The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-12


ing, and in the following order:
l. The Rcv. Dr.. Mack, financial
agent Of the Columbia Seminary, made
a report OH its condition and prospects,
which was every way satisfactory.
He urged the speedy realization Of tho
$4,000 Presbytery proposed to raise at
its last meeting. Of which somo few
churches had paid their apportion-
mcnts in full, while q good many have
paid nothing at all as yet. Ho stated
and explained the plan Of the Board
of Trustees to raise In two years time
the permanent endowment Of each
chair to G40, 900, and gave q pledge
that tho Board would do it's utmost to
equip tho institution with tie ablest
men In the gift Of the church, provided
we would press our churches up to the
prompt payment Of their several ap-
portionments, and approve the Boards
proposal by authorizing it's financial
agent to raise at least $4,000 moro
within our bounds, by private solici-
tation, during the next two years. AS
Bethel Presbytely met first, no laid
great stress on her action, as practical
j. shaping the course Of the whole
Synod. With great unanimity and
thankfnlness to God for His unexpect-
ed mt relics, Presbytery responded,
granting all the Doctor requested.
2. The reports from the churches
under the new plan adopted last full
revealed the fact that with Gods bless
ing and with prudence and patience
on our part, we may Justly hope for
the largest and happicst results from
1t. Very much needs to be done to
put many Of our churches in q healthy
conditions; but this plan Of reports
seems eminently conducive to that re-
suit, and tho beginning " as every way
II hopeful one.
8. The reports Of standing and spc-
clal committees were presented rs
usual. That Of the committee on do
mcstic missions awakened great inter-
est, and elected warm debate, In vir-
tue of the Recommendation with which
1t closed. to wit, that "a minimum Of
ministerial support be assessed upon
each of the churches under our care,
for less than which amount Presbytcry
will not hereafter sanction the rela-
ton OF either pastor or stated supply"
The object proposed was to ascertain
as far as possible the pccuniary ability
ofeach of our churches, the weaker
ones particularly, and to fix cquitnbly
the least amount that can reasonably
be expected of them for the support
of the gospel within their own bounds;
which amount they may exceed by as
much as they please in order to obtain
any particular preacher, but less than
which amount Presbytcry will not al
low them to offer to any man for a
given proportion of his time. After
much warm but friendly discussion, it
became quite apparent that the recon-
mendation was misapprehcndcd by q
good many of the brethren, whereupon
it was recommitted to a special COM
mittee of three ministers and three
elders, charged to work up the whole
matter, and report at the next meet
ing OF Presbytcry, presenting at the
same time scheme Of assessments
such as the recommendation contem-
plates.
4. The Sessional records Of Bethes-
da Church gave occasion to warm
discussion respecting ruling elder
anu private member residing beyond
its bounds, whom this Session thought
best to except from a list Of thirty or
forty whom they transferred, rs the
book requires, to the churches within
whose bounds they now reside. Pres.
bytcry decided that it was for the in
terest OF religion and OF good follow
ship that they also should unite with
the churches within whose bounds
they reside; and by special resolution
the Sessions Of all our churches were
directed to give effect to the provis.
ions Of our Book Of Church Order,
and assume Jurisdiction over all men,
bers and officers residing for twelve
months unmistaknbly within their
bounds. notifying the Sessions con.
cerned Of their action. To remove all
doubt on this difficult matter, which
l'resbytery year ago declined at that
time to press, 1t was voted that a men,
Der should not be regarded as having
removed beyond the bounds of con-
grcgatiol, so long as he attended
habitually its ordinances Of public
worship.
s. On Monday night a profoundly
interesting meeting In the interest Of
Foreign Missions was held, al which
several addresses were made, and a
collection Of forty-one or forty-two
dollars was taken up.
6. According to notice given on
Saturday morning, the Rev. H. B.
Pratt introduced on Monday afternoon
the proposal Of all overture to the
General Assembly on the subject of
theological education, praying that
venerable body: First, TO urge upon
Prcsbyterics more careful examina-
tion Of all candidates for licensure az
to their thorough acquaintance with
the Bible Itself. Second, To urge upon
the boards Of directors of our semina-
rles the demand for a more copious,
thorough and direct study of the Book
they are to preach, on the part Of our
students, not only IN private, but in
the CLASSROOM. Third, That the AS
sembly lend Its sanction and approval
to the proposal that the English Bible,
old and new version, confronted with
and corrected upon the originals, in
all cases Of real or supposed error or
other serious difference Of opinion, be
substituted for the Hebrew and Greek
In the exegesis Of the Holy Scrip.
lures; and that young men Of recog.
nized natural and spiritual gifts be
admitted (subject to such limitations