The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-02-04
Entered at the Post-Ofice at Richmond, Va. as
second-class matter.
CoRRESPoNDENCE.
The Evangelization cf the Colored Pee
pie in the Synod of Virginia.

The Evangelization cf the Colored Peo-
pie in the Synod of Virginia.
MeSSrS. EdltorS,-This subject was
brought prominently before the attention
of the Synod by resolution offered by
the venerable and beloved Rev. T. Pryor,
ID. D., than whom no man in her bounds
IS more revered, or has better right to
speak in its behalf on account of long and
devoted service. 1t is a privilege to meet
this aged servant of God at our church
courts, and to hear his voice in advocacy
OF Christian progress and work. Having
reached green old age, DR.. Pryor con-
hnues In the active ministry, and there
are few young men who can ride further
or preach more sermons in given time,
and none, perhaps, whose ministrations
are more edifying to Gods people or
ava kenlng to sinners May his precious
life long be spared and be always happy
and blessed Under his guidance, the
following action was taken,
"Resolved, That Synod urge upon the Pres.
byteries to give diligent attention to labors in
behalf of the colored people and recommend
that they enjoin upon the pastors and churches
under their care to open Sabbath Schools for
their instruction, that they avail themselves of
every opportunity for the evangelizaton of this
people, and keep before them as an end at which
they Will aim, the organization of churches in
their respective communities in accordance with
the scheme of the General Assembly and that
all pastors and sessions be required to report an
nually their diligence In carrying out these in
structions.
The best hope of efficient aid by our Church
to this race, is in general efforts by cur pastors
and teachers to encourage and train gratui-
to tously, " deserving young oolored men, minis
This ic roOo+ iro,,o.rto,., -. Trr.,, :,
concerned give 1t good effect? 1t ought
not to he unimproved as a witness against
us, but be made the means of stimuIatino
us all to the discharge of our duty. If
seems to your correspondent that DR..
Pryor has grasped, and Synod endorsed
the critical points which now need to be
Rh,ssG pressed upon and carried out by the
l. Pres5yte,les ought to give dlligent
attention to labors among the colored
people This seems to be obvious. and
not single reason can be urged against
IT. Here these people are within the
bounds OF our Presbyteries and congrega-
tlons; many of them are in deplorable
ignorance and destitute of proper spir-
ltual guides; their souls are precious in
the sight of God; their salvation depends
upon efforts to be made in their behalf.
their elevation and the proper rearing Of
their children must be secured from With
out themselves; from every point of view
they stand meekly appealing to the
Church of Christ within the bounds of
which they live to help and save them
No one will contend that the field of onr
Fresbyteres is confined to the white peo-
pie. ALI will assert that their iurisdic-
ton extends over all the souls. who have
no others to labor for them, within the
bounds OF their territory, and SYNOD in
urging. this duty upon Presbyteries. but
calls their attention to a matter which
they cannot guiltlessly neglect. It is the
duty Of the Presbytery, as the court To
which is entrusted the care of all tbo
ministers and churches within a certain
district, and all efforts for the promotion
OF goodness and the extension of tbo !
Church therein, to see that no portion ofI
the population is neglected, but that the
whole ground IS covered by Christian
effort, and that all the people are reached
by evangellstlc instrumentalities
z. In tutherance of this idea. Presbv- !
terles are recommended to-" enioin upon
the pastors and churches under their care
to open Sabbath Schools for their instruc-
ton, and to avail themselves of every
opportunity for the evangelization of this
Here now are pointed out two practi-
cable methods by which the good work
IS Isl to be advanced (D By Sabbath Schools
~ by preaching and the use of all other
proper means, such as pastoral visiting
Bible distribution, prayer meetings. etc.
etc. And this work is to be taken in
hand by pastors and Sessions" that is
every established church is to be used as