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

absence from home. We hail With pleasure,
aud note with encouragement, signs of Q
more aggressive evangelistic spirit, but surely
it becomes US to hearken to these lamenta-
tions, and to consider the Importance of 30
modifying our policy as to giveit decidedly
more evangelistic and aggressive character.
Policy and spirit act and react on each other;
hence if we would diffuse and strengthen the
missionary spirit our Church courts must in.
augurate and press amissionary policy. "The
pastoral Office is the first in the Church both
for dignity and usefulness" says our Form
of Government; but surely policy which
sets apart to evangelistic work only 9 out Of
ZOE ordained men; one that to-day leaves
almost untouched by the foot of single
Presbyterian preacher AZ whole counties out
of the I4O of Virginia and West Virginia, to
say nothing of large parts of counties lying
in our bounds; one that actually makes no
provision to send the " milk of the word to
some 250,0 900 out Of the 1,520, 900 souls in
our bounds, while many of our churches are
fed two or three times week on the "strong
meat" Of the gospel; such policy we think
exalts unduly the Office and work of pastor
above the Office and work of an evangelist,
and needs some practical amendments at the
hand of our Presbyteries.
Oar General Assembly has for several
years been and is still engaged trying to give
more prominence to both the Office and work
of the evangelist, as the best means to extend
our church. The scheme adopted binds the
Assembly and Presbyteries very closely TO-
gsther in the work. There is therefore but
little that the Synod can do except to gather
up information, to stimulate the Presbyteries,
and to hold them to an earnest consideration
of this subject.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
We recommend the following resolutions
for your adoption, viz:
l. That Synod expresses its gratitude to God for
the progress now reported in Evangelistic Work.
3 That the great importance of this work to our
Church requires, and the progress already made in
it encourages all our Presbyteres to pursue it yet
more vigorously and to cultivate the spirit of evan.
geism among both our ministers and people till the
whole strength of our Church is broughtinto action.
g. That as the responsibility OF providing men
for this work rests upon the Presbytery Synod
urges all its Presbyteres to recognize the Office of
evangelist as one specially ordained for Church ex.
panson, and that, wherever the funds and the na-
ture Of the field will allow, Presbyterios are On.
Joined to call and set apart to the Office and work
of evangelists, with the full dignity and powers Of
the cfice, men thoroughly furnished unto oil
good works " by faith, knowledge and prudence.
a. And as the responsibility Of supporting ap-
pointees rests upon the courts appointing them,
presbyteries are eDjoned to spare no diligence or
rightful authority in seeing that our people are
taught, and have the opportunity to contribute to
this cause.
Resolued That committee of seven members
be appointed to consider the existing spiritual CON-
dition and needs of the coored people within our
bounds, and what if any, different or additional
measures should be employed by our ministers and
people for the religious welfare of that large and
important part of our population; the committee
to report to the next meeting Of the Snyod.
Respectfully submitted on behalf Of the
Committee on Egapg slistic Labor.
A. G. HOPKINS, Chairman.
Tabular Statement Of Contributions to Rvangsliste
Fund in Synod Of Virginia for the year ending
April 1st 1875.