Article 18 — Students of theology

The churches shall strive to ensure that there are students of theology extending financial aid where necessary.

This article, then, does not deal exclusively with the financial aid extended to students of theology, who are not in a position to finance such a study, or have been financed, e.g. by their parents.
First of all it contains a clause regarding the task of the churches. It shows that the availability of a continuous supply of young men, able and desiring to train for the Ministry, should have the constant attention of the churches.

The expenses involved usually make it impossible for one particular congregation to extend financial support when the parents are not in a position to give that support.
The formulation of this article, then, suggests that the necessary aid is extended by the churches in general, either through classis or synod, for which purpose deputies are appointed.
It does not suggest that the financial aid must be refunded later on.