The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-11-11
Narrative

OF THE STATE OF RELIGION IN TEE BOUNDS OF
THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA, DURING THE YEAR
ENDING OCTOBER, 1868
From careful examination Of the several
Presbyterial Reports, the following facts are
educed, viz:
|. That there has been a great dearth OF
revivals, no unusual awakening having occur
red except in a few churches in the Presbvte
res of Rappahannock, Lexington and East
Hanover.
. That in many sections embraced within
our bounds, great GOODNESS and indifference
have prevailed among professors of religion
and that in some churches there has been An
unusual backwardness on the part OF the mem
bers, in cooperating with the ministers in re
gard to the interests of religion
3. That wide spread destitutions exist with
in our bounds, and that for want of preachers,
whole districts of country are destitute of Cos
pei influences as dispensed under the auspices
of our Presbyteries and Synod
| 4. That a number of our churches have
grown so feeble either from the inability of
the people to sustain the Gospel, or from the
difficulty OF securing the regular mlnistration
Of the Word that without speedy relief they
must soon be abandoned.
| 5. That in most instances where efforts have
been made for the spiritual improvement OF
the colored people, little has been accomplish
ed either in organizing them into Sabbath
Schools; or bringing them under the influence
of the Word
But with all these discouragements it APP
pears:
| |. That in majority of the churches there
has been steady and increased attendance
upon the means OF grace, and in several OF
them, there have been encouraging -aoe>
large additions
2. That the ministers in every part of the
Synod have been earnestly engaged in preach
| ing the Gospel and that ministers without
charges have been unusually active in visiting
the destitute neighborhoods and in holding
forth the Word of Life
8. That number OF new houses of worship
have been erected; and that several church
buildings nearly ruined by the desolations of
war have been thoroughly repaired.
A. That in Grecnbrier and Abingdon Presby
teries several new fields of labor have been
opened up; and that in these Presbyteries,
particularly there is considerable increase in
the missionary spirit
5. That the subject of systematic benevo-
lence is everywhere receiving increased atten
ton, and that wherever the plan of weekly
collections has been adopted, it has worked
admirably in the enlargement OF the SUN Of
contributions, in the greater ease and pleasure
, Of the giving, and in the reflex influence for
| good upon the contributors themselves.
g. That new attention has been given to
the subject of Sabbath Schools. and that Cate.
chetical and Bible class instruction has been
generally attended to. In the Presbytery OF
Lexington, there is only one church without
Sabbath School, and in some of the Presbyte-
teres there are schools for the people Of color.
7. The Presbytery of Abingdon reports in.
creased attention to the subject Of prayer
meetings
g. Several young men have been licensed
during the past year as practitioners for the
Gospel ministry. and others have been or
dained to the full work. Nearly all the Pres
byteries have candidates under their care and
it may be recorded with gratitude, that Seve
raj of our young men have been commissioned
to preach in foreign lands
The particular lesson which we are taught
BY the several reports from the Presbyterles
is simply this: that God is Sovereign, dis
pensing the blessings of His grace, where and
to whom He will; and that it becomes His
ministers and His people to wait patiently the
working of His Spirit, remembering ever TO
follow that which is good both among them
selves and towards all men. TO do good
and to communicate may we forget not, for
with such sacrifice He is well pleased"
|. w. K HANDY,
G.. NJ SEE
| = n. WHALEY,
| +. N. WATKINS.
| Committee.
Copy-Teste
WILLIAM DINwIDDIE Stated Clerk.