The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-03

son, and DIR. White, opposed the resolution.
DR.. Peck explained and supported it, as did
Mr.. Cotton also. 1t was stricken out and the
report, as amended, was adopted.
This report will appear next week..
The Assembly engaged in devotional exer-
cses conducted by Rev. DR.. Stratton, Of
Natchez, and then adjourned until p. M.
EVENING SESSION.
Rev. H. NJ Smith, ID. D., from the Stand
ing Committee on Sustentation, reported upon
paper referred to that committee concerning
a Central agency for communication between
vacant churches and ministers without charge.
The committee recommend that it is not ex-
pedient at present to add to the labors of the
Committee Of Sustentation.
At the request of the Executive Committee
on Sustentation, it was ordered that the col
lection for the Relief fund be taken on the LIST
Sabbath of July, or as soon thereafter as may
be convenient.
Rev. R. B. White, D. D., presented the
Narrative on the State of Religion.
Rev. Dr. Wills expressed himself pleased
with the narrative 1t gave the dark side and
the bright side too. We must keep before US
the picture of a Frustrated church. And the
great question with us is, Can it be raised?'
1t can be done if the Church has the right
spirit. We must have lberality, purity, pa
thence, and perseverance. Let US each resolve,
For lions sake will not hold my peace. :"
| insist that if we are pervaded by the Spirit
of our system and of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we shall have life in the pulpit, spirituality
among the members, candidates for the minis
try, and means for the work before us. If |
forget thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my tongue cleave
to the roof of my mouth"
Moderator, the narrative closes with the
prayer of Habakuk, Lord revive thy work,
in the midst of the years remember mercy.
Let this be the prayer of each of Gods SER
wants, and we will be revived and strengthened
/ - 10 10 VII ~ COZ -SS----------
Maj. T. j. kirkpatrick. is proper we
should recognize the evidences of Gods pres.
ence in the Church Some have been men,
toned. Let US bring them together tonight.
Since | came here | have heard news from all
parts of our Church which has removed all
doubts. For | must confess | came here fear.
ing that it was mistaken, though noble en-
thusiasm which prompted these young men to
ask to be sent to heather lands But l see
now that great blessing has come upon our
Church in connection with this new missionary
enterprise. We hear that large number OF
young men are coming forward as candidates
for the ministry. This has removed all my
doubts. see that God is sending a large
number to take the place OF the few who go
hence. The spirit of God is in the Church. -
And God will show us the way in which he
would have us to go, just when we show our
readiness to extend our operations abroad
He has sent many to do the work at home.
For everything we give to heather lands he will
abundantly reward us at home We have
great evidence of Gods presence and power,
and it calls for gratitude and praise There is
a noble prospect before us. God is saying to
our Church, 81 set before you an open door
though you have but little strength, let no
man take your crown" Let us take courage
and go forward How sweet it is that the
blessing has come so soon? God has given the
answer and thereward simultaneously with the
prayer and the effort. He has smitten us be-
cause he loved us. And now he is manifesting
his love in great spiritual gifts to his Church.
Let us press our loving Saviour yet more close
" to our hearts, and be more and more conse-
Grated to his blessed service.
Rev. j. n. Waddel, D. D., the Moderator,
remarked that his Presbytery had no report on
the state of religion in its bounds. At the last
meeting of the Presbytery the general report
had been spiritual drought, except in the
town of Oxford, Miss There the several de
nominations agreed to hold communion meet
ings in each church, until every church had
been visited At the last of these meetings the
spirit of God seemed to pervade every one
present, and the result was $50 professions of
religion, Of whom Is were students, and of
these 81 dedicated themselves to the ministry.
He asked the Assembly to unite with him
in praise to God for the blessing.
Rev. Mr. Alexander said he was glad TO see
the great interest manifested in the Church by
the elders. They are the strength of the
Church side by side with the ministry.
The narrative was then adopted.
This will appear next week.
The Committee on Leave of Absence re-
ported that but few applications had been
made and none had been granted. The report
was spoken Of as very unusual and exceedingly
gratifying.
Rev. Dr. Wills presented a resolution of
thanks, which was adopted.
Rev. T. v Moore, D. D., then moved that
this General Assembly be now dissolved, and
that General Assembly similarly constituted
be held in the city of Mobile, Alabama, in the
Government Street Church. on the Sd Thurs
day in May, 1869.
The Permanent Clerk then read the minutes
of the day, which were approved.
The Assembly united in singing the 29Sth
Hymn
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love. "
Rev. DIR. Moore led the Assembly and con-
,regation in prayer, and at 10 P. NJ, the Mod
rator, after pronouncing the benediction, de-