The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1856-01-05

prise, within its own limits. It's operations
were conducted through the instrumentality
of Synodical Committee, located at Staun
ton, and by the labOrs Of general visiting
agent -
This arrangement existed until the meet
ng of the Synod at Alexandria in 1854,
when BY resolution, the several Presbyte-
ries were directed to take charge of the
work in the same general manner in which
it had been heretofore conducted by the
SYNOD. At the last semi-annual meeting of
Lexington Presbytery, We were appointed
a Presbyterial Committee charged with the
supervision Of the we5l within our bounds,
and authorised to o.sXtenG AID to our breth-
rem beyond them, as we may be able.
AT the late meeting of Synod, Just closed,
the principles of the Presbyterial arrange
ment were re-atirmed, and the Committees
are especially enjOined to secure the active
cooperation of pastors and sessions.
The history of the action of our church
in this matter illustrates very clearly two
important principles of Presbyterian church
government.
l. That all religious enterprises should
be conducted by the church in its organised
capacity, and
,. That the respective JudicOtOries are
held Immediately responsible, each for the
territory over which it exercises jurisdiction.
Thus the General Assembly, by means Of
the Board of Publication provides for the
whole church, books suitable for distribu-
ton, the Synod apportions the work of dis
tribution to its Presbyteries, and supervises
them in the execution of it, and each Pres
bvtery, by means of its committee, address
es itself to every one of the sessions within
its bounds With such an arrangement,
there can be no failure except from want of
fidelity, and if there should be want of
fidelity, it can be laid with great distinct
ness at the proper door.
To us as a committee, the Presbytery
has assigned our duty in a series of instruc-
tions. We understand that We are required
t. provide one or more repositories Of the
books of the Board of Publication, and of
other suitable books-to obtain, commits
sion, and direct in their labors, as many
suitable Colportems as may be found ne
cessarv-to see to the collection of the ne
cessary funds from the churches, and espe-
ciallv, to endeavor to secure the personal
aid of pastors and elders, in the distribu-
ton of books. All this in the name, and
bv the autbor of the Presbytey.
In pursuance of these Instructions, We
have established a Depository in Lexington,
land will enlarge it as rapidly as practica-
ble) where books can be obtained by con-
gregations, Sabbath Schools, pastors and
elders, at the Philadelphia prices. We
would advise each congregation to purchase
a supply for itself, and let the sale and dis
tribution of them be under the direction of
the session.
We have three Colportews in the field,
and we call upon every young man, who Is
willing to labor for his master in this way,
to let us know it, and we ask for informa-
ton from pastors and elders, as to the wants
Of particular sections of the country.
In the church plan of Systematic Benevo-
lence, the month of March is designated for
taking up contributions to the Publication
cause in our Presbytery, and Of course we
Will make no application before that time.
After that time, we shall feel it to be our
duty to make special application to every
church from which we shall not have re-
ceived contribution. In the meantime, il
anv collections are made in advance of the
stated period, we would ask that they should
be forwarded to us without delay.
In calling for the personal cooperation
of pastors and elders, We would be impor-
tunate. Dear brethren of the ministry and
eldership, We alone are appointed by the
master, as official laborers. There are none
below us, and none above us. The session
of the feeblest congregation must have its
pastor and elders, and the General Assem-
bly has on its roll, none else. Agents,
. Colporteurs, Editors and others may be
used by us as instrumentalities, but upon
us alone, deyolves the possibility Of feed
/ mo and ruling the flock Of God. A great
| honor this is. Asit is written, let them that
rule well, be counted worthy Of double
honor. But let us not covet the honor,
without the labor. The General Assembly,
the Synod, and the Presbytery, have each
distinctly referred to the individual efforts
of pastors and elders, as the prominent
feature in the plan, and it is for us now to
realize its value.
The plan of Presbyterial action is in sue
eessful operation in the cause of education
for the ministry and the cause of Domestic
Missions. But the work Of the Board Of
Publication, is more difficult to be executed
by the Presbyteries than either of these,
because it is work Of more detail, and re-
Quires therefore, more time and attention.
The great fear then is, that it will not be
attended to, unless it is made the business
of some one who is responsible for it, and
is paid for doing it. Tbs difficulty can be
obvioted only in one way, Every church
session must look upon this work as part
of the regular ministration Of the Gospel,
and must feel bound to provide for it, as
they do for preaching, for prayer-meetings,