The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-03-24
A Presbyterial Conference on Foreign
Missions.

We venture to suggest that all our Presbyteries
shall appropriate, at least, one sitting at their
suing spring meetings, to the free and full discus
sion of their relations to the conversion of the
world. Among the many important subjects which
can rghtfully claim the attention OF these bodies,
none perhaps can properly take the precedence of
this. From whatever point 1t be viewed, it pre-.
sents an interesting and profitable theme which
cannot be faithfully considered without material
benefit The relations of our ministers, elders,
churches and people to the salvation of perishing
millions who have never heard OF SoUiour-the
duty which rest upon those who enjoy the gospel
to make it known throughout the earth-the ef-
forts which are at present being made by partlcu-
lar ministers and churches to fulfil their obligations
to God, and lost souls in this patter-tbe best
means of awakening and maintaining interest, SO
that every minister ard every member or the
church may be brought to feel and perform his
duty in the premises-these are some OF the inter
esting Inquiries which may be probably dwet
upon. The brief, pointed aud faithful discussion
of such topics will not fail to elicit valuable infor-
nation, to arouse sumberipg consciences, to spread
holy contagion from those who are already alive
on the subject. to those who are now dormant, and
thus to give an impulse which will be felt 10 the
length and breadth of the church, and throughout
the world. But In order to accomplish valuable
results, these conferences must be wisely managed
1t will not do to make them the scene of handsome
oratioDs. Neither will it answer to be satisfied with
one, two, or three good missionary addresses
The object to be attained is practical, and means
adapted to the end ought to be employed. Much
of the allotted time ought to be devoted to pray
err, to confession, Thanksgiving and application
The elders as well as the ministers ought to take
part in the discussions Addresses ought to be
brief, to the point, earnest and practical, and the
object aimed at, vlz:lan awakening. ought to be
kept steadily 10 view. Wbo can doubt that the in-
Auence of such communion on this subject would
be highly salutary? 1t would likely be felt in every
congregation in our bounds; we may expect that
the ministers and elders returning 10 their homes
from such discussions will carry with them quick
aued spirit which will be impaired to the several
fl ,cks over which they preside Surely, too, there
is need of the diffusion of just such spirit of zeal
and earnestDess in carrying forward the work OF
| God. The church is coming tar short of what it
| is able to do in this matter. In many sanctuaries
word is seldom heard in regard to the duty Of
Christians to labor for the salvation of lost people
In many more no means are employed to keep
Christians informed of what God is doing among
the heahen and of the pressing demands which
exist for liberaty and rer ,ona conservation in ex-
tending the bounds OF Zion. Surely it is time for
the church in its organized capacity to lay hold OF
practical means to enlist interest and to provoke
to good works We should heartily rtj oce if every
Presbytery in our bounds would hola such a con-
ference, looking toward the more thorough and re
sponsible organization Of the work in all their con-
gregations.-T The Missionary. ,rH irGa'