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

one of the very best that we have ever
heard in any deliberative body, and the
Assembly was profoundly impressed by
the reasons given for DIR. Palmers re-
moval. On the other hand Mr.. Lyman,
of New Orleans, and others urged with
no less effect reasons for his remaining in
his present position.
The Home Mission meeting was held
Wednesday night. The report was pre-
sented by DR.. Palmer, chairman of the
Standing Committee; and addresses were
delivered by DIR. McIlwaine, secretary
Rev. w. N. Dickey, OF Texas; Rev. DR..
Davies, of Arkansas and Cat the invita-
ton of the Assembly, by DR.. Hoge 1t
was shown that even in the oldest States
there is much ground to be occupied
But the chief attention was given to the
territory west of the Mississippi; and
memorial was presented from Rev. Mr..
Neil, of Texas, asking that some special
provision should be made for the wide
territory in Western Texas, between San
Antonio and the Rio Grande, district
two hundred miles in breadth by eight
hundred in length, now rapidly increas-
ing in population, and in which we have
only one missionary church. In response
to this the Executive Committee of Mis-
sions was instructed to endeavor to pro-
vide. for sending four or five evangelists
into that section. 1t is estimated that
$4,000 will be needed for Sustenation in
our Church during the next year, besides
what will be needed for the other depart
ments of Home Missions. Twenty one
additional evangelists are called for,
making in all forty -four, and the amount
required for this will not be less than
$25, 900.
Some progress has been made in the
work among the colored people. The
Presbyteries report that they have under
their care twenty-five churches-seven
more than last year; sixteen ministers
and licentiates-tw more than last
year, and seven candidates-three more
than last year. This indicates progress,
and gives assurance that efforts for this
class of our population will be richly re-
warded.
Rev. Dr. Schaf, of New York, being
present, was invited to address the AS
sembly in regard to the work of the Re
vision Committee Of the New Testament,
and subsequently the AS. emily appoint
ed committee to examine the revision
and report to the next Assembly.
A vote on the subject of Reform was
reached on Thursday, when resolution
that the Executive Committees be CON
tinued as they now exist was adopted by
a vote of 100 to s.
The Directory for Worship, as revised
emitting all forms except for funeral ser
vices-was sent back to the Presbyteries
for further consideration. Sixty-two
Presbyteries had sent up reports on the
subject, and six of these were opposed to
any revision of the Directory.
The narrative on the state of religion
which was presented by Rev. J. A.
Quarles, of Missouri, was carefully
prepared paper, and represented that
while few of the churches have been visi-
ted with special outpourings of the Holy
Spirit, the majority of the reports from
the Presbyteries indicate wholesome
prosperity. Reports were received from
ffty-fve Presbyteries.
Many important matters have been be-
fore this Assembly, and no doubt its work
will be generally satisfactory to the
churches. On some subjects there was
much speaking, but uniformly good
spirit prevailed, and many of the speeches
were of high order, so that the AS
sembly could afford to be patient, even
when it was feared that the sessions
would be protracted to an unusual length
of time.
Many members availed themselves of
the opportunity on Monday and Tuesday
nights to attend the commencement ex-
ercises of the Augusta Female Seminary,
although the Assembly, on account of
the pressure of business, could not attend
in body, as there was a general desire
to do. Tuesday night DR.. Palmer de-