National Republican., 1875-11-30
THE WASHINGTON PREsBYrERY.

Meeting Last Eight-A Revival Movement.
The Washington Presbytery met last night at
the First Presbyterian church for the purpose Of
considering the spiritual welfare of the Church,
and TO consult as to the best way Of calling forth
an outpouring Of the holy spirit Rev. David
wills presided as moderator, and DR.. BIttinger
acted as clerk. The meeting was opened with
religious exercises.
On motion of DR.. Sunderland, all present not
connected with the Presbytery were invited to
participate In the exercises Of the evening. This
number included several visiting pastors and
among others, Rev. Charles Ramsdell, pastor
elect of the North Presbyterian church, who
preached his first sermon there last Sunday.
DR.. Chester spoke at length, showing the neces
sity ard duty imposed upon ne elders % Of the
There were four points that he thought they
might accomplish BY unity Of effort. They might
awake o spirit Of fraternal Intercourse between
the members Of different churches; they could
develop and illustrate the communion Of saints;
they could stir up the pure minds Of one another
BY united prayers and efforts they might prevail
with God for the utpouring Of his spirit. They
had under the care Of the Presbytery 8, 400 MEM
bers-2 t00in this city. What could not be effected
by the united prayers and efforts Of these two or
three thousand people?
DR.. Sunderland said that he was anxious to see
great work carried on under that preshytery'
He thought that there was necessity for new
conservation. Whenever they read OF the under
taking Of any great work in the Scriptures they
thought that It was necessary for them to pray
uneeaeipgly before entering upon the proposed
work. The moment that they began to pray in
earnest that moment the heart Of God was
passed: The great practical difhculty vas that
In no place was time go precious as in Washing
ton-every hour brought new duties. It would be
dkf1cult 70 get people together.
Mr.. Wright said that he did not know what
would happen to Washington this winter IL the
feeling that moved them that night should be dis
esssry, and he would be delighted II he could see
general movement.
Dr. Chester moved that sIl OF the Presbyterian
churches Of the city be requested to meet next
Sabbath evening.
DR.. Nourse suggested that the motion be modi-
quested to lay the subject earnestly before their
congregation In the morning, and that the meet
ing Of the churches be held In the afternoon, as
this would not necessitate the closing of the
churches Sunday night
DR.. John Brown urged that 1t would be better
to have the meetings during the week. In order
to be felt and have power they would have to
work as Presbyterians. II Presbyterians would
work together they could have good old ortho.
doX revival.
Mr.. Lyman did not think It practicable 10 have
general meeting very often, but favored work
ing in Individual churches, and general meetings
occasionally for the exchanging Of experience.
Rev. Joseph Kelly moved 10. amend the motion
Of Dr.. Chester, that they adjourn to hold meet
ing week from that night.
Rev. Charles b. Ramsdell seconded strongly
Dr. kellys amendment, and II was carried upon
DR.. Chesters acceptance.
Upon motion Of DR.. Chester Dr. Wills was
selected to preach short sermon ct the next
meeting.
The Presbytery then adjourned to meet a. the
same place next Monday evening, when Dr. Wills
will preach sermon, after which there will be AZ
opportunity for prayer and remarks.