The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-06-16

of improvement too plain to be mistaken. While
it must be depored that no general outpourlng OF
the spirit has been experienced during the year,
tokens have not been wanting of His special pres
ence-a large majority of the churches having en-.
ioyed seasons of refreshing. The reformation of
abuses born in the unhappy days of civil STRIFE in
dictate conscience quickening to the obligations OF
morality The lines which should separate the
Church from the world, in some places we'll nigh
obliterated for time, begin to reappear The
prayer meeting, which, perhaps, more than any
other ordinance, indicates by its fluctuations the
waxing or waneing piety Of the Church, has been
established at many points where, Till just now,
this form of worship was not known. ltisesteemed
an especial occasion for gratitude that from only
few of the Presbyteries issues lamentation which,
few years ago. was almost universal, over the evil
of intemperance.
This representation of the condition Of the
Church would be incomplete without some humlll-
ating additions The complaint is loud OF the ne
elect of family religion by our people-some who
have assumed the vows of office-bearers suffering
their household affairs to fall into decay. One
Presbytery records with sorrow and shame, that OF
more than forty churches under its care, nearly
half utterly neglect the institution OF social prayer
Many PreSbyteries speak mournfully of the grow
ing popularity Of ascivious amusements and OF the
barrenness OF the ministry as contrasted with the
fruitfulness OF former years. A large proportion
of our churches, it must be feared, engrossed with
their local affairs, feel little interest in the general
enterprises of the Church.
On the whole, however, it is impossible to scan
the reports submitted and fail to receive the graft
flying impression that, beyond any other year in
our history, the past has been year of labor and
achievement. The signs of expanding life appear
on every side. Never before has there been such
wise solicitude touching the religious culture of
our youth. From every region Of the vast field,
the tidings respecting this matter are truly inspr
ing Over the whole breadth of our territory Sab
bath schools are forming, and special efforts max.
ing to gather and indoctrinate the young The
Shorter Catechism there rs reason to believe, was
never SO highly priced and conscentiousy taught ;
and it may be hoped that, at no distant day, this
invaluable standard will be installed in the educa-
tional system Of every Presbyterian household. Ii
is also matter for grateful rejoicing, that never
before have our people been so instinct with the
spirit of missions Increased interest is felt in the
spiritual welfare of the colored race. and is mani
testing itself in earnest and systematic effort fol
their salvation. The condition Of the heather is
burthening the hearts and consciences of our PEG
pie, and some of the most gifted young men in oul
Theological Seminaries have devoted themselves
to the work of preaching Christ in foreign lands
In view of the facts presented, it is the judg
ment of the committee, that, while there is much
evil among us to deplore, the growth of the Church
has been large and symmetrical. Here and there
the line has wavered, but the general movement
has been Enthusiastically forward. With hearts
deeply affected by the mercies we have received
we would gratefully erect our memorial, and In
scribe it with the word E6enezer.