The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-11-03
Narrative of the State of Religion In th
Bounds of the Synod of Virginia


From a careful reading of the several
Presbyterian narratives, the following items
of interest are, in the opinion of the COM
mittee, deserving of the notice of Synod:
[. PREACHING THE GOSPEL.
Our ministers have given gratifying proof
of their fidelity to Jesus Christ, and to their
ordination VOWS, in the earnest and perse'
vering prosecution of their legitimate work,
in preaching the truth as it is in Jesus to
organized churches over which they have
been regularly installed as bishops, and, to a
considerable extent, in meeting the demands
of outlying, destitute fields
2. ATTENDANCE UPON THE DIvINELY Or
DAINED AND REGULARLY ESTABLISHED
MEANS OF GRACE.
With comparatively few exceptions our
church members, and their families, have
shown good measure Of appreciation Of
the services of the sanctuary, and have en-
couraged the hearts and hands of their pas
tors and the elders, by their habitual pres
ence, their moral influence, and pecuniary
support.
8. SABBATH SCHOOLS.
This important department of the church
work, has, through the healthful and en-
couraging interest and influence of the sew
eral sessions, the Presbyteries, and the Synod,
been more thoroughly organized; the teach
ing appears to have been conducted with
more system and earnestness; blessed re-
suits are reported in the hopeful conversion
of goodly number of the pupils in these
schools; and the habit of liberality, in con-
tributions to various religious objects, is
manifested by the youth and children. The
effects of the efforts made, in late years, to
bring these schools, so far as practicable,
under the immediate superintendent and
control of the several churches-the pastors
and elders-are obviously salutary in many
respects.
4. CHRISTIAN BENEFICENCE.
In some parts and in some congregations
despite the general complaint of financial
embarrassment, the contributions have beer
we'll sustained, and, in some instances, in
creased; whilst in other cases there has beer
diminution.
The committee commend to every pastor
elder, church member, and attendant upor
the ordinances of the Gospel, personal
consideration of the claims of Him, who
when He was rich became poor for theil
sakes, and distinct consideration of tn
specific objects commended to their motto
by the supervising judcatories of our church
5. PRAYER MEETINGS.
From some of the Presbyteries and church
es the reports are encouraging in their be
half, whilst from other sections and churche
there comes up a voice of sorrow and humil
iation, in view of the disregard of this mos
important privilege and duty. No uniforr
rule can perhaps be insisted upon, as appl
cable to town and country, dense and spars
populations but in this respect, ordinarily
where there is will, way may be foun
for the gathering together of sufficier
number Of praying souls to plead the cond'
: scending promise of Him who hears prayer
and who has declared His readiness to Civ
His Holy Spirit to those who plead for i
This is the great need of the Church-th
Spirit of God at the family altar-whic
should never be neglected-in the closet an
in the place of social prayer, (all these COZ
4 scientiously observed,) let the heart.cry of a
Q our people continually ascend to God for h