Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-05-02
! raw and Hogue, and Elders Steele and

raw and Hogue, and Elders Steele and
Sproul.
Presbytery then devoted considerable
time to hearing the reports from the sever
al congregations, W hich were lead by the
ministers or elders of the churches, and
as there are 40 churches most OF the even
ing was consumed in hearing the reports.
Several revivals Of religion within the
bounds of The Presbytery were reported,
and in some churches large accessions to
the membership; the general increase OF
members, both in the churches and sabbath
schools and in general growth and etiicen-
cy was decidedly encouraging.
THE SALE OF ARDENT SPIRITS.
Rev. G. L. Hogue presented paper ask
ing Presbytery to overture General AS
sembly to forbid the retailing of ardent
spirits as beverage by church members.
Rev. D. G. Irving, while as much opposed
to the traffic and improper use Of ardent
spirits as any one, doubted whether any
church court could constitutionally make
such provision. The ordinances OF
General Assembly on the subject had been
given plainly and Enthusiastically.
Mr. Hogue thought that the brother
misunderstood his resolution, hut if he
did not it was high time that some action
was taken by the church in the matter
when member Of Presbytery would de-
fend the traffic in ardent spirits. He had
heard elders in the church say that the
sssubject could not be meddled with, or
members would be driven from the
church. 1t must not be agitated; no.
thing could be done and so on" but these
very reasons convinced ann that the time
delverance from the General Assembly on
the subject. Fifty years ago ardent spirits
were largely manufactured by prominent
leaders in the church, and the ''Reverend''
whiskey was a standard article. tAgita-
ting the subject had done good then, and
he thought it would do good now.
| Rey. Mr.. Watki. s favored the brothers.
| ideas. if he would go at his work in the
right way. General Assembly could be
overturned to send its deliv RANGES down
to the presbyteries and let them act. They
must 90 to work in constitutional way
or the overture would be returned to
them.
| Rey G. W. Humphreys thought that the
presbyteries and not the assembly must
dispose of the question. The adoption of
the new book would allow grog shops to
be opened under the very doors of the
| churches In dealing with offences, what
constituted al offence must be defined.
With their hands tied by the new book,
which would be adopted in few days, they
could do nothing.
DR.. E. D. Junkin thought the overture
unnecessary. The authority to act in all
such cases was vested III the church ses-
sion. Any member who commits an off
ence can be dealt with by the session and
if he feels aggrleved by the judgment of
the session he can appeal to the higher
church courts.
Rev. P. Fletcher said we would have
to go to our catechisms and confession
of faith and give definitions of what was
forbidden in this connection. 1t would
do no good for General Assembly to send
down to Presbyteries prohibition, but
let it direct Presbyteries to make a special
definition as to the offence, in the cate
chism and confession OF faith.
Rev. W. T. Richardson regretted the
discussion. By the brothers resolution
the impression would be produced that the
church was not alive to the great evils of
the liquor traffic and had done nothing in
the matter, while in fact everything had
been done that could be DONE General
Assembly had made its sieliverances on the
subject. Nothing more could be done in
the matter. Sessions could take cognizance
of and deal with their members who often
ded. 1t would not be practicable to get the.
Assembly to legislate in the manner pro
posed and he moved to lay the resolution
on the table. Before vote was taken a,
motion to adjourn was made and carried
and the body adjourned to meet at 8 a, m.
Thursday.
THURSDAY, Sd DAY.
Presbytery called to order. PRAYER by
the Rev. s. W. Watkins. Rev. Robert
Fleming of Winchester Presbytery. was
invited to sit as corresponding mem Der.
DIR. j. 6. Minor, Elder from Bridge
water, reported and enrolled.
Rev. A. Jones was dismissed to East
Hanover Presbytery to labor within it's
bounds
THE COLORED EVANGELIST,
A communication was received from
Rev. Z. A. Stillman, D. D., inquiring
whether there were any colored young
men IN the bonds of Presbytery who could
be recommended and aided as candidates
for the ministry, no charge would be made
for instruction or books and aid in other
expenses is promised. DR.. Stillman has.
charge of this school at Tuscaloosa, Ala,
tor the education of colored theological
students.
A HANDSOME OFFER DECLINED
a communication from DR.. r. w.
Hooper, Selma. Ala, WAS handed 10 Pres
bytery. DIR. Hooper wrote on the part of
a committee appointed by South Alabama
Presbytery during Its recent session at
Mobile, to inform Lexington Presbyterv Of
the unanimous election of Rev. T. M
Boyd, to the position OF evangelist. and
urging that this Presbytery release Mr..
boyd TO labor among them. A high tribute
was paid to the talents and efficiency of
ME-. Boyd and salary of s1,1Oo ant, a
house offered him. The Moderator called
upon Mr.. Boyd for his views as to the
Call. That gentlemen responding stated
that his visit to the peoplein Alabama had
| been made on account OF his health hn+