The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-11-10

real devotion, 10 the cause of Christ on the part
of many of his people
l never saw larger percentage OF church
members attend all the services of the church
than l saw at Sherman. And this is one of the
few churches that worships God with its sub
stance at DO h the morning and evening ser
,vice."-Ib.
Northern Presbyterian.
There seems to be a growing disposition in
the Theological Seminaries to adopt four years
course In Princeton Union, and Allegheny
Seminaries there is now virtually an additional
year, if the students desire to enjoy its benefits.
And Andover Theological Seminary, yielding to
the sentiment which demands fuller and more
thorough, preparation for all kinds of profession
al work, has decided to lengthen its term of
study from three to, four years.-Presbyterian
Bdaner.
Synod of Texas (North) 1.-THE following
action was taken by the Synod at its late meet
ing; g., r.. of tho p.o.hu.;
Church in the United States of America, passed
the following resolution That committee of
FIVE be appointed to correspond with the Synod
of Texas, of the Presbyterian Church. South, and
request the appointment by them of committee
to confer relative to the prosecution of the Pres
byterian Church work in Texas by the two
Synods without conflict, and that committee
be appointed to nominate this committee of
correspondence. The following were appointed
a committee of conference
Rev. John d. Matthews, D. D. E. B. Wright,
D. D., w. B. Rankin, Elders Judge s. A. Bently
and B. H. Bossett. B. T. McCLELLAND,
Stated Clerk
Episcopal.
The pastoral letter of the Episcopal Bsh-
ops issued at the close of the Triennial Conven-
ton last Wednesday evening, ends with this
pertinent admonition: THE manifest prosper
iity and rapidly increasing wealth of our country
impose upon us the duty, not only to remind
you of the words Of the Lord Jesus how he said,
1t is more blessed to give than to receive but
also to warn you against the dangers of Christian
sobrlety which attend such a condition The
whole time and thought of many active and
thriving Goen are given to getting and spending;
days devoted IL absorbing occupations and nights
to festivity and amusements. What is there left
for God and the soul? Growing luxury, extrav-
agance in living Impotence of any restraints
upon selfindulgence, passionate fondness for
amusements of an exciting and corrupting
character, are patent to the observing eve.
There is reason to apprehend that these tenden-
cies are increasing among those who name the
name of Christ. Entertainments which few
years ago were deemed unsuitable to those who
kneel at the table of the Lord are now patron
lied and defended. IT. seems to be taken for
granted that the cautions OF Holy Writ against
being conformed to this world have hereto
fore been interpreted in too narrow and scornful
"a spirit, and that laxer period demands wider
range and greater liberty. Is the Church then
to take its tone and color from the world2 In
pleasure-loving and frivolous age, are disciples
of the Lord Jesus Christ to run to the same ex
cess of riot2 Is the baptismal remuneration of
the world, no less than of the flesh and the devil,
an unmeaning formula? Is the friendship of the
world no longer enmity with God? Such, dear
brethren, is not the judgment of your Bishops.
Nay, at such time we are constrained still more
earnestly to repeat the counsels and cautions
which we have given in our former pastoral let
tiers, as well as in other ways. Now more than
ever should disciples of Christ determine to lead
righteous and cody lives, and to keep themselves
unspotted from the world. The flame of pure
devotion and holy love and heayenward aspira-
ton will be inevitably smothered blythe dead
ening atmosphere of places where unhallowed
destinations abound and glded vice puts forth
her Establishments. Among the signs of the
times, fitted to awaken the anxiety of the patriot
and the concern of the Christian is the increas-
ing dissertation of the Lords Day. With the
reverent observance of the day set apart for the
worship of Almighty God is most Intimately
connected our public welfare as well as the pros
perity of religion. Our blessed Lord has said
The Sabbath was made for man. 1t is one of
the strong bulwarks of national virtue. order
and stability, blessed boon to the book-worm
and the acceptable time for man to learn the
will of God and the way of eternal life"
At thu late Episcopal Triennial Cor
vention the House of Deputies under the lead
of Drs. Phillips, Brooks, Washburne McVickar,
Tying Tiffany, and Heber Newton proposed i'm
mediate action, involving some rather radical
changes in the Prayer Book. The House of
Bishops thought that the subject was a little too
important to be acted upon hastily, and there
fore decided that committee of seven Bishops
seven PresbyterS, and seven laymen be appointed
to investigate this whole matter and report the
same to he navl Ho,oro1 Ce1-.ut;eu M