i. In teach ing and ulging the duty and privilege of Christian giving, line upon
line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. 2. In
keeping their flocks fully informed and awake as to the condition and
wants of~each particular field of church work. 3. In leading their ses
sions or congregations to adopt some mode of bringing the responsi bility of giving or refusing to give to each department of church work
some definite sum home to each member personally. The lead