The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-07-07

principles. The others will, in most cases,
bring very dim appreciation OF, or sympa'
thy for, our distinctive doctrines and order.
Now, were all our little churches, (nearly all
are little,) fully manned with enlightened,
staunch Southern ministers; were all in "full
working order" there would be at least
possibility that we might, by prompt, active,
and kind reception, absorb and assimilate
this influx; aided especially by the influence
of their desire for social recognition among
the old and respectable citizens. But if
these little churches are both feeble and va
cant, and likely to remain long SO; it is most
manifest that the incoming Presbyterians
will speedily begin to look for pastoral sup
plies to the regions whence they come. Thus,
our form of Christianity, instead of absorb
ing, will be absorbed. If this influx finds
us in that state of ministerial destitution, to
which we are, at this time manifestly tend
ingy it seems inevitable that we shall be over
lain by the new Influences Hence, to my
feeble judgment, it seems clear, that within
the pext ten years, it must be decided whether
the Southern Presbyterian CHURCH shall
have permanent existence; or its orthodox
influence shall be obliterated in this country.
And the chief human means for avoiding
this fate appears to be, the speedy rearing
up of devoted and enlightened home min
istry.
: A kindred, and scarcely inferior subject
should also be embraced in this view; the
relaxation of Christian morals and Church
discipline No experienced man can credit
any religious communion with correct NOR
ais, after it has betrayed noted detection
from correct doctrine and order. In re-
gard to Northern Christianity, abundant
testimony confirms this inference. The same
spirit which dictated its unscriptural legsla-
ton, and factious passion, has undoubtedly
dict ted widespread immortality within the
pale of the churches. This infection, we are
sorry to believe, has not failed to have some
influence among us.
Now, in such case, not only does fideli-
ty to Christs laws require that the guard
ians of his Church shall watch and testify
with stern vigilance against relaxed NOR
ais, but also, regard for our ecclesiastical
position and independence suggest the same
policy: If our churches are held under
strict discipline, and present exemplary ex-
amples of Christian morality, this will itself
constitute the most valuable test to separate
the good from the evil, the useful from the
dangerous, in the new candidates for mem.
bership among US. Those who are sound
and Scriptural Presbyterians will approve of
our rigidity, and be attracted to us; those
who are spurious, and tainted with lax prin-.
ciples, will be deferred from seeking our
pale. We shall thus be saved from the dan
ger of having our principles betrayed by the
number of these false friends among the new
comers, and our peace disturbed, or possibly
destroyed.
For these weighty reasons, would re-
spectfully submit to your wisdom, the pro-
priety of Immediately directing your moral
and spiritual powers, by such measures as
shall seem to you best, to the following OBJ
jects:
1. Appealing to the Christian conscences
of your educated members among literary
and professional men, for an extraordinary
recruit to our ministry, who, by receiving
icensure as soon as they can comply with
the constitutional requirements as to schol.
arship, may be ready to meet our exigencies,
earlier than the pious youth now in acade-
mics or colleges.
2. Eaectually causing all church-sessions
and Presbyteries to enforce the discipline
provided in our constitution, against Of
fences; and especially against conformity to
dissipated and lascivious amusements of the
world; intemperance, and relaxed expedi-
ents for evading pecuniary obligations, now
permitted by the legislation of the country.
All of which, is respectfully submitted.
II