The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-08-03
For the Central Presbyterian.
Variations in Ecclesiastical
Phraseology.

In reading over the continuous records
of Lexington Presbytery for a century
we admire the fidelity of its adherence to
the form of sound words which pertain to
doctrine and polity. At the same time it
is entertaining to note subsidiary terms
and phrases which have ceased to be in
common use, ecclesiastical or other, or
have varied in Specification or construc-
ton. l will give, without classification,
few specimens taken almost at random
from these records.
At the outset of its independent organ
ization, this Presbytery was much con-
cerned about the work, as we now call it,
OF supporting the gospel in vacant church
es. This on the earlier Minutes, is styled
Supporting the dispenSation of the word
and ordinances in vacant societies." This
use of the word daspenSotaon is a little
archaic, but why call vacant churches
vacant societies.? AS in another Minute,
"The Committee Of Visitation to Mossy
and Cooks Greeks churches report that
these societies did, &c." and so in many
other instances
Was it an unconscious perpetuation as
late as l786 of the badge of their infe-
rior legal status in Colonial times? And
was it for like reason that they style
many of their church buildings maeetanG-
houses? The influence of their times,
though in reverse direction, accounts
for the occasional use of the word cIerq1-
man. | do not know whether the word
parochaat is to be referred to the same
source, or whether it came out of the
mother church of Scotland. I take it
for granted that the kirk gave us suppl
cation in the sense of request or petition
as, "Supp5icatiomS for supplies were
received from the following churches"
Inform takes the place of our report.
Rev. Mr.. Scott informs that the church
es under his care have agreed" "Rev
Mr.. Scott informs that he has agreed to
serve as stated supply"
Deferred is used for our postponed.
The consideration of this subject is de-
ferred"
"Rev. B. Erwin is liberated from his
charge of Cook and Messy Creeks church
es."
"Mr. Wilson is appointed Register of
this Presbytery."
Adjourned meetings are styled Inter-
mediate meetings, and tinaeo,bs notice is
to be given when necessary.
These, and other like words may be
merely archaisms or inaccuracies, but we
are sure we are listening to the old time
divines when young Mr.. Alexander "in-
forms Presbytery that he has not sufficient
cleaq7'esS to accept the calls put into his
hands"
Bodily exercises is phrase which can
not End place on our records, and Pre-
paration Sabbath has dropped out along
with the solemnity it indicates. The
word fasting is almost in like condition;
A call to minister is " to take pastoral
charge of them better than our phrase
for pastoral services.
The following Minute, besides using
requisition and voluntary in an uncom-
mon Specification, sheds light upon the
fidelity Of the Presbytery in enforcing
pecuniary obligations.
Mr.. Hoge reports that the church at
Thinking Spring have not complied with
a former requiS5tion Of Presbytery to dis
charge by voluntary contribution certain
arrearages due'to the estate Of Rev. Jno'
Craig, their former pastor"
The dexterity with which Presbytery
avoids censuring what however it is not
prepared to approve is shown in the ME-,
] ute below r. aunears that Mr. Graham