The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-04-20


the prospects of change are increasingly ominous.
On Saturday, Roanoke Presbytery was engaged
mostly on this &c Book of Order, pausing however
to appoint commissioners to the General Assem-
by-Rev. Alexander Martin, of Danville, minister,
and X. v Gaines, elder.
In West Hanover there was quite an extended
and animated discussion on the subject OF an over
ture to the General Assembly asking that the ac'
ton of that venerable court on the question of
LAY Preachers may be rescinded. All are
agreed that we need more ministers, and that we
ought by no means to lower the standard OF min
isteral qualification; and even those defending the
action of the Assembly admitted that were that
body now called on to take action for the first tlme
it would be undesirable to have it in the form in
which it now stands on the minutes OF last year.
Those who desired repeal of the act OF last year
advocated it on the ground that according to our
Form of Government, there is nothing to hinder
proper liberty to all Christian men OF proper in
telligence for the very work to which 1t is pro-
posed to set apart these socaed lay preachers and
therefore the act of the Assembly is not necessary
And even if any suppose some such act necessary
and desirable the method of providing lay
preachers, is unconstitutional, inasmuch as 1t
was not submitted to the Presbyteries for concur
renee and confirmation; and while 1t might not
have been designed by the Assembly to be regard
ed as any thing more than az, expression OF opin'
ion on the policy it indicates is couched IN such
language as may occas Eat trouble The
Presbytery finally adopted minute requesting
the Assembly to rescind the act, though the paper
as thus adopted was an amendment Of that offered
to the Presbytery.
Atl2M, the two Presbyteries held together a
meeting in the interests of SustentatiOn, the occa-
sion being the hearing of the report OF the Com,
mittee of Sustentation of the Presbytery of West
Hanover. The Roanoke Presbytery was invited
to be present. and several excellent addresses,
which it is hoped some experienced hand may re-
port for the Central, were delivered by members,
chiefly ruling elders, of both Presbyteries.
West Hanover adjourned about g. o'clock, z. M
That of Roanoke continued in session during the
evening and adjourned to meet again Monday
morning.
| The untoward prospects for weather on Satur
day we're fulfilled by rainy night, but a kind
providence gave clear Sabbath. A large congre-
CATION assembled in the church in the morning,
and heard most excellent and appropriate SER
mon from Mr.. Martin, of Danville, which it is to
be regretted there is no time more fully to describe
here. The Lords Supper was then administered
TO both Presbyteries, and large assembly of com
municants gathered from the College church and
surrounding churches in Prince Edward, Charlotte
and Cumberland The two senior pastors, of the
Presbyteries, Rev. J. Cochran, of Roanoke, and
Rev. w. S. Thompson, of West Hanover, con
Quoted the services with great solemnity and pro
priety. The tables were served by selection OF
elders from the two Presbyteries, mostly among
the most venerable for age and well known in all
our churches.
There was preaching at the Court House at a
o'clock, P. NJ, by Rev. j. B. Shearer, in the Col
lege church. at the same hour by Rev. H. A. Brown
to the colored people, and in the Seminary chapel
by Rev. John Cochran, especially addressed to the
h-non-communcants, At night, notwith'
standing a severe shower, full congregation in
the Seminary chapel heard Rev. Thomas Wharey,
| Vi DTleIy.
There were pleasing indications that at least
three of the many vacancies in West Hanover are
about to be supplied, though that Presbytery was
again called on to part with loved and honored
member,-Dr. Handy, who goes to Augusta
church-the fifth or sixth lost by the Presbytery
by removal within the last ten years. Roanoke
loses two-Rev Mr.. Kirkpatrick having been dis
missed to Abingdon Presbytery with view of
taking charge of the church vacated by Rev. d.
B. Ewing, and Rev. j. Shearer to Nashville Pres
bytery, to take the Presidency Of Stewart College,
in GAINESVILLE, Tennessee. Yet the hearts of the
brethren were encouraged in the fact that Roa-
noke Presbytery licensed one, and West Hanover
two candidates, while the increased number Of
students in the Seminary (now &c., gives better
hopes for the future. But the mail comes; SO
farewell. Some reflections and suggestions occa
stoned by this meeting must wait.
Yours, Y.