The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-10-18
Muhlenburg Presbytery

Met at Mount Pleasant church September 81
and was opened with sermon from Matt. xviii:
1920, by Rev. j. @. Tate. Rev. B. D. Thomas
was elected Moderator, and Rev. j. W. D. Nor
ton, Temporary Clerk.
1t appeared from the report Of the Committee
on Ministerial Support, that the churches OF this
Presbytery had, in general, complied with the
financial obligations made to their pastors and
stated supplies.
From the report of the Committee on the Mar
rative it appears that though there had been but
few reviyas Of religion within her bounds since the
last meeting of Presbytery, yet the churches were
steadily increasing in strength, while the preaching
Of the Word has been attended by good and seri-
Gus congregations, aud the people of God have
been growing in grace and the knowledge of God
Her Sabbath Schools are in a moderate degree of
prosperity, and the seeds Of truth have been sown
giving an assurance Of good harvest in time to
come Presbytery has to lament the increase of
vice, and though much moral improvement has
been made to obstruct Its progress the efforts used
are not equal to the overlooking tide which threat
ems the barriers Of morals and religion.
Report Of Committee on Minutes Of ASSEMBLY,
Presbyery adopted the following resolutions based
upon certain deliverances of the last General AS
semby:
(a) Systematic Beaeuolence In accordance with
the recommendations Of the last Assembly, with
reference to this important subject (see printed
IulUulGS pages ~ ~ IIcouylCIy uOCs ubIcDy e6-
press its full concurrence in the spirit Of these in.
functions, and recognizes that the grace Of giving
is requisite, not only to the growth in piety, but
to the very life of the Church and whereas all of
our churches have not yet been trained to give
regularly of their substance to the worship of God,
be it resolved,
l. That the pastors of congregations and church
sessions, be earnestly requested TO explain the
nature of this subject and the solemn duties which
~ 70 tho mn ar III oh
g Presbytery solemny urges upon all Of its
church sessions the duty of afording to their re.
spective congregations opportunities to contribute
to the various benevolent objects Of the General
Assembly.
3. That each church session be required to fur
nish full statistical reports of their various contri
buttons, to be sent up to Presbytery at its stated
spring meetings
~ Infant Baptism. Whereas, Presbytery is
painfully sensible of the fact suggested by certain
resolutions of the General Assembly, (see printed
minutes, pages 1888 that in some parts of our
Zion there has been amentable neglect on the
part of Christian parents in presenting their chill
dren at the proper time for baptism, reSolved.
l. That in firm adherence to the doctrines of
Scripture and the standards of our Church upon
this subject Presbytery deeply laments the neglect
Of some of the members of the churches within its
bounds in conforming to their covenant obligations
to Christ and His Church, as well as the injustice
thereby done their children and themselves
3 That it be enjoined upon each church session
in case Of such neglect upon the part of the mem
bers Of the congregation under its charge. to bring
this matter before parents guilty Of such derelic-
ton of duty.
3. That the sessions of each church be instructed
to send up to Presbytery at its next stated meet
ing, report Of the number of children under ten
years Of age within its pale, who have not been
presented for baptism, accompanied with State.
ment as to whether valid reasons can be assigned
for such neglect of duty.
f. That Presbytery instruct each Of its ministers
to preach a sermon upon this subject before its
next stated fail meeting
(c) Sabbath Schools Whereas, Presbytery is
sensible of the fact that the reports upon the sub
ject of Sabbath Schools offered her by the various
churches have been meagre and insufficient, be it
ResOlUed, That all of the church sessions be in
structed to send up to the next stated meeting OF
Presbytery full reports upon the subject OF Sabbath
Schools, complying with the recommendations Of
the General Assembly. (See printed Minutes,
page o.
Presbytery adjourned to meet at Paradise church
on the first Thursday in May, 1872 at P. NJ.
w. d. NJ.