The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-06-28

gathered only from portion of the churches and
only from parts of their congregations. We do
not believe that this state of facts exists either be-
cause the people are unable or unwilling to sup.
port any object of the Assembly Scheme of Sys-
tematie Benevolence; but because the Importance
and necessity of giving to those objects, and the
opportunity of doing so, have not been regularly
and faithfully presented.
In view of the foregoing considerations the As
sembly is moved to address this pastoral letter to
all Its churches relative to this matter so vital to
both the temporal and spiritual interests OF our
Zion. The Assembly has so often sent out letters,
teaching the principles of Systematic Benevoence,
that we presume the whole subject is now we'll I'M
derstood and we therefore leave it to each pastor
to instruct his own flock in the duty and grace of
giving, hoping that all pastors, stated supplies and
missionaries will be faithful in keeping their con-
gTegations reminded of their duty In regard to this
part of divine worship. We pray and beseech all
church officials to see to it that the opportunity OF
giving TO each object of the Assemby's scheme IS
afforded to each Individual In every congregation,
so that the mites of the children and the poor az
well as the donations ct the rich, may be gathered
into the treasury of the Lord To facilitate this,
we suggest that in addition to the collections for
those objects on the days specified by the Assem-
bly,, weekly collections be taken up In all churches
where practicable, in accordance with the Apostolic
plan: on the first day of the week let every one
of you lay by in store as God hath prospered him.
In connection with weekly collections, we sug-
gest the " envelope system which has been adopt
ed in many churches with most encouraging re-
suits A great revival in the grace of giving Is
now one Of the most pressing necessities of the
Christian Church, and if obtained from her ex.
alted Head for the honor of His holy name and
the promotion of that precious cause, tor which
He gave His life, would assuredly be attended or
followed by such outpourings Of His Holy Spirit
IN The conversion of sinners and the conservation
of His people as we have never yet enjoyed.
And now, dearly beloved, remember the words
Of the Lord Jesus, how He said ut is more
blessed TO give than to receive"
And now, brethren, we commend you to God
and to the word of His grace, which is able to
build you up and to give you an inheritance among
all them that are sancti6ed.
The grace Of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of
God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be
with you all. Amen.
Adopted.
PRESBYTERIAN ASSESSMENTS.
DR.. j. R. Wilson presented the following {:
The Committee of Finance report recommend
ing the following assessments upon the Presbyte-
ries for 1872, and until further ordered to meet
the expenses Of the Assembly and to provide a
small fund for meeting, in part at least, the ex-
penses of the Commissioners from the more distant
and impoverished Presbyteries.
The following Presbyteries shall be assessed
thirty dollars each, viz
East Alabama, South Alabama, Augusta Mem
phis, New Orleans Nashville, Concord, Orange,
Bethel, Harmony, South Carolina, East Hanover,
Lexington, Montgomery, Chesapeake, Louisville,
Fayetteville.
The following Presbyteries shall be assessed
twenty-five dollars each, viz:
Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, Chickasaw, North Mssis-
sppi, Western District Central Mississippi, Mssis-
sppi, Charleston, Wilmington, Abingdon, Green
brier, Roanoke, West Hanover, Winchester,
Macon, West Lexington, Ebenezer, North Ala
bama, Pennsylvania, Tombeckbee, Mecklenburg.
The following Presbyteries shall be assessed 6f-
teen dollars each, viz:
Muhlenburg, Cherokee, Savannah, Knoxville,
Florida.
The following Presbyteries shall be assessed ten
dollars each, viz
Arkansas, Ouachita, Louisiana, Red River,
Holston, Central Texas, Eastern Texas, Western
Texas, Indiana, Brazos, Central Ohio, Paducah.
Adopted.
SUSTENTATIoN.
On motion of DR.. Porter, the Assembly
resumed the consideration of the report of
the Standing Committee on Sustentation.
The question was upon the motion of DR..
Kirkpatrick to amend by striking out the
words sand instructs" from the I'd resolu-
ton.
DR.. kirkpatrick on leave granted, with
drew his motion and the resolution was
adopted.
The remaining resolutions were adopted,
after an amendment explaining the phrase
"invalid fund" to mean that formerly
called the fund for the relief of Disabled
Ministers and the Widows and Orphans of
Deceased Ministers"
The report as whole was then adopted.
VALID BAPTISM.
Rev. DR.. Wills moved that the committee
on Publication be instructed to print the pa
per concerning Valid Baptism, in such form
as they see proper. Adopted.
TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Rev. DR.. kirkpatrick submitted the fol-
lowing report, nominating trustees of the
General Assembly:
The committee appointed to nominate persons
to FIJI the vacancies in the Board of Trustees of the
General Assembly arising from the expiration of
the term of Office Of certain members OF the pre-
sent Board report:
l, That the places of FIVE members of the Board
of Trustees have been rendered vacant by the ex-
piration of the term of office, but that the last
General Assembly directed that the whole number
of trustees shall be reduced to nine, and that in
order to effect this, only three members shall be
elected to fill the vancies annually occurring.
?. That the following persons be appointed
trustees of the General Assembly for the term Of
three years from the present date, viz: The Rev.
John Douglass, John L. Brown, Esq, and Colonel
John E. Brown.
The Rev. DR.. Kirkpatrick moved the
Stated clerk be instructed to purchase a copy
of Baird's Digest and always have it on hand
for the use of the General Assembly.
EvANGELISTIC LABOR.
On motion of DR.. Miller, the report of
the Committee on Evangelistic Labor was
resumed.
The report stated that Of 6fty-fve Presbyteries,
reports have been received from only twenty-five,
viz: Charleston, Harmony, Orange, Meoklenburg,
Macon, Savannah Atlanta, West Hanover, Lex
ington, Roanoke, Winchester, Montgomery, Abing-
don, Nashville, Knoxville, Eas, Alabama, South
Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Central Ohio, Central Mis-
sissippi, Central Texas, Eastern Texas, BraSOs,
Arkansas, Indian, being less than one-half our
plumber. OF these eight only have Evangelsts
viz: Orange 2. West Hanover l, Atlanta l, Nash.
vile l, South Alabama /, Central Mississippi l,
Central Texas (part of their time,) Charleston,
Notwithstanding its desoated territory, 3, and will
soon have fourth, the support of them all being
raised mainly within the Presbytery; thus setting
an example worthy of imitation by the whole
church. The remaining eighteen that report have
no EvangeEstS, but missionary work is done in
part by settled ministers in all these Presbyteries.
East Alabama hopes soon to have one Evangelist
and Mecklenburg two.
The Committee recommended that the Assem-
bly, do