The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-09-23
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Are our Church Courts Blessing to the
Congregations in which they Assemble?

That they are to some extent we all agree.
1t would be lamentable indeed if the assem-
bling of Gods servants for days in grave de-
liberation upon the interests of his kingdom,
did not 0zcrolse a wholesome religious infu-
ence and disseminate much valuable truth
Yet it may be well worthy of serious inquiry
to what degree the full blessing of such occa-
sions is obtained by the church. For it must
be admitted that these meetings from their
frequency and the numbers that attend them
should be a powerful agency in promoting
healthful, active piety
The fact that the great practical subjects
and agencies of the Church may be more
clearly and powerfully presented to the minds
of the people than on any other occasion,
should ever be borne in mind. An eye should
be had to this fact. For one of the richest
fruits of such meetings is lost, when these
great practical subjects are presented in such
manner or at such a time as to elicit no in
terest in congregations that assemble This
we conceive to be one object. and very i'm
portant one, in making the chairmen of our
Presbyterial Committees, corresponding mem
bers of the Assemblies Committees, that these
may secure a practical interest upon these
subjects in the hearts of the people. And as
suredly it should be so arranged that these
great schemes in all their weight, should be
set before the minds of Christians with all the
power and influence Of our Church courts.
And all other great practical subjects through
the zeal and interest awakened at such times
should be deeply impressed upon the souls of
Gods people, and then we may expect the
prayerful and active support of the churches.
1t is also to be apprehended that the prac-
teal results of such meetings are partially lost,
because they are regarded too much as sea-
sons of social enjoyment and recreation. Now
that the reUnion of brethren and friends, and
the hospitality of Christian people should be
reason Of social enjoyment, is very natural
But assuredly it should be well seasoned with
grace and tending to cultivate mutual love for
Christ and the interests of his kingdom. And
especially in the households where the men,
bers of our Church courts sojourn, should they
endeavor to leave someEnths of Gods word
We much fear that these precious opportuni-
ties are often lost and but little preaching
from house to house is done at such times
How delightful the fragrnce that would linger
after such fraternal and Christian intercourse,
and how blessed its fruit
We fear also that tie practical benefit of
such seasons is greatly essened by the spirit
in which the preaching of the gospel is at
tended. We believe there are few if any of
the ministers Of the gospel we hear on such
occasions, who so far ignore the design of
preaching as to make it the occasion of ex-
hibiting their talents rather than setting Christ
before the eyes of the people. But those who
attend, including ministers of the gospel, seem
at such times particularly to think more of the
powers of the man, than Of the gracious truth
proclaimed Hence the blessing of God is
withheld where he is not duly honored in the
hearing of his word.
Verify the design of preaching and of hear
ing then, as ever, should be the salvation of
the souls of men. And to make the word saw
ing in our experience and the hearts of others,
should be the end sought by those who hear
its proclamation.
We feel well assured that our Church courts
and the churches in which they assemble,
should earnestly and prayerfully look to the
practical results Of such meetings Not only
is it a season of importance because of legisla-
ton upon interesting and grave subjects, but
because mighty influence may be exerted to
promote pure and unde6led religion. Is this
latterend attained? Are the souls of God peo-
pie proftted? Are the ungodly converted as
we might EXPECT at such times2 NJ.