The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-12-27
THE Presbyterian Church in America. :"

L aCluC. II Is Cnleuy lDe pIOuucllou VI INC 1e0''
Samuel D.. Alexander, D. D., of New York, and
will be of great value to minister's elders and 9th
ers who wish to keep abreast with the progress of
the Church. The Evangelist of last week contains
some statements suggested by this map which are
worthy Of more than ordinary attention. 1t brings
to view the fact that the strength OF the Northern
Presbyterian Church lies in the most populous
places-in the great cities and most rapidly grow
ing States 1t is strong in New York, Philadel
phia, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Chicago, and st.
Louis, and is firmly planted in every city and
large town of the country, except in New Eng
land, which has from the first been occupied
mainly by the Congregationalists. ut has in its
communion nearly half a million Of members
which represent under its care not less than two
million of souls" This is by far too low an esti-
mate it is not less than five millions.
PRES To these might be added third if we
were to include the Church South, and other
smaller bodies which bear the Presbyterian name,
and form part of the grand total of Presbyte-
rians in America.
The following extract is so pertinent and so well
expressed, that our readers will be grat6ed to re-
ceiye it entire.
but even these numbers, great as they are, do
i've the full breadth and stature OF the Pres
D. u-uan Church. Its numerical strength is dou-
bled by other elements OF power, such as wealth
and inteligence-which combined render it the
most commanding of all our denominations. 1t is
not indeed the most numerous even Of Protestant
communious. Both the Methodists and the Bap-
lists count more members. But in other respects
they fall behind. We do not assume this as a mat
ter Of pride, but we take the Judgment OF our
friend DR.. Crooks, the Editor of The MethOdiSt-a
very high authority In his denOmnation-wh
gives it as his opinion that the Presbyterans, tax
ing them man by man, have much greater wealth
than the same number Of MethOdiStS The same
might perhaps be said of the Baptsts; so that, so
far as wealth goes the Presbyterians would be set
down as a more substantial class. They are liter.
ally linen of substance" and so far men of weight
aud influence in the community. The only de-
nomination which surpasses them in this respect is
the Episcopal, which attracts the wealth and fash
ion Of our cities and hence is probably, In proper
ton to its numbers, richer than any other denomi-
nation in the country But In numbers it is one
of the smallest of the tribes of our Israeli and
even its hberality bears no just proportion to It's
wealth. In activity in all religious enterprises, it
IS tar behind other denominations. In Foreign
missions, It hardly surpasSes the little handful of
MOyayiauS. Nor has it any other claims to supe-
riority Its professors are not especially distin-
gulShed for learning, nor Its preachers for elo.
Quenee. Indeed Its weakness in these respects,
both in intellectual gifts and spiritual graceS is in
singular contrast with its high preteDSons Much
more reason have the Congregatonalists to claim
emilence Tor learning, for the general ability of
their minister's and the Intelligence of their lay
men. In all these points, that denomination
stands in the front rank of the Protestant bodies
of this country. Its influence, however, is mar
rOwed to some extent by Its geographical position,
which Is at an extreme point of the Union while
the Presbyterian Church sweeps through the very
heart of the country, as the Gulf Stream sweeps
through the ocean, throwing off eddies here and
there, but in the main moving in one steady cur
rent setting from the Middle States, and passing
IN a broad belt or zone over the valleys and prai-
ries of the West, bearing with it not only church.
eS. but schools aud colleges and all the institutions
of a Christian civilization. Taking all these ad-
yantages tOgether-pOsitiOn, numbers, wealth, and
telligence-tramed into a vast organzation-and
we think it is not assuming too much to say that
the Presbyterian Church is to day the most pow
erful religious body in the United States.'
1t would be great convenience if such a map
could be prepared for the use of the Presbyterian
Church South Major j. HOtchkiss, of Staunton,
has indeed been engaged in this work for one or
more Presbyteries in the Synod of Virginia, and
we see no good reason why it might not be ex-
tended so as to include all in our connection. The
Evangelist states that it was at first the intention
of DR.. Alexander to embrace the whole, but he
found that as the boundaries of some of our
Synods crossed the lines Of theirs, to introduce
them would only produce confusion. This is fol-
lowed by strain of remarks concerning our
Church so expressive of good will and Christian
spirit, that we prefer to give it without abridge
ment.
but in emitting the Southern Church, it was
not his inteution-as it certainly is not ours-to
ignore that great Presbyterian body, covering so
large portion Of our country, embracing hun
dredS of churches, and SO many men distinguished
for learning, eloquence, and piety. Separated
from us in organization as well as by distance they
are still our brethren according to the faith, be-
longing to the same spiritual household, whom We
cannot but regard-we will not say with charity
but with l0arH2 affection. Whether they are to be
again united to US, Is doubtful, at least for long
time TO come. For the preseut-perhaps for the
whole lifetime of this geueration-we must expect
to do our work apart, each in Its own sphere But
shall that ALLEVIATE those who are united in the
same precious faith and the same blessed hope?
God forbid! On the contrary, wherein they are
prOspered in any wise, therein do We rejoice. We
are glad to see them recovering from their dsas.
ters, rebuilding the foundations, and repairing the
waste places May God increase them more abun-
dandyl For ourselves, We resolved long ago, not
only not to speak, unkindly, but not even to think
unkindly Of them Wherefore, laying aside all
wrath and anger and evil speaking" let US study
the things that make for peace, and things where
by one may ediiy another. Let us provoke each
other, but only to good works Let US run a
race Of ZEAL OF love, aud of sef-denial, in preach
ing the Gospel and trying to save our fellowmen,
So shall we be united at last-it not on EARTH at
least in heaven.
All that need be said in response to this can be
expressed in few words. We have stood firmly
for the defence of our Church when assailed, and
have rejected, in its whole length and breadth, the
dea Of any organic union with the Northern Pres.
Dyterian Church. The grounds of this have been
often gone over in this paper; expect to remain
firmly upon them. We declare at the same time,
IS heretofore, that it is the duty of all parties to
study the things that make for peace, and it is our
luty to accept the olive branch whenever it is in
our power to do it honorably and righteously,
whether it is extended by their General Assembly,
Or by individuals, or by editors. The Evangelist
vas the first to let us alone, and to speak kindly of
as It's example has had marked effect on other
papers, and there is now good prospect of better
ceilings. In so far as the Presbyterian Church
North upholds the truth of God and is striving to
spread through the world the Kingdom of Christ
our Saviour, may prosperity and blessing rest
lpOn it.
Try It-An exchange says, lone of our Oldest
md best subscribers gets off the following: love
he Index, aud talk about it; but if pay little
En-. p now md than l will love II hnttnr -