The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-11-01

The most reliable information we can get
as to contributions is derived from the MIN.
utes of last General Assembly. The figures
there given are not confined to our seven
months; but as collections for the Evsnge-
listic Fund are commonly taken up in Sep
tember, it is thought that these figures rep.
resent with sufficient accuracy the contribu-
tions for the time covered by this report
The subjoined tabular statement will furnish
all that we can give on this subject.
o,NDITIoN OF THE WORK.
Upon the whole we have ground for en-
couragement. We have moro eVangelists
than last year. The ratio of contributing
churches and members has increased. The
aggregate amount contributed is greater than
in any former year, notwithstanding the veil
known depression of business. Some ad-
vance of our lines, though very slight, has
been made, and the blessing Of the Lord
upon the labors of evangelists encourages
those Presbyteries that have them in the
field.
But we must not close our eyes upon such
facts as these following There ere still ly-
ing within the bounds Of this Synod in the
States of Virginia and West Virginia AZ
whole counties, with population of 226, ,OOO,
besides many large portions of counties
whose population would swell these figures
to largely over 100000, where there is no
Presbyterian preaching Out of 2O5 or.
dained ministers and Is licentiates, only 9
men have been called and set apart to be
evangelists and to lead in our ADVANCE
About one third of our churches, containing
about one.ffth of our people, gave nothing
to this cause during the year ending the 1st
April last; and in those churches that con.
tributed it is quite certain that a large but
unknown proportion of the members gave
nothing. To bring this large force into &C
ton is the duty Of Pfesb yteries, sessions and
pastors and until this is done it is evident
that the whole strength of our church has moi
been put forth. And if all these should be
induced to contribute at the rates already
reached by those who have contributed, there
is reason to think that large room and de
mand for increased libera!iry would still re
main.
In the school of adversely the Lord hal
been educating US in the duty Of honorine
Him with our substance, but it is certain
that we have not reached the point Of honor
ing Hin with the first fruits Of all our in
crease" A more God fearing, Christ lovins
conservation of soul and substance is needed
to remove one great hindrance out of oul
way and to enable US 60 push forward. You
Committee feels sure that if all our people
even now in their impoverishment, had du
appreciation of the work and claims of Hin
who &" though He was rich yet for their sake
became poor that they through His nigh
become rich, all the means necessary to ex
tend our work over our vacant territor,
would soon be furnished.
The destitutions above named and the tru
policy of our church conspire in the deman'
for more eyangelists. The office of evange
list seems to have been ordained by tn
ChurcRs Head for breaking up the falow
!, ground aud planting new churches in desti
tute regions. From facts given it is obviou
that there is much planting yet to be don
in the bounds Of this venerable Synod; mucl
J more than our present force Of evsngelists
|, aided as they are now by pastors, can do il
this generation. Pfesbyterial reports Ia
|, ment over the want Of men for this work
Q men of faith and earnestness, men that ca
| endure hardness in labour, in exposure, i