The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-05-17
that any real harm has come, or is likely to grow

that any real harm has come, or is likely to grow
out of unfettered discussiOn ID because such &C,
ton might appear to some, to be confession OF
weakness on our part, evidence OF Irritation ana
soreness which do not exist 2. But on the con-
trary the committee recommended that Presbytery
overture the Assembly to adopt carefully wordea
paper; (l) reaffirmng our adhesion to all ecclesl-
astical action for which we have been so severely
blamed by our Northern brethren; ~ also declar,,
ing in courteous but firm words our disapproval OF
the manner in which they have endeavored to set
tie our differences ~ but at the same time agree
ing, without further discussion, to an exchange OF
delegates on the ground that time and clrcum'
stances have deprived their censures of all power
to harm our Christian reputation
The committee would further recommend that
Presbytery overture the Assembly to return In all
cases, to the former mode of conducting fraternal
correspondence by letters, as being more economl-
cal and equally kind.
Alter an earnest and able discussion of the paper,
it was adopted by vote of fourteen to seven. The
following members of Presbytery gave notice OF
their dissent from this action, to wit: Drs Sted-
man and Rice, and Rev. Messrs Daniel and L.
McNeely, and elders @. johnson, Q. Lynn and r
j. Rawlings.
Rev. E. NJ. Richardson was elected stated clerk.
j. Douglass Leslie member OF the Covington
church, was received as candidate for the min
istry.
William Atkinson, colored, was also received un-
der the care of Presbytery, with the view OF his
studying for the ministry. He was placed under
the special care OF Rev. s. s. Gill and elder Y. V.
Thompson.
The action Of Presbytery on the New Book was
as follows:
Q) Repeating the action of last fall meeting be-
cause of dissatisfaction, aud bringing up the whole
matter for reconsideration.
(2) Presbytery expresses to the General Assem-
bly, its hearty approval of revising our Form Of
Government and Rules'ef Discipline.
(3) That Presbytery approve the amendments
proposed. for the most part, and recommend tna
the work be carried forward to perfection; the crit
icisms and objections already in the Assembly
archives, and such as may hereafter be trans
mitted being used therefor.
az That Presbytery call attention to the fac
that under the proposed definition Of An offence
provisions do not seem to be made for excluding
women from our pits, nor for sllencing without
censure, ministers who may have become lncapa
ble because of mental disease, to edify the Church
(5) That Presbytery express dissent from tht
proposal to allow non-communicants to vote TO
pastors, preerring that their opinions be sent vi
TO Presbytery as information, according to the for
mer mode of the Book of Church Order.
Rev. n X. Smith and ruling elders j as. Fen
tress and r. L. Walker were appointed the stand
ing committee on Education. Their address is Bol
ivsr, Tenn
Rev. Dr. Stedman having resigned as Chairman
of the Committee of Sustentation, new commit
tee was appointed, consisting of Rev. s. d. Bogg
aud ruling elders d. j. Wood and j. U. Green
Address, Covington, Tenn.
E. M. RICHARDSON, s. G.