The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-05-10
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Tidings from Florida.

A missionary writing from China. forciby dis.
proves the popular appellation of lends of the
EARTH as applied to that country. For, says he,
Judging by the number of inhabitants, several
times that of the whole United States, the term
should rather be given to America. Aud when l
compare the little company, mostly females, in the
Jacksonville Presbyterian chnrch, (Southern) with
the "great congregation" of New Providence, in
the Valley of Virginia, we seem on the outskirts
of the Southern Presbyterian church.
Florida Presbytery, at its last meeting appointed
committee of two ministers and one elder, to visit
and inquire into the condition of this church Of
which Rev. Mr.. Dodge is pastor. This does not
imply that any evil report had gone abroad con-
corning u.s. but it is one of the rules OF this Pres
bytery to have reports, obtained in this manner,
from one or more Of the churches, at each meet.
ing and we have enjoyed some excellent dis
courses from Rev. Messrs Baker and Long, in con-
nection with the visitation. Preparatory services
CONNER on the Wednesday evening preceding.
Two additions were made to our band on Sabbath.
After communion, the members having been re
quested to remain, and the pastor, elders and dea
cons being seated in front, Rev. Mr.. Long took
the chair, and after prayer, read the rule author
izng the proceedings and Intercepted the officers
of the church in the following manner, Were
there any heresies in the church? Were any mem
bers living disorderly or in the practice of known
sin? What attention was given to family worship
and to the weekly prayer meeting and to the
other services of the church, Was the pastors
salary promptly paid and was it sufficient p
Were any dishonorable debts burdening the
church? Was the pastor faithful in his work
emitting no service for insufficient reasons? Were
the elders helpers with him, taking part wher
called on in prayer? The questions were answered
as asked, the pastor and elders for the congrega
ton, in things spiritual and as to the contribution
for benevolent objects; and the deacons, in regard
| to the payment of the salary. There was some
discussion on family worship; one of the Presby
terial Committee asserting that he did not think il
every Christians duty to conduct family worship
some had not a gift for prayer. The Chairman
replied, if person could not compose prayer
he could read one. The pastor stated that he had
publicly taught this duty, but he had not inquired
as to its fu6lment, leaving that to the individual
conscience He mildly admonished the elders fol-
not assisting in the oversight of the church in the
way of social visiting, and exhorted the members
to remember that they were members one of an.
other; :" and abiding to the small attendance al
prayer meeting, he stated that whilst many of the
members we're not their own masters until late al
night, yet he was not satisfied with the people in
this regard The Rev. Mr.. Baker atfectionately
urged the remembrance Of the weekly meeting,
that this encouraged pastor even more than at.
tendance on Sabbath-the prayer meeting was the
pulse Of the church.
The Committee was gratifed at having nothing
to rebuke, but much to commend AS people
we thank God and take courage. The Rev. Mr..
Long preached at night to the largest congregation
have seen in our church, except at union meet
ing for the Bible Society. Our hearts we're glad
dened by the presence and sympathy of Christians
from other churches in the city during all of the
meetings Thus closed these delightful and pro
ftable times of refreshing, earnests, as we trust,
of what the master has in store for the Newman
Street church, Jacksonville. Florida. AZURE.