The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-06-24

in the right way"
In view of the above, and to promote har
mony of view and action in the whole
Church, the Synod overtures the Assembly
to reconsider the plan recommended by the
Assembly in 1869. This action of SYNOD
was reafirmed at their next meeting.
Overture No. is memorial from the
Presbytery of East Hanover asking the AS
sembly, "to take order as far as practicable
for organising the colored members into q
separate ecclesiastical organization this
being in the judgment of Presbytery the best
solution of difficulties supposed to be con-
nected with the plan of having both races
associated in common organization-it be-
ing also the plan which is most acceptable
to the colored people themselves, and which,
moreover, experience has shown to be most
successful. Presbytery invites attention to
a paper to be presented to this Assembly,
from the Synod of Mississippi, in which these
views are more fully presented. .,
Overture Nc. 1S. represents, that In the
Judgment of the Synod of Memphis, our
Church can most efficiently promote the
spiritual interests Of the colored people, by
organizing them into separate church; and
that it is our duty to initiate such work at
the earliest day. TIE Assembly is there
upon overturned to provide plan for the use
of our Presbyteries in prosecuting such a
work, and is also requested to pledge the
Church to assist the enterprise with what
ever counsel, instruction or pecuniary aid
may be in our power
Overture No. II is memorial from the
Synod of Mississippi, recitiug the action of
the Assembly in previous years, with view
to evangelze the colored people 1t sets forth
that the several acts of the Assemblys past
legislation, indicate that the sentiment of
our Church has been steadily moving in this
direction, and that natural instinct leads
the colored people to desire separate or
ganization, and that the most hopeful pros
pect of usefulness to them is that which can
best assist them in the process of self develop
ment, upon which they have entered Slch
being the case, the Synod asks the Assembly
to consider that the policy of advancing the
work of evangelization among the colored
people by aiding them to secure separate or
ganization and ministry of their own, is,
simple, natural, aud flexible, and further
asks the Assembly to enact such legislation
as will enable Presbyteries and churches to
carry these suggestions into effect.
These overtures coming at the same time
from venerable courts in sections of the
country so widely separated, clearly indi-
Gates that there is no disposition to relax our
activity in the work of securing the blessings
of the gospel for the colored race. On the
contrary from all parts of the Church, the
Assembly is respectfully urged to provide
means for prosecuting that work with greater
vigor and success. There is also striking
unanimity of sentiment in reference to the
best method of accomplishing these results.
We recommend in answer to these over
lures, that
1 The Assembly acknowledges with profound
satisfaction, the Christian zeal of our Synods
and Presbyteries in behalf of this important
work.
The Assembly approves the sentiment of
those venerable courts, that in further pro-
scouting this work, it is desirable, in every
respect, to avail ourselves of the additional
light which experience has thrown upon this
important question. The action of 1869, is
therefore hereby amended, by the adoption
of the following plan, to wit:
l. PresbyterieS and sessions are recon-
mended to encourage and aid in the forma
tion of colored churches, having ruling elders
duly chosen by the people, to be regularly
ordained and installed by said sessions and
Presbyteries; with the view to form these
churches, in due time, into Presbyteries, as
convenience may dictate.
2. When two or more such Presbyteries
shall exist, they may unite to form Synod.
As was the case in our own history, this may
for time, continue to be their highest court !;
time however may arrive when from the
increase in the number of its churches and
Presbyteries, said Synod, may find it expe-
dient to divide, and combine in General
Assembly.
3. These churches, though under the gov
ernment of their own Presbyteries, must at
first, and to large extent, be dependent for
instruction upon our own ministers and Pres
byteries, until colored preachers can be OBJ
tanned. 1t is therefore recommended that
for the present, PresbyterieS, through com
mittees appointed for that purpose, take
charge of the preliminary education of can
didates.
Meantime, the Committee on Sustenta-
ton are requested to take into consideration
the best method Of providing training for
the colored candidates for the ministry, and
report thereupon to the next Assembly.
f. We recommend to our Presbyteries, a
hearty cooperation with theirs, in seeking
from amongst them men of approved piety,
whether old or y6ung, who are suited to the
work of the ministry, and institute such
measures as may seem best for their instruc-
tion. 1t may be sufficient for the present
emergency, that the candidates be instructed
in the doctrines of Grace, and in the prin.
ciples of church order, as set forth in the
Holy Scriptures, and in our standards, in
order that as soon as practicable they may
be sent forth to minister in the Word.
We further recommend that our church
es and people assist these infant organizs
tions whilst they are struggling toward com
plete development; aiding in the establish
lishment and instruction of Sunday Schools;
and contributing to the erection of plain and
modest houses in which to assemble for the
worship of God.
g. To further these objects, separate
fund shall be established to be called, "Tht
C0lored EOangeTstic Fund" This fund
shall be administered by the Sustentaton
Committee; and that Committee is requested
to invite contributions to their fund, from al
persons who are favorable to the work ot
evangelizing the colored people of the South
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