The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-06-01

| Overtures, presented a report on an overture
from the Synod OF South Carolina. asking de.
liverance of the General Assembly upon the
question to the laws of the Church, which
was discussed at length by Drs Hoyt, Girar-
deau, Letevre and others. The question came
up upon the enquiry as to whether "good and
necessary consequence" from the word of God,
are equal authority with the law of God, and
whether the principle is to be applied to the
laws OF the General Assembly?
After a very warm discussion the Assembly.
shortly before IL o'clock, adjourned.
EIGHTH DAY.
The Assembly resumed it deliberations this
morning at 8 A. NJ. and was opened with
prayer by Rev. P. Fletcher.
Rev. j. G.. Law, of committee on records of
the Synod of North Carolina, reported them
neatly kept and correct Rev. W. H. Dodge
chairman, made like report on records of Synod
of Kentucky. Rev. E. F. Rockwell offered
same report on records of Synod of Nashville
DR.. Davies reported favorably on records of
Synod of Alabama. Rev. ]. II. Alexander re-
ported IN same manner on records of Synod of
Memphis. Rev. D. w. Shanks reported on the
records of the Synod of Texas, which report was
docketed. Rev. 2. R. Law reported on records
of the Synod of Virginia and offered several
criticisms based upon that Synod's action in the
case of the relicensure of Rev. R. R. Howison
all of which exceptions were rejected by the
Assembly.
CHRISTIAN GREETINGS
Joseph r. Wilson, D. D., Stated Clerk. pre-
sented message of Christian greeting from the
the Young Mems Christian Association, now in
session at Cleveland, Ohio, which, on motion of
DR.. Lefevre, was referred to the committee on
Foreign Correspondence, and an appropriate
answer was sent.
A letter was read from Rev. w. c.. Handy
delegate of the General Synod of the Reformed
Church IN America, regretting his inability to
be present with this Assembly. Referred to
committee on Foreign Correspondence.
kev. DIR. Armstrong, chairman of committee
on theological Seminaries, reported on the over
ture OF the Presbytery of Bethel, South Carolina
NARRATIVE
Rev. j. A. Quarles, chairman of the Com
mlttee on Narrative, presented the narrative in
an elaborate paper carefully scanning and re-
viewing the whole field, and briefly adding the
following deductions;
FIRST. There is a record of official fidelity sent
up from all parts of the Church Many of the
reports emphasize the zeal self denial. the faith
fulness of the ministry. Some of them com.
PLAN OF the neglect of the pastoral duty of vsi-
ting on the part of ruling elders A few declare
that the office of deacon is not filed in some of
the churches, while others lament that their
deacons are not alive to the Importance of their
rank.
Second, As to the attendance upon the ordi
nances OF Gods house and an appreciation of
them, the testimony is substantially unanimous
that the condition Is decidedly encouraging.
Ihtrd. Not many of our Presbyteries, and
but few of our churches have been visited bv
especial outpourings OF the Holy Spirit, though
the majority of the reports indicate that the Spir.
1t has been present, adding to the Church such
should be saved.
Fo'rth. lntemperance is every where be-
walled as the monster evil of the day. But
few churches, however, find it amongst its mem.
oers. worldly amusements seem to be giving
bu' little trouble. Covetousness is named iH
some OF the reports as prevailing to an alarming
extent.
FIFTH. One of the most painful features Of the
situation is the general report of the neglect Of
family worship. The family is the integer of
the Church indeed it is the Church in minia
ture DETECTION here demands the earnest con.
slderatlon OF our pastors and sessions.
o'rth. 1t Is painful to learn in this connection
tnat catechetlcal instruction is so largely ne.
glected In eur Christian households; but it is on
the other hand encouraging to know that our
sabbath Schools are almost universally attend.
ing faithfully to it.
Segenh. That the Sabbath is everv where &C
cordlng to our ideas desecrated by the Govern
ment, by the common carriers and bv worldly
men, Is tact too well known: 1t is, however.
pleasant to know that in the general community
and In the Church the reports show healthier
sentiment and corresponding better practice.
E'9"th. In worshlpplng Go, with their sub
stance the reports almost without execution
show an increased and growing fidelity on the
part OF Gods people.
Nlnth. Except in Texas and from few weak
Frespyteres elsewhere the reports would indi.
so se, VnaU t our heos are well supplied with spr
Ienth. The colored population seems to have
passed, for the present at least bevond our
reach They prefer their own preachers and
services. In some sections they are reached bv
Sunday Schools, and in a few cases we have col.
ored churches. But it is manifest that we can
influence them now only by helping to train
their ministry. Surveying the whole field we
nave reason to thank God, and take couraoe
ior another year of more faithful work
AN IMPoRrRNr MATTER.
Rev. II. B. Pratt offered the following raso
iutlons, which he deemed the most imEortant
matter ever brought before the Assembly viz
That inasmuch as the overtme g from Betbei
fresbytery involves changes in the constitn.
tonal law of the Church which the Assembly
mas not the power to sanction. said overtur,
(Wlth the exceptions hereinafter named) he sent
down to the Presbyteries for an expression q
tneir views thereon, together with their sanctior
or dlsapproval OF such a modification of onr mi,
Tor the licensure Of candidates for the rninistr,
as may be necessary to give effect to the niay
/ proposed. fi"'
/ The exceptions indicated are:
ist. 10 strike out all particular reference =,
Columbia Seminary. 'o
/ I'd. Under No. instead of " snbst;trt;r,, g.