The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-11-01
SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.
FOURTH DAY.
NoRFOLK, Oetober 21, 1876.

FOURTH DAY.
NORFOLK, October 21, 1876.
DR.. Alexander Martin, of the Committee
on the Minutes of the General Assembly, re-
ported, calling attention of the Presbyseries
to the order in regard TO Overtures to the As
sembly.
Rev. DR.. Riddle then read the narrative
of the state of religion. (See another col
umn.)
The Committee on Finance reported that
the tressurers accounts we're correct, and
called attention to the arrears in the assess
ment of Greenbrier and Montgomery.
The committee on Synod's Records re-
ported that they were correct.
The committee on Records of West Han
over and Winchester Presbyteries reported
recommending their approval.
Rev. l. n. Naf read the report on Sys-
tematic BsnsvOleuee. (See another column
Rev. E. d. Junkin, D. D., introduced the
following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That a special committee of FIVE be sp.
pointed to make a report to the Synod at its next
annual meeting IN answer to the following questions
connected with the subject Of training in the Union
Theological Seminary OF candidates for the gospel
ministry.
1st. How many years ought to be occupied oy the
Seminary course
ID. OF how many consecutive months ought each
session to consist?
Sd. Can the Seminary in any way more efficiently
than at present aid the Presbyery in deciding upon
the qualifications of those who apply for heensure
The following committee was appointed: ::
Rev. E D. Junkin, Rev. j. L. kirkpatrick,
Rev. G. B. Strickler, Major W. ]. Dance,
and Gov. ]. L. Marye.
Rev. G. II. Read, d. D., chairman of the
Judicial Committee, stated that no business
had come before the committee, and re-
quested that they be discharged, which was
granted.
The regular order of the day being the
reading of memorials of deceased ministers
of the Synod, memorial of Rev. Moses
RAYMOND, of Hampshire county, who died
on the 10Th of May, 1875, was read on be-
half of the committee By Rev. g. w. Finley,
of Winchester Presbytery, and the memorial
Of Rev. Jonathan Lyons, of Tazewell county,
who died on the morning of June 18th, 1876,
was read on behalf of the committee by Rev.
Ell. Barnett of Abingdon Presbysery.
Rev. j. L. Krkpatriek, d. d., of Wash
ingtOn and Lee University, moved that the
reports be approved, placed Oh file, and en-
crossed copies be forwarded to the family
of the deceased. Rev. DR.. kirkpatrick 8
motion was adopted. This solemn portion of
the Synod's business was followed by an elo-
uuent aud feeling prayer by Rev. M. D..
Hoge, d. D., in which be invoked an es-
pecial blessing on the widows and fstherless
children, feryently asking that they might
grow in grace and the knowledge of God,
and that the Divine blessing might over
shadow them all the days of their life.
The Moderator then read the 672d hymn
"Wheu l can read my title clear
To mansions in the sky
which was sung by al present, standing.
Rsv. VI. D Hoge, d. ID, asked leave Of
the Moderator to state that, as President of
the Virginia Bible Society, he desired to call
the attention of the Synod to the fact that
it is q standing order that collection shall
be taken up in all churches in behalf OF the
Bible cause, and that it is very desirable that
those who have neglected to do so should not
fail to take suea collections as early as pos
sible. that the canvass Of the State may be
completed and the wants of the destitute
supplied.
UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
This committee reports that it has care
fullv examined the annual report of the Di
rectors and Trustees of Union Theological
Seminary, put into their hands, and woulC
recommend for your adoption the following
resolutions:
|. That Synod expresses its gratitude to th
Church's Great Head for His blessings upon on
Seminary in respect to the number health. de
nortment and diligence of the students, and of tn
favorable condition Of the Seminary finances
21. That synod hereby expresses its high appre
citation of the services of ruling elder A. g. Nell
waine, so long and usefully rendered to the Semi
nary and records ITS regret that under the luhrm
tiles of advanced age this venerable man OF Go
has felt obliged to resign his place on the Board 0
Trustees, to retire FROM the active service. Th
Seminary has lest most puoctual, constant an
earnest servant, whose souBduess OF Judgment an
wisdom in counsel made him most valued men
her of the Board. This Synod extends to Mr.. Mo
TIwaine its sympathy as be bends under the bul
den of years, aud would af3etionately eommen
him 10 the God of al grace, whose promise Is, "
will never leave thee nor f0rscke thee. and to H
Son. who hath said, Come unto Me sll ye tbs
labor and ore heavy laden, and | will give 20
res"
81. That the Treasurer of Synod be authorize
20 nav to Treasurer Of the Corporation Of the Sen
inary the amount of deficiency IN the account
expenses of Directors out of any funds IN his hanC
not otherwise appropriated
4th. That Rev j. j. Bullock, d. D., Rev. Cha
White, and ruling elder j. n Syderstricker, who's
terms of office expire at this time, be reelected
Directors for the next four years. and that ruin
elder j. Harmsn Brown be elected to hll the v
cancy created by the resignation Of Mr.. Mall|ain
EDUCATION.
The Rev. B. NJ. Smith, D. D., introduce
the following resolutions:
ResolUed, l. That in view of widening openin
for the propagation Of the gospel throughout &
world. the progress Of material civilization, the
vance in literary and scient6csl pursuits, and &
antagouism of many kinds of literature and sclen
70 revealed religion, and that OF many leadI
minds. even of nominsly orthodox communion
20 the pure aud simple gospel of Gods grace,
effort should De spared for increasing the numI
and efficiency Of the ministers of the Word
2 That to this end the Synod solemnly urges
Christian parents and oil ministers 10 our church
a prayerful diligence In bringing forward candida
for the holy Office, and on Presbyterles eonsts
and wise efforts by careful examinations and wat
ful care of such through their course OF prepa
tion.
g. And further, in view Of the ever-recurr
L., oe kbnSa hn