The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-02

Interesting topics are presented in the various
communications on our first page. While they are
all practical in their nature, some relate to matters
in which special church-acton seems to be desired
One of them relates to the
Attendqace at Syuods, The subject is certainly
important, aud the Church is indebted to the
brother sending this paper for the facts bearing
upon it which have recently been published, With
great respect for his suggestions we do not think
the Presbyterian Church will easily be persuaded
to make the Synods delegated bodies. The fact
that after trial of that mode it has been changed,
is against it. 1t is a great drawback, no doubt,
that our Syuods are so thinly attended, but it by
20 means follows that the evils of the other plan
would not be still greater The great extent Of
territory covered By most of our SynodS, may ac-
count in part for the fact referred to. Where the
size OF the body well admits of division, remedy
for the evil, in part at least might be found in
such measure. In some portions of the Church
this is not practicable, and we must be content to
do the best We can But every where much may
be done by taking pains to difuse right senti
ment as tO the importance of all being present
ministers and delegated elders, who are not pre-
vented by special hiudrances. Perseveriug mean,
used ia this line will in the course Of few year:
work happy results.
The Memorial University We have published
during the year past, good deal on both sides Of
this subject, without expressing any opinion on
either The advocates of the measure have the
labori0g oar; it rests upon them to make the case
clear to the mind Of the Church 1t is perhaps
due to say now that we have not been able to con
cur in the views which look to the establishment
Of such an institution as the one contemplated
We are not satisfied on the score of principle. We
do not see that 1t Is the province Of the State tC
take upon it the work Of secular education any
further than TO provide elementary instruction. a;
it does food aud raiment, for paupers Free schools
never fail to be popular through certain stage o.
society; after its seeds ripen fully there is sure tt
come harvest Of strife. They are plausible il
appearance, agrarian in principle, unjust in thei
operation, and ultimately mschevous in the
general results. Every argument for the system
may be as soundiy brought up to show that It'll
the province of the State to provide also system
free food and raimeat, and for this end provide
common fund by taxation.
Nor do We any more believe it is the duty Of tn,
Church. ia its organized capacity to undertake th
work, except so far as it can be shown that it i
strictly necessary in order to teach Christianity
That Christian people, as individuals, should as
sOciate for establishing many secular schools, anc
place them under a right religious influence W.
heartily agree. That it is often expedient tina
they should be under the control of those belong
ing to some particular denomination, we also agree
Further than this our vision fails to reach for W,
do not see that either by statute or plain inference
the Church has any such commission
If the question Of principle were clear, that o
erpcdiency opens wide door for most careful con
sideration. We do not propose to enter it, at leas
just now. We admire the earnest zeal of brethren
who advocate this scheme, as we love and admire
those brethren themselves. 1t should be a care
with those who do not see their own way clear t.
engage in a measure designed to do good not tt
throw, without necessity, hindrances in the way
those who do On this account we are content t
let them perfect their measures bring them before
the General Assembly, and if the whole Church il
to be called on to cooperate, it will of course b,
first allowed, in all its lower courts, the most am
pie opportunity to examine and determine.