The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1866-10-10
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
To the Ministers, Elders and Churches OIL
Montgomery Presbytery


Dear Bretmen,-At the last three
stated meetings of our Presbytery, the
subject of Domestic Missions was discus
sed. with much earnestness and interest.
The firm conviction prevailed, that the
prompt cultivation of the vast missiona-
nv field within our bounds is Of the first
inheritance. and vital to the highest pros
peritv of our Church. Strong resolu-
tons were passed, and ordered to be read
to all our congregations. Three mission
aries we're appointed, and each of them
promised one hundred dollars. Collec-
tons we're earnestly recommended In eve
ry church, for the purpose of raising the
necessary funds, to meet our pledges to
our missionaries, and enable Presbytery
to employ other brethren to labor in other
missionary fields. We deeply regret to
be obliged to say, that the majority OF
our churches have wholly failed to re-
spond to this call. Some, we know, new
er heard of it, and others, no doubt, for
reasons satisfactory to themselves, have
not contributed to the proposed object.
But, dear brethren, the yastness and
Importance of the missionary work COM
mitted to US, makes it the imperative duty
of Presbytery, through its committee on
Domestic Missions, to make another earn
est appeal to all our churches and con-
gregations, to give us their hearty and
| liberal contributions, in establishing and
sustaining missionaries, in every part OF
our field
Take down your maps, brethren, and
see what a vast, and important, and
promising region, Christ has entrusted to
our hands and commanded us to 90 up
and possess for him. Look at Carroll,
Grayson, Giles, Craig, Floyd, Bland,
Mercer, Mcdowell, Wise, Russell, Scott
and Lee counties. These are our mis-
sionary field But two of these counties
have Presbyterian ministers living in
them. But two have any regular Pres
byterian preaching. Each of them needs
a Presbyterian minister, and calls loudly
and earnest for one, this very hour.
Other denominations are doing something
to supply this broad territory with the
Gospel. Still, the religious restitution is
great and mournful, and as far as re-
CARDS the labors of Presbyterians, the
thousands of this wide region have little
or none of them. In few places there
are feeble Presbyterian churches. In
most, there are few Presbyterian fami-
lies, to form a nucleus for Presbyterian
congregations. In some counties, mis-
sionary can obtain a part of his support
from those to whom he ministers. In
others, for the present, a support will
have to come almost entirely from mis-
sionary funds.
Who then, will come to our he p in this
great work? Who will draw back from
doing his part, in at once occupying this
field for Christ and Presbyterianism ?
Who will deny himself the privilege and
blessedness of doing this?
Dear brethren of Montgomery Pres
bytery, ministers, elders, and private
members, we again entreat you, lay this
matter to heart, look again and again
over the great field, pray over it, and
contribute as You may be able, even If
need be, out of your deep poverty and
amidst your great straits, in sustaining
the Gospel in your own churches. Con-
tribute literally, contribute promptly to
this great work. We want the men, we
we want the money now.
We cannot refrain from saying a few
words, also, in behalf of the General AS
sembly's Sustentation Fund. Let US not
forget our suffering ministers, and our
suffering churches, out of our bounds.
Think of their burnt-up, and torn down,
and cannon-riddled churches, their desc
late homes, their devastated fields, their
ruined fortunes Think of Gods Won
derful shielding of US from these horrors
of war. Have we no thank-offering for
this distinguishing mercy, in a hearty
liberality towards those upon whom war
mas fallen so heavily? Shall they call
in vain for help? If they do, where is
the Christian heart? If they do, what
becomes of the cause of Christ, and the
cause of Presbyterianism, in many parts
of this Southern land?
Dear brethren, we must meet these
questions at the judgment.
Please send all contributions to Do
nestle Missions for Montgomery Presby-
terry, to Frederic Johnston, Esq, Treas
urer of Presbytery, Salem, Va, and all
contributions to the General Assembly's
Sustentation Fund, to Rev. Dr. Mitchell,
Lynchburg, or Rev. James McChain,
Abingdon. ]. MCC.
Oak Cottage, Ia.