The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-10
Presbytery of Greenbrier.

IreSDyCery VI uioooAA0i'
Greenbrier Presbytery assembled a
Point Pleasant, West Va, on the 14tf
ult., at u o'clock P. M. There wer.
present seven ministers and six elders
The opening sermon was preached BY
Rev. James Haynes-the last Moderator
present.
Rev. DR.. Houston was chosen Moder,
orator, and Rev. j. c.. Barr and Dr.
Roener, clerks.
The sessions of the PreSbytery were
exceedingly interesting, and, though
characterized by animated debate, they
were yet very harmonious. The docket
of business was full, jei each subject
was properly considered and issued sat.
isfactorily. Sessional records and statis-
tical reports were placed in the hands Of
| Presbytery s-
Rev. M. D. Dunlap and ruling elder
B. H. Sterrett, (of Bufalo) were elected
Commissioners to the General Assembly
alternates, Rev. B. B. Blair, and ruling
elder G. W. Craig.
Rev. J. H. Leps gave US an interesting
account of his visit to the last General
Assembly at Nashville, Tennessee.
The "free conversation Oh the state of
religion" was listened to with interest.
The results are gathered in the following.
NARRATIVE.
Presbytery reports, on the state of religion
within her bounds: THAT sin is abroad in the
land, and the state of public morals is amenta-
bly, low. In most of the neighborhoods repre-.
sented this unhappy condition is characterized
by spirit of Indifference to the affairs OF reli-
gion in many, by a loss of reverence for the
holy Sabbath; III some by open vice and reck-
less dissipation and in one or two, by the growth
of Rationalism.
Against this estate of the world within our
limits, the churches have been battling with
diverse results. While none of them may be ac-
credited with that Phiad elphian diligence"
which called forth only commendation from the
terized by the Laodicean "luke warmness" that
evoked His stern rebuke.
In all our churches, except in the destitute"
fields, "the word" has been preached with
great regularity, Notwithstanding the winter S
great severity. These ministrations have been
followed by no striking results; yet in no case
has there been a declension of numbers; and
several-especaly those in the Kanawha Val
ley-report a very encouraging augmentation.
1t is interesting to learn that the lambs of the
flock have been well attended to, in Sabbath
Schools, in all the churches except two; yet
these two are the only ones that report regular
Bible classes, and they are in most prosperous
condition.
AS to tie contributions to the various COM
mittees of the church, the Presbytery deeply re-
grets to learn that many of the churches have
fallen far short of their duty in this part of the
worship of God. One church, however, deserves
high mendaton-Kanawha Salines. 1t re-
ports nearly one-third of the entire amount con-
tributed by Presbytery to Sustentation. The
pastor and officers of this church may be count
ed worthy OF doubfc boror sas1ss---
Presbytery may properly express deep soIic-
itude on this important subject. True, these
are times of ''deep poverty" in many of our
churches, and "great trials OF aflction" over
shadow all our land. But, unless our deep
poverty abound unto the riches ofour Gberality,"
we need not expect the Macedonian abundance
of joy' in our churches so long as the "Mace-
donian cry" comes up to our ears from the lips
of perishing millions
The next meeting of Presbytery will
be held at Mount Pleasant, Monroe Co.,
West Va, in October.
A vote of thanks was rendered to the
people of Point Pleasant for their hospi-
tality; and this was heartfelt tribute.
Notwithstanding the inclement wealth
er, the congregations were very large and
deeply impressed. Rector Hayden, of
the Episcopal church, kindly rendered us
the use of his pulpit, which was occupied
by Rev. j. G. Barr on Sabbath morning.
Through similar courtesy on the part
of the officers of the Old Presbyterian
church, its pulpit was filled by Rev. j.
G.. Brown.
After sermon on Sabbath morning,
three persons made public profession of
their faith and were received into COM
munion. Thus the membership of the
Point Pleasant church has been augment
ed by the addition of thirteen since last
October.
AS the services were closing, collec-
ton of $40 was taken up, in behalf of
Foreign Missions.
The sermon on Sabbath night con-
cluded these interesting meetings, which,
it is hoped, will leave permanent i'm
preston upon the whole community.
Cor. from Point Pleasant