The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-05-29
.omatio contributions of their substance to the


will and to do; but we cannot close our eyes, to
the fact that as Church, we are yet very tar be-
low the standard prescribed upon this subject IN
the word of God, both as to the matter, and the
method of meeting the obligation. 1t is surprls-
ing, to say the least, that Notwithstanding SO
many iniunctions issued by the Assembly touching
this duty, and notwithstanding the fact that full
and explicit forms have been provided, and can be
procured for the purpose, there should still be
Seventeen PreSbyteries not reporting at ALL and mo
hundred and tortl-Sic churches reported as not
contributing to any one Of these five objects OF
Christian Benevolenee Doubtless in many IN
stances. both of Presbyteries and churches sufh-
cient cause for this state of things would appear
If we understood all the circumstances OF the case.
In some of these reports the failure on the part OF
the churches is attributed to their being either
UacqRt, or only occasionally, and at long Intervals,
supplied with the ministry of the word; but we
respectfully submit whether it be not the duty OF
the eleShiD of these vacant churches to afford the
people at least an opportunity of giving something
to speed the work of the Kingdom; and as to
those churches which are fully or occasionally sup
Piled with preaching, but which respond not at all,
or only in part to the Masters call, may not the
responsibility rest In a measure at least, upon the
siRiStYl In that we fail to inform ourselves suh-
GENTLY concerning the objects contemplated IN the
work and consequently fail to instruct and interest
our people?
Your Committee would enter into no argument
upon this subject. 1t is no longer debatable
question whether Gods people should freely con-
tribute on their worldly goods to his cause or
whether the best means of oyertakIng the duty, III
It's 'llness and efficiency, is ~ adopting and pur'
suing regular systematic pl10, determined by
Che suggestions of eonsecrated heart, by the die.
tatas of ga enlightened conscience, and by the lead
iugs OF divine Providence. These points are set
fled beyond controversy.
But we would respectfully suggest that the Cen
eral Assembly adopt, and urge upon all our Pres
byteries, the following resolutions:
lst That earnest efforts be made to secure full and
accurate reports from all the churches under their
care, upon the subject of Systematic Benevoence
and that the Presbyteries themselves fail not to
report thereupon to the General Assembly, In &C
eOrdance with the form prescribed for that purpose
ID. That Presbyteries urge upon pastors, stated
supplies missionaries and rututg elders the lmpor-
lance of acquainting themselves as fully as posi-
bic with the benevolent schemes OF the Church,
so that their own hearts may be more deeply en-
gagged in the work, and that they may be the bet
ter able to inform and guide the people.
3rd. That special attention be paid to the IN
struction and training of the children and youth
of the churches in the principles of systematic
giving to the Lord; so that the habit may be early
formed, and the next generation be educated to a
higher degree of efficiency in the discharge OF this
duty, than the present.
4th That the Presbyteries urge their churches
to make their contributions, as far possible, In
connection with the public services of the sanetu-
airy; thus recognizing the oblation as an act OF
worship, as well as q Christian duty
In answer to the Memorial presented to the As
sembly By the Secretary of Foreign Missions and
Sustentation and which was referred to this COM
mittee, we recommend the adoption, by the AS
sembly, of the suggestions contained, to w.t.
LIST. That the collections for the evangelistlC
work. in all our churches, be made on the first Sab
bath in September, of each year, near thereto
as convenient, Instead of the first Sabbath IN
April, as ordered by the last Assembly.
End. That the collections made In connection
with the Monthly Concert of Prayer, on the alter
nate months, d. e., on the first Sabbath In Febru'
airy, April, June, August, October and December
/ be devoted to Foreign Missions.
All of which is respectfully submitted, by order
/ of the committee, &c.
DAVID H. PORTER, Chairman.
| THEOLOGICAL SUMMARIES.
! lir EUaas presented the following report which
was adopted:
The committee on Theological Summaries would
report that they have examined all the papers
/ from the Summaries, Columbia and Union, con-
sistDg of the report of the Faculty OF Columbia,
showing that the exercises OF that Institution have
continued without interruption during the year,
and the students have been diligently engaged IN
/ their studies.
Also the report of the Board of Directors to
the Assembly, showing that they have graduated
thirteen young men for the ministry, referring
with becoming respect to the death of the venera-
bic A. W. Leland, ID. D., Emeritus Professor, and
heimpaired health of Professor DR.. James Wood
row, and requesting the Assembly to grant him
leave Of absence for one year to recruit his health,
also the synopsis of the Treasurers report.
They have likewise examined the report of the
Trustees and Directors of the Union Theological
Seminary, showing commendable fidelity on the
part of the Faculty. and diligence on the part OF the
Students that they have graduated or taken through
the regular course twenty young men, made Valu-
able additions to their Library; received donation
of thirty thousand dollars to their permanent
funds, and that their finances are in healthy and
prosperous condition They would offer the fol-
lowing resolutions, viz:
Resolued, l. That these papers be published in
the appendix to the Minutes Of the General As
semby.
?. That this Assembly and the whole Church,
should render special and devout thanksgiving to
almighty God for the manifest tokens of His care
and mercy towards our Seminaries during the past
year.
8. That this Assembly commend to the prayers,
sympathies and benefactions of all our churches,
these schools Of the prophets, and especially call
their attention to the urgent necessity of increas
ing the endowment Of the Columbia Theological
Seminary.
4. That the request of the Board of Directors,
asking leave of absence for one year for Rev. DR..
Woodrow be, and the same Is hereby granted,
praying that God may speedily restore him to his
ROnted health and abors.
J. T. HENDRICK, Chairman.
The committee would farther recommend the
appointment of the following names as Directors
of the Seminary at Columbia, viz
MtaiSters-J. Leighton Wilson, d. D., d. Nc
Queen, j. o. Lindsey, John Douglas, L. NJ
Elders. ]. Gresham, Samuel Barnett, j.
Hemphill, j. w. Bones, A. Brevard Davidson.
II. Muller, Treasurer.
STATISTICAL TABLES.
The consideration of the Report of the Commit
tee of Bills and Oyertures on overtures Nos. 10
aud H. Prospecting changes in the statistical table,
was resumed.
DR.. Phtaer-One of the changes asked for is
that the list of communicates be divided into two,
one for residents aul one for non residents The
Committee think that it is improper to divide
them In that way-that communicates whose busl-
ness leads them from home for few years, such
as sailors, surveyors In the West, and others, are
still members of the church. The other change
is to obterae the column for pastors salaries. 1t
is pleasure to the committees to be able In this
way to tell you that the average salaries of pastors
is increasing They could not know the facts with
out this column.
Mr. Finn moved to amend the report by grant
ing the request of the memorialists in regard to
the column for pastors salaries.
He said if the object is to gain the information,
the reply Is, so far as information this subject
can be of any use to the Assembly or the Com
mittees, it can be communicated by the Presbyte-
ries, in general statements To show that they
we're not captiOus about this, he mentioned, that
the Presbytery of New Brunswick had unanimous
" requested the Northern Assembly to strike this
column from their tables. He objected further that