The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-02-27
For THE CENTRAL PREsBTrERIAN.
Presbyterian Committee of Publication.
RICHMOND, February 7M., 1856

Presbyterian Chn1eh in the United States:
Dear Brethren,-In connexion with
the announcement of the time for the
annual collection for the Committee of
Publication, on the first Sabbath of
March, it is made my duty to communi-
cate with you on the general subject,
and to state to you distinctly the plans,
purposes and necessities of the Commit
tee. These may be summed up as fol-
lows, viz:
| 1. The establishment of bookstore
at the seat of our operations for the sup
ply Of churches and Sabbath Schools,
with safe literature, adapted to our
present and pressing want. Already a
good supply of Sabbath School books is
on hand embracing selection of about
1900 volumes; but the selection of a
catalogue of books for ministers libra
ries and general reading, has thus far
been postponed, owing to the lack of
funds.
2 The publication of books, original
and selected, adapted to the condition of
our families, our churches, and our Sab
bath Schools. About one hundred diff
ferent works have already been printed,
the most of which are for Sabbath
Schools libraries, and all of which are
reprints. To meet our existing neces-
sites, this list ought at once to be large
ly increased; but especially is it impor-
tant to encourage our own ministers and
cultivated laymen to write works'to meet
these wants. Several manuscripts are
now awaiting publication, others are in
course of preparation, which the Com
mittee are anxious to stereotype and pub
lish, so soon as the means are at hand.
Among these are two question books, the
one for Sabbath Schools, the other for
Congregational and Bible classes; also,
"Indian "reminiscences, by the late Rev.
Cephas Washburn," etc., etc.
8. The preparation and publishing of
books for gratuitous distribution among
our colored people, adapted to their pre-
sent condition. No object can be more
important than this; none could be more
pressing. 1t early arrested the atten-
ton of the Committee, Immediately af-
ter the emancipation of these people,
and out of the limited means at our COM
mand, we have promptly and gladly ex-
tended to them every assistance in our
power. But the recent General Assembly
has especially called our attention to this
matter, and made the duty imperative;
The wants of this class can scarcely be
over estimated, and any amount of money
could profitably be employed in this work.
Whatever funds may be entrusted to US
by benevolent donors will be faithfully ap-
piled to this object, without any dis
counts for office or other expenses, all of
which will be betrayed out of the ordi-
nary receipts.
| a. The employment of book agents to
carry our books to the doors of our peo-
pie, and to distribute tracts, Bibles and
small volumes, among the ignorant and
the destitute, throughout all our Presby-
teries. At the approaching spring meet
ings of the Presbyteries, they will doubt
less nominate to us persons to act within
their respective bounds, or authorize the
Committee to send agents to sell books
among their destitute people, and dis
tribute them to the poor. We greatly
need funds to accomplish this desirable
object.
5. The supplying of our destitute
Sabbath Schools, white and colored. among
our poverty stricken people, with libra
ries, papers and the usual Sabbath School
facilities. The cry comes up from every
part of our territory, for help, accom-
panied by tales of woe and suffering;
but for lack of the means we have been
able to accomplish but little toward sup
plying these wants.
To meet these pressing claims upon
our consideration, the General Assembly
has prescribed and authorized the follow
ing resources, viz:
1. AS a special object, the sum of
$50, 900 is to be raised as an endowment
fund under the auspices Of the Commit
tee. Of this amount about $4,000 was
raised last year, leaving a balance of
$41, 900 yet to be raised, The Rev. A..
P. Silliman, of the Synod of Alabama,
has been appointed a business agent of
the Committee, and underits instructions
has commenced operations in the South
west, under very favorable auspices, with
view to secure this endowment. More
over, another excellent brother hopes to
be able, shortly, to undertake volunta-
ry and gratuitous agency in aid Of the
work committed to Mr.. Silliman, and has
been commissioned by the Committee ac-
cordingly- This sum it is much to be
desired that our own impoverished church
should itself raise; and it is matter of
the very greatestimportance that it should
be raised this year. We hope to report
to the next General Assembly, that the
whole amount has been secured.
2. The General Assembly has ordered
a general collection IN all our churches
on the first Sabbath of March, or as soon
thereafter as practicable, for this Com
mittee. These collections will 60 into
the general Treasury, to meet the accru-
ing necessities of the Committee; and
will be applied under the advice of the
Presbyteries in the employment of book
agents within their respective bounds, to
the utmost extent to which the Commit.
tee may be able so to apply them.
3. The Committee have been in the
receipt of special donations from various
friends in the Northern and especially ii
the border States, and have been en-