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

by this reading, is thus far defective and
unhealthy. tits needful then for the health
full growth of religious character that the
minds of our people should be excited in
regard to objects within their reach, and
on which they can expend in active exer-
ton the emotions excited by their reading.
Hence we say that paper that presses
home interests upon their minds, is the best
paper for them, and paper which shall
serve as an organ of communication between
those who feel such interests pressing on
their hearts, is practically the most useful
paper for them. That we have such inter-
ests, will be obvious to all.
Our social and political position are such
as to create peculiar aspects of religious life
and religious effort. AS the social life of
Virginia and North Carolina is different
from that of Pennsylvania and New York,
there are corresponding differences Of rei-
gious character, which must be known to be
properly cultivated: Our political and geo
graphical position, central between the ex-
IRENE North, and extreme South, create
n, culiar responsibilities and duties. In the
threatening aspect of political affairs, and
the peril, to which no sane man can close
his eyes, that now menaces the permanence
of our Federal UniOn,. it is very important
that we should have an organ of commune
cation with our people, that will be under
our control, watchful of our interests, and
faithful to those great conservative princi-
pies that underlie all our institutions.
We have a missionary field of peculiar
difficulty and value. The sparseness of
population in many parts of our territory,
a fact which must continue for many years,
from natural causes, makes our missionary
field very difficult, and yet the character of
that population, and the vast undevelOped
resources of all kinds that are gradually
unfolding themselves, make this field one
of peculiar value. It's wants should be
known and pressed upon our people, until
they feel the Importance Of mingling tie
good seed with those growing agencies that
are one day to develop into forms of such
gigantic life.
We have in our cOlored population an in
terest that God has trusted specially to our
charge. The descendants of those who but
a few years ago were pagans of the most
degraded character, God has brought the
heather to our doors, and laid on us a most
solemn responsibility in regard to their
souls.
We have also educational interests that
need peculiar attention. There are upwards
of 10000 white persons in Virginia who
can neither read nor write, and the census
of 1850 shows that their number is on the
increase. In 1910 it was $4,000, and if
the same ratio continues, it is now nearly
$4,000. When we remember the power
that these persons must exertin the present
extension of suffrage, their rapid increase
is matter calling for the most serious at
tention.
We need an increase of our male and f.
male Summaries. Every year there are per-
sons lost to our church, and sometimes to
altogether, by the want Of
male and female schools of the best charac-
ter, where the higher branches of education
may be pursued at a moderate cost. 1t
will be remembered how deep was the IN
terest felt on this subject at the late meet
ing of the Synod of Virginia, in view of the
startling facts and statements there made.
This interest needs special attention and
urging on our people.
We have also our Colleges and Seminary,
that need,the aid of a home newspaper to
press their claims. Much has been done
within few years for both, but much yet
needs to be done, in order to secure the
full benefit of what has been already done.
Their advantages, claims and necessities
must be urged upon the people, until they
reach that commanding position that will
enable them to compete successfully with
other institutions Of the same kind abroad.
All these interests, and the countless re-
lations which bind them to more private and
demand home paperfor their
proper culture. If we have no channel Of
with our people generally,
wecannOt expect to arouse them to a pro-
per appreciation of these great interests, or
induce them to labor for their development.
We must expect to see other portions of our
country, less favored by God naturally, out
stripping us, and consolidating powerful in
duences, in part, by our support and assist
ance. whilst we have NEGLECTED. and Slept over