The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-06-02

There was some discussion in the Assem-
bly, and some opposition to the report
adopted but this was not on account of
any difference of opinion as to the pro-
priety of women's preaching, but from
difference of opinion as to the significance
of the report in regard to preaching by
theological students and laymen.
RETRENCHMENT AND REFORM.
The committee appointed by the last
Assembly to consider and report upon
the subject of retrenchment and reform
Grew. A. G. Hopkins, of West Virginia,
chairman in regard to the management
of the benevolent enterprises of the
Church, made carefully prepared re-
port, evidently the result of thorough
examination of the subject, and conclude
that the present plans enjoy the general
confidence of the Church, and think that
the Assembly should make no material
change except to discontinue the Relief
Fund. A minority report was prepared
by Rev. S. T. Martin, of North Carolina,
proposing radical changes, and contend
ing that large sum could be saved to
the Church without impairing the Ell
cheney of its legitimate work After
some discussion the reports were referred
back to the committee, with instructions
to print and circulate for the information
of the churches, and to report again to
the next Assembly, but it was evident
from the manner in which the Assembly
endorsed the work of the various execu-
tive committees, that there was little dis
position to make any material change.
DELIvERANcEs OF THE ASSEMBLY.
The subject which occupied more Of
the time of the Assembly than any other,
and which elected the most interesting
discussion, was that which was introduced
by an overture from the Synod of South
Carolina, and which had relation to the
authority or binding force of deliver
ances IN thesi The chief speakers on
opposite sides were Drs. Girardeau and
Woodrow, both of the Synod whose over
ture had brought the matter before the
Assembly. The speeches on both sides
were very able, and were models of court
esy in debate, which is not always the
case even in ecclesiastical bodies. The
second speech of DIR. Girardeau on Friday
morning, was one of rare eloquence and
power. We have seldom heard a speech
which in the arrangement of its topics,
in the felicitous choice of words, in its
delivery, in its whole tone and spirit, and
especially in the manifestation of honesty
and candor in discussion, was more to be
admired
No wonder that where it was so evil
dent that the aim of these brethren was
to find out and vindicate the truth, rather
than to win the victory. that they should
in the end find themselves in substantial
agreement, and that the one should pro-
pose deliverance which the other would
accept and the Assembly adopt. That
deliverance is as follows:
1.-The Assembly met in Charleston, in virtue
of the word, declares,
/. That nothing is law to be enforced by ndi
cial prosecution, but that which is contained in
the word interpreted in our standards
2. The judicial decisions of our courts differ
from their IN Htesi deliverances in that the form.
er determine, and when proceeding from our
highest court, conclude particular case but
both these kinds of decisions are alike interpre-
tations of the word by church court and both
not only deserve high consideration but must be
submitted to unless contrary to the Constitution
and the Word of which there is right of
private judgment belonging to every church
court and also to every individual church mem
ber."
HOME MISSIONS.
An earnest effort was made to remove
the Executive Committee of Home Mis-
sions from Baltimore to ST. Louis. Rev.
Edward Martin, of Missouri, and others
urged this chiefly on the ground.that st.
Louis was near the centre Of the field Of
operations, but as there were serious diff
culties in the way of separating this com
mittee from that of Foreign Missions, and
as the work of the Committee was alto
gether satisfactory, the Assembly refused
by very decided majority to make the
change.