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

important with any of the above mentioned
means Of grace, any more than the enume-
ration implies that these means themselves,
are each of equal Importance as compared
one with another. But it does imply that
there is the same obligation of duty, to pro-
vide for all in the manner and degree de-
manded by each. This idea obviously ex-
tends itself further. Not only ought each
pastor to promote in his congregation Col
portage by others, but he ought himself to
act as a permanent distributor of books.
He may reasonably be expected to be fa-
milar with the publications of the Board, and
certainly he knows better than any stranger
can know, what class of books will be sea-
sonable in a given condition Of his people.
Especially, if he is blessed with a revival,
will he have offered to him, an opportunity
of doing this work to an almost unlimited
extent. AT such time, the minds of all
are eager after the truth, not for entertainl
ment, speculation, or debate, but as guide
to action; and then under the influences OF
the Holy Spirit, young converts, fed upon
suitable reading, make such advances Ill
the divine life, as are rarely attainable in
less favored seasons. And let every elder,
ald every earnest Christian feel that he too
IS called to take a personal share in this
work. Almost every intelligent Christian,
has in his experience, met with some book
which next to the Bible, he considers to
have been most promotive of his growth in
grace. Let him recommend it to others.
1t may not suit all, but to some one, it may
prove the blessing that it was to him.
1t is thus a fundamental idea in the plan
of Presbyterial action in the premises, that
there is to be personal effort on the part
of pastors, elders, and private members.
And this action is to be based upon the de-
hberate conviction, that the distribution of
religious books, is legitimate, substantive,
and important branch of the system of
means by which the church seeks to win the
world to Christ.
The annals of the church abound in in
stances showing how much good has been
accomplished by this instrumentality, and
there are ministers in our Synod, and in our
own Presbytery, who are ready to testify
that next in efficacy to the preaching of the
Gospel by the living voice, they have found
to be in their experience, the circulation Of
religious books. And this may be added,
that though the sower of the seed may not
see the fruit elsewhere, yet as he casts the
seed in liberal handfuls beside all waters
some is sure to drop into his own heart and
bring forth gracious comfort there.
The Book Committee of the Synod in
their last Report say, "that during the
seven years of their labors, there has been
contributed for this object, in the Synod,
about 0,00O-about 80, 900 volumes have
been distributed and $4,000 families visit
ed, and many of them conversed and prayed
with by their Colporteurs."
The Synod by transferring the matter to
the Presbyteries, show that they hope that
even more than this will be accomplished
under the new arrangement. 1t shall be
our prayer and our effort, to realize this
hope within the bounds of Lexington Pres
bvtery.
In conclusion we would state that in en-
trusting this work to the Presbyteries, the
Synod had no purpose TO sever ltsen from
the Board of Publication, 70 this organ Of
the whole church, it purposes to hold the
relation Of contributor and co-operator. To
it, all parts of the church must look for the
supply of books, and from it receive much
information and general aid, even when the
collection of funds and the distribution OF
books, are accomplished without its direct
Intervention.
By order of the Committee.
WM. S. WHITE, Chairman.