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

posed the discussion of the subject of the
Diaconate, and hoped that we would be
confined solely to the question on the
the amendment now before the Assembly.
Rev. j. l.. Wilson, D. D., moved that
the Rev. DR.. Schaff, chairman of Com
mittee on Bible Revision, be invited to
address the Assembly to-day at clock.
Adopted.
Rev. John B. Adger, D. D., resumed
the discussion of the question, in opposi
ton to the majority report, asserting that
he had no revolutionary spirit, but that
he was a conservative, and that change
and reform were not necessarily revolu-
ton. He warned the Assembly of the
dangers of Capitalization, for he feared
the results. He did not fear power, but
was afraid of combination of power,
and if the Assembly sustains the majority
report, it emphatically says "let every
thing remain as it is, for no improvement
is necessary or possible"
Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., as one
of the originators of our present scheme
of benevolence felt called upon to sustain
and foster the work of his own hand. So
long as we held to the original principles
of plans, we were successful, but recently
we have been drifting away. 1t is our
common brotherhood that is our strength
DR.. Wilson also denied emphatically that
the present plan takes this matter out of
the hands of the Presbyteries He also
advocated beneficiary education, for if
we neglect our young men, they will
surely 90 elsewhere for their education,
and be lost to our Church
N ~ ri
lowed in an earnest address. and for the
time, conceding all that has been claimed
by the minority contended that this is
not question of doctrine or principle,
but simply question of administration.
He further desired to emphasize the
statement made by the venerable Secre-
tary, that the work of the Church is in the
hands of, and controlled by, the Presby-
teries now.
Rev. F. P Mutually, D. D., of Licking
ton, Va, warmly and tenderly defended
the memory of the lamented DR.. Thorn
well, whose name has often been used in
this debate, and asserted that he felt
sure that if that silenced voice could be
heard, no word would be uttered in favor
of any change in our present plans. Our
scheme of Foreign Missions is strictly the
work of DIR. Thornwell, we'll done and
thorough DIR. Mutually was opposed to
changes. for if we yield now, and sweep
Gus changes will speedily follow. He did
not claim that our present plans were per-
feet, but he was tired with changes, and
the greatest odium ever placed upon him
had been through his advocacy of such
things, and for his devotion to logic, but
he had been concerted.
The hour indicated having arrived,
the Moderator introduced to the Assem-
bly, Rev. Philip Schaf, D. D., who read
IL series of questions propounded by the
NeW York Herald, which he followed
with detailed and interesting account of
the great work of the revision now COM
pleted; and stated that over 100000
copies were disposed of in London on
the third day Of the issue of the New
Testament No changes have been made
in any of the great doctrinal truths Of
Gods Word. lie further said that in
the last few days the New Testament had
been read by millions in this country and
abroad Truly the Church is moving
and there will be more Bible reading in
| Vic HeAO lew nOuGlS GlldH ever DelOT6.
The thanks of the Assembly were ten
dered DR.. Schaf for his highly pleasing
address.
An invitation was received for the
members Of the Assembly to visit the
institution of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind,
which was accepted with thanks.
1t was made the order of the day for
Wednesday night to hear the report Of
the Committee of Home Missions, and
addresses in that connection, and by per-
mission Of the Assembly the Committee
was allowed to invite Rev. M. D. Hoge,
D. D., (not member of the Assembly,
to make an address upon that occasion.
The Assembly now united in brief de-
votional services, and took recess until
?. M.
Evening Session.
At the session Of the Assembly last
night, DR.. Pryor called attention to the
thin house, and said that he thought it
extremely desirable to have vote on the
Retrenchment and Reform report with
full house.
DR.. Armstrong suggested that the dis
cussion go on, and when that is ended he
intended to call the ayes and noes on the
question.
DR.. Pryor thought it would be best to