The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-04-23
Reported for tho Dispatch.
West Hanover Prcsbytery.
THIRD DAY,

Presbytcry met at O'Clock and was OPEN
ed with prayer. The minutes of Yesterdays
proceedings were read and approved.
Rev. j. NJ. Wharey and Ruling Elder L. e.
G. Carr We're elected commissioners TO the Ge-
neral Assembly, and Rev. II. H. Halves and
Ruling Elder l.. l.. Holiday were elected al
ternates.
Presbytcry reconsidered its action fixing
the time and place of the next meeting, and
selected Lebanon church, in AlGemarle, as
the place, and the 2lst day of August, at i p.
NJ, us the time.
On motion of Rev. s. #. Martin, the fol-
lowing overture was adopted, and the clerk
directed to forward it to the General Assem-
bly,:
"The Presbytery of " est Hanover respect
fully ovcrtures the General Assembly OF the
Presbyterian Church in the United States to
reconsider the action Of the Assembly of %,
in adopting the rule known as the examine
ton rule, and asks that it be referred to the
PreSbytcres fer their action in accordance
with the requirements Of Form Of Govern
ment, chapter II, section 6, with Il recon-
mendation for its adoption.
"In presenting this overture we wish it dis
tinctly understood that we believe in the in
herent right of the Presbytcry TO judge Of the
qualifications of its members, the standard
having been furnished us by the sacred Scrip
lures as cXpounde,l by our Constitution.
Moreover we are firmly convinced OF the
necessity for some such provision us that coli
tanned in the examination rule, and il it were
not in force we rs Il PrcSbytcry would atlt pit
such rule OH our own motion.
"Thereforc, in the action we propose we DO
not look to the abolition of the rule ut all,
1, at,rif, ly.ra
ular incorporation into our Constitution.
The reasons which constrlin us to this cause
arc as follows:
"First. Many Presbyterians hold that the
rule in its present form while virtually in
operation, constitutional rule has yet never
been adopted in constitutional manner, and
it exists to-day in violation of the letter and
spirit of that Constitution. They quote Form
OF Government, chapter II, section =, as COM
bined with this action of the Assembly of
1887; and they ask with what grace can we
oppose any possible future violation of the
Constitution or usrrpation of power as long
as we permit this statute to remain unrc-
pealed.
"Second. If the Assembly should not con-
cur In the statement that the rule is uncon-
stitutional, we respectfully submit whether
it would not be wise and charitable to make
this concession TO the large and respectable
body of our brethren whose conscences are
trammeled by this measure, especially as the
surrender of no principle Is involved, and as
we believe we can retain all that we now
have, and can, in addition, secure the hearty
and cordial assent of many who now acqui-
esce with tacit or expressed protest.
"Third. We believe that its decline to tlke
action is to endanger the existence OF the rule
in question. There are undoubtedly some i'll
our church who are opposed to the rule Ill
essence, who would oppose its adoption in
accordance with constitutional requirement.
Those holding this view, we believe, constl-
tutc small minority; but they have fire.
quently agitatcd this question and will pro-
badly continue to do SO. There are Others
who are convinced Of the utility of the rule,
and yet who affirm that their Presbyterian
principles are outraged by the mode of its
adoption. Now, is it not apparent that in
holding on to the rule in its present form
YOU give its opponents decided advantage
and render it extremely likely that at some
future time, by the combination Of the votes
of these two parties, moved by different con-
siderations, a measure which is in accordance
with the judgment of the large majority OF
our Church, and which we deem highly I'M
portant, may be abolished. We are confident
that if this question be referred to the Pres.
byteries there will be found sufficient num-
Der in its favor to secure its incorporation
into the Constitution Of the Presbyterian
Church. We do therefore commend it to
your careful consideration.
Respectfully submitted"
On the application of the Committee or
Sustentation, Mr.. n. NJ. Woods, candidate
under the care of Presbytery, was directed
to labor in Madison county during the va
cation, and $50 per month was appropriated
by Presbytery in addition to such sum as the
people might contribute to Mr.. Woods's
salary.
DR.. Smith. from the Committee Oh Re
ciprocal Duties, made a report, from WhlcL
it appears that pastors have been faithful
and most Of the churches have compiled
with the obligations.
The following churches are IN debt tc
their pastors for the amount respectively op
posite their names.
Appomattox Courthouse, $3.50; Cor
louisville. SIS; Farmyille, $145; Cumber
land, $64; Trinity, $3.50.
Presbytery took recess to attend puph'
worship. .,.
After recess Presbytery resumed session
Rev. George l.. wolf, having no" pre-
sented his letter of dismissal to Chesapeake
Presbytery, was retained under our care.
REPORTS from The Committee on Record.
were received and adopted.
On motion of Rev. II. II. Halves the cause
of the Virginia Bible Society was commended
to the attention and liberality of the churches
Presbytery took n recess till y o'clock.
After recess, Presbytcly assembled 10 hole
Its annual domestic missionary meeting.
After devotional exercises, conducted D!
the Moderator, DR.. Dabney, from the Com
mittee on sustentation, made the report
which was adopted. The report shows thu
all except one Of the vacant churches In th'