The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-25

ing in their churches an interest in this cause.
1t was matter for which the Church should
be grateful to have an able and Judlclous
Committee, sitting the false from the true,
and giving the Church pure literature
Yet it was ficult to eoghten the churches
as to its stiU portauce. The worth of this
Publishing House apd the literature it is
sending out is not to be estimated in money.
He ssid the ministers should urge the peo-
pie earnestly to liberality, and he would as
sure them they could stand it, and that they
needed it. He admired Presbyterianism
but it was grated on the meanest thing in
the world-human nature. And the strong
hold of its meanDess was in the pocket. TIE
members of our churches, instead of giving
ten per cent. of their income, were not giving
more than one or two per cent. He would
not simply urge upon the people general
principles touching the duty of benevolence,'
but he would keep before their minds some
thing more definite to stimulate their liberal
ity.
Rev. W. U. Murkland, D. D., said this
scheme of publication was for the dissemina-
ton of philosophical, Bible truth. There
was among even intelligent people great ig-
norance upon religious subjects. This call
ed for the circulation of religious literature.
Moreover. this Committee publishes the lit.
erature of our own Church. Whilst be loved
and honored other Christians, and had no
contest with them about the points in which
we differ, yet above all be loved the Church
of our fathers. He spoke in eulogistic terms
Of this Church and its history. 1t is the lit
erature of this Church, glorious 10 its simple
ity. which we circulate.
He made an earnest appeal in view of the
fact that for four years the Committee had
called in vain for the means needed pal
try sum compared with the ability and num-
bers of the Church. This is Com mittee of
the Church but how can it be called Com
mittee of the Church if the Church fails to
sustain it?
Rev. G. H. Read, D D., said word was
called for as to the amount of labor which
the members Of the committee gave gratui-
tously to this cause. He cited as an instance
the examination of 108 manuscripts ON the
"Observance Of the Sabbath" with view
to awarding prize, to which he himself had
devoted ninety solid hours. and others the
same amount of time. The thanks they had
gotten for such work was upknd thruets from
those unacquainted with the work of the
Committee, and who would not take the
trouble to inform themselves from sources
always open for investigation. @
These remarks of Dr.. Reads we're made
with so much feeling as to draw tears from
many eye.
! After few remarks by Rev. s. W. Wat
kins mot heard by the reporter the resolu.
ton offered BY DR.. kirkpatrick was passed
by unanimous vote.
| NIGHT SESSION
! After religious exercises, including SER
mon by Rev. DR.. Hooper, the Synod was
called to order by the Moderator. 7rs
Rev. DR.. Brown, offered the following
resolution:
Resolred, That the Synod of Virginia does here
by overture the General Assembly to revise the
general subject OF correspondence with other ecce
siastical bodies, with view to provide more con-
sistent and satisfactory mode of conducting the
same, both as regards the Assembly itself and the
/ Synods and Presbyteries under its care.
Oh motion, the resolution was referred to
the committee on Bills and Overtures.