The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-05-03
Presbytery of Augusta

Held its spring sessions at Eatonton, ga, April
18th, and was opened with sermon by Rev.
Thomas 2. Cleveland.
Rev. DR.. Joseph R. Wilson was chosen Modera-
tor. and elder James Fl. Nichols Temporary Clerk.
During the sessions there were nine ministers
present and eleven ruling elders. Seven ministers
we're absent, and twenty-five churches were not
represented.
MIR. VIM. A. Walton, special commissioner
from the Augusta church, was introduced to the
Presbytery, and presented a call from that church
for the pastoral services of the Rev. Robert Irvine,
d. D. A certificate OF DIR. Irvine dismission from
the Presbytery of Montreal, of the Canada Pres
byterian Church. to join this Presbytery, was also
presented, accompanied with the highest testimo-
mails to his Christian and ministerial character, and
commencing him to the confidence and Christian
regards of the Presbytery. Whereupon it was un.
animously.
Resolved, That in view of the satisfactory testi-
monials laid before this Presbytery from the Pres
bytery and other Presbyterial bodies the Rev. DR..
Robert Irvine be received as a foreign minister on
probation under the care of this Presbytery and
that he have liberty to minister to the church at
Augusta; and further, that our commissioners to
the next General Assembly be directed to ask the
body to take the necessary steps to enable us to
receive him as member of this Presbytery with
view to his installation as pastor of the Augusta
church at the earliest practicable day.
Two young men were taken under the care OF
Presbvtery as candidates for the ministry, viz,
Mr.. Owen P. Ftzsimmons of the Augusta church,
and MIR. Robert Adams of the Eatonton church
making the whole number of candidates under the
care OF the Presbytery thirteen.
The report of the Executive Committee of Sus-
tentation showed that $50 had been contributed
to this cause, and that $3.50 had been asked and
received from the Central Committee for the use
of the PresbyteryE
The report of the Committee on Foreign Mis-
sions showed that during the last six months $795
had been given by the Sabbath Schools.
What amount had been raised for the cause of
Education was not reported by the Committee, but
it was stated that twothrds of the churches of the
Presbytery had contributed nothing. $l,225 had
been asked from the Central Committee for eight
of our candidates, only part of which had been re-
ceived, owing to the deficiency of funds in their
hands.
1t was resolved that, in view of the pressing
need of funds for the few candidates in the Church
at large now pursuing their studies, and in view
dates, the Presbytery enjoin it upon its ministers
to preach at as early day as may be judicious, on
the claims of candidates for the ministry upon the
prayers and purses of the people Of God, and on
the evident duty OF many sons of the Church to
pause in the midst of their pursuits and prayer
fully ask in the face of constantly diminishing
roll of ministers, and the constantly increasing
wants of dying world, Lord, what wilt thou
have me to do?" And at the close Of this service
collection be taken up and forwarded to the Com
mittee of Education OF Richmond
1t was ordered that the Presbyterial Committee
prepare circular letter to be addressed to those
churches of the Presbytery which have not con-
tributed to this cause.
The Committee on Publication reported that
very little had been done for this cause.
The Committee on Sabbath Schools reported
| that very few schools were under the immediate
control of the sessions and it was
Resolced l. That all of our ministers be directed
to devote their personal attention to the Sabbath
Schools connected with their respective churches.
2 That all of those churches which have no
Sabbath Schools Immediately connected with them
be recommended to organise such schools. and to
establish mission schools wherever practicable.
3. That the Ctildren's Friend, and Earnest
| Worker, of the Committee of Publication, be re-
commended to the patronage of the churches and
Sabbath Schools.
T. That the Executive Committee on Sabbath
Schools be directed to correspond with the church
es with view to carrying out these recommended
| tions
| The following overture was presented hy Rev.
| DR.. Jacobs, and was ordered to be forwarded to
the General Assembly, viz That the Act of the
General Assembly OF 1887, by which it is made i'm
perative on Presbyteries TO examine ministers from
other Presbyteries of our Church, who make ap-
plication to them for membership, and that all
other legislation Of the purport, be rescnded.
! Rkv. DR.. Joseph II. Wilson and elder VIM. l..
Mitchell were chosen as Commissioners to the
General Assembly; and Rev. DR.. f. jacobs and
elder j. B. Estes Alternates.
A call was presented from the Thyatira church
for the pastoral services of Rev. G. Ii. CARTRIDGE,
for one fourth Of his time The call was found in
order, and was placed in Mr.. Cartledge's hands,
and he was permitted to retain the same till the
next meeting of Presbytery.
The Presbytery then adjourned, to meet at New
Hope church on Friday, Sept. Sth, at half-past 7
p M