The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-28
A Plea for Evangelization.

to see the interest in Evangelization
growing among our churches. But, after
all, are we truly awake to the great i'm
portance of this work? The Minutes of
the last General Assembly showed that
our contributions did not reach ID cents
per member, and this shows that we are
not half awake.
wish to make an appeal to the Church,
especially to the churches of the Synod
OF Virginia, and more especially to the
churches of Abingdon Presbytery. What
say shall be based upon six years expe-
rlence In Evangelistic work in the ex-
treme southwest of Virginia. 1 have
seen enough in this time to know that
our scheme of Evangelization is practica-
ble-that we not only can plant Presby-
terian churches, but we can greatly edify
the church catholic. What Presbyterian
worthy of the name does not ardentlv
desire to see the Gospel, as it is preached
by our Church, proclaimed in ali parts of
our home land? If we even knew that
other denominations were preaching with
all the zeal that could be desired, would
we be satisfied to leave vast sections of
our country (and country lying adjacent
to our old churches) to the exclusive cul-
tivation of the other denominations? And
is this true that there are vast sections
even whole counties, and counties lying
near old churches, where the Presbyte.
ran minister is seldom, if ever, seen?
1t is, alas true. Nearly one-half of the
old county of Washington and all of the
counties OF Russell, Scott, and Wise are
destitute OF our ministers except as thew
are supplied by one Evangelist and the
occasional visits of missionary supplies
Now suppose that southwest Virginia
is just like many other parts of our coun-
try In this matter. speak what know
from personal observation, and shall use
our southwest Virginia as practical il
lustratlon of what | have no doubt exists
all over our land. 1t would hardly be
possible for any intelligent Christian to
travel through the counties of Russell
Scott, and Wise, and see what a wonder.
tuI future seems to be held in this hioblv
favored country without having holy
and laudable ambition to see his Church
planted here. The most of these counties
are not only fertile enough to support a
dense population, but their vast fields of
coal and iron are absolutely wonderful
Within the last few months the attention
OF sclentlfic men and capitalists has been
called to the coal and iron of Wise county
a railroad is In progress of construction.
which begins at Bristol and runs tbrouoh
Scott county to Big Stone Gan in Wise
county Men who have the reputation
tor wisdom and sober judgment, do not
hesitate to predict that in view of all the
natural wealth of this country. it's coal
and iron, that it will not on1v en;ov q
line of railroad, but at no very distant
future lively manufacturing towns will
spring up, for the country only needs to
be developed to rival the coal regions of
Pennsylvania. 7'O''' u
NOW ask Presbyterians, and especial-
ly. the churches of the Synod of VIRGINIA
what part are you going to take in sow.
ing seed where so large a population is
destined to live? Let us be wise to sei1o
such opportunities for saving multitndes
OF people. The Lord will give the land
to those who will 90 up and possess IL
Let every member Of the church consider
how important it is to do whole dntv in
this work. Let US do all we can TO send
forth laborers. How can they preach
unless they are sent? We need more
Evangelists. How can one man reach
the many neighborhoods of three CT fonr
counties2 But then we are not support
ing what we havel No. And never will
until our Church has greater concern
for the extension of herself in onr land
than is indicated by the poor pittance Of
IA cents per member.