The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-04-30
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Narrative of the State of Religion in the
Churches of East Hanover Presbytery,
for the year ending April l, 1878.

|
Churches of East Hanover Presbytery,
for the year ending April l, 1873.
A review of the narratives forwarded to
Presbytery from the churches, together with
statements made by ministers and elders on
the floor of Presbytery, exhibit the follow
ing features:
| l. THE GRATIFYING MAINTENANCE AND OBJ
sERvANoE IN GENERAL OF THE EX-
TERNAL MEANS OF GRACE.
In consequence of the vacancy of the
ministerial office in some of the churches,
and the extreme rigor of the past winter,
some portions of the field have not been as
constantly and thoroughly supplied as might
have been desired and contemplated; but,
in general, there has been commendable
degree of fidelity and zeal in the preaching
of the gospel, and an encouraging interest
on the part of the people as manifested in
their regular attendance upon religious SER
vices, anu appreciation OF tnem.
2. SABBATH SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS.
This important department of Church
work has come to be regarded as more i'm
mediately obligatory upon the Church, and
has been more generally taken under the d.
rect care of the pastors and sessions of the
several churches than in former years.
Increasing attention is paid to methodical
instruction; the character of library books
is more carefully inspected; teachers, in
many of the schools, give more attention to
preparation for their duties and frequent
conversions are repsast among the se9alars.
8. SYSTEMATIC BENEYoLENoE.
While it is obvious, from what has been
done by a judicious system of effort in some
of our churches and Sabbath Schools, that
much more could have been done than has
been attempted throughout our bounds,-
still the amount of contributions to the vari-
GUS objects of Christian benevolence has
been gratifying. The most liberal individ-
uals, Churches, and communities are not
always the most wealthy. The gracious dis
position to honor the Lord with their SUBJ
stance, to be mutual helps to the Truth, and
to bear each others burthens, deserves to
be commended and encouraged among all
our people, for Gods glory and their own
good.
4. ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCHES.
There has been no marked and wide
spread revival influence within our bounds
during the past year; and yet in connection
with the regular ministrations of the pas
tors, and the earnest work of Sabbath
School teachers and private members, en-
couraging additions have been made to a
number of our churches. We have need to
realize the value and necessity of higher
standard of spirituality; to cherish high
er appreciation of the pure and simple Word
of God; to honor more the sovereign pow
er of the Holy Spirit to give the Word eff
feet INSTEAD Of relying upon sensational
ism, or methods of popularizing the Gospel,
or the Church, to suit the tastes of the
world and the times.
s. BEREAVEMENTS.
A tone of sorrow breathes in several OF
the narratives, in consequence Of the re-
moval, by death, Of many valuable and
loved members. With this sorrow there is
exhibited faith strengthened in God, who
is now in his Church, through all its changes
as he was in the burning bush burning
but not consumed. The consistent lives and
the peaceful end of those whom we have
known and loved in the Church, confirm the
hearts and hands of ministers in their laborE
and solicitudes, and illustrate the grace o.
God, under whose strokes We are called tt
mourn. AS Presbytery, We express oul
tender sympathy with the families an(
churches in mourning, rejoicing also witt
those who have, through divine grace, fount
hope and comfort in their bereavements.
In cOnclusion-A review of the who'll
ground, for the past year, inspires confidence
in God, love to our churches, sympathy il
each others labors, and should lead us, min
listers, elders, deacons, and private members
to seek fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit
and to a new conservation of all We have
and are, to the service of Him who loved u
and gave himself for us.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAs. W. READ,
Ro. OULD,
Committee.