The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-11-01

original design, however, as is we'll
known, was prayer to God for the con-
version of the heather world. There
was special occasion for its appointment"
If this writer is right, the General AS
sembly is wrong. IT. on the other hand,
he is mistaken, the cause Of truth and
the best interests of Missions are imper-
riled until correction is made. 1t is,
therefore, important that the Church
shall have the clearest historical demon
stration of the rectitude of the General
Assemblys position, in order that its in
junction may have full force Fortunate
ly, in order to give this proof, it will be
necessary only to quote few paragraphs
from authoritative, and easily accessible,
documents. The first to which we refer
is little work on "The Monthly Concert
of Prayer" the author of which is Rev.
Samuel Miller, D. D., of Princeton, and
which is published by the Presbyterian
Board of Publication, Philadelphia. 1t
is an admirable presentation of the sub
iect, and a perusal of it will greatly
benefit brethren who wish to have their
minds enlightened, and their zeal quick
ened. 1t is thoroughly sound and in
structive: and presents the true theory
of Missions, and ought to be widely cir
culated. On page 13, DR.. Miller says ::
"This plan Of stated union in prayer for
the revival of religion, and for the spread
of the Gospel, was commenced in Scot
land, almost exactly one hundred years
ago.
In the month of October, l744, a
number of ministers in Scotland, taking
into consideration the state of Gods
Church, and of the world of mankind,
: did Judge that the providence of God,
at such day, loudly called such as were
concerned for the welfare of Zion to
united and extraordinary suppications
to the God of all grace, suitably acknowl-
edging him as the fountain OF all spiritual
benefits and blessings in his Church; and
earnestly beseeching him that he would
appear in his glory and favor Zion, and
manifest his compassion to the world of
mankind by an abundant effusion of his
Holy Spirit on all the Churches; that he
would revive true religion in all parts of
Christendom that he would bless all ma
tions with the light of the Gospel, and
fill the whole earth with his glory"
On page SO, DR.. Miller says: "Many
seem to be under the impression that the
principal, if not the exclusive object of
the monthly concert is to pray for the
spread of the Gospel among the heather;
that the revival of religion among our
churches at home, and the extension and
success OF domestic missions, though con-
fessedly of the highest Importance, are
not intended to be made prominent OBJ
Jects in these monthly exercises. This
is an unhappy mistake. Everything per-
tanning to the spread Of the Gospel in its
purity and power both at home and
abroad the success Of this precious mes
sage of mercy where it is already pro-
claimed, and its speedy and efectual
diffusion where it is not; and, in one
word, imploring the divine blessing upon
every effort for bringing our own land,
and all other lands, into subsection to
the spirit Of Christ-are all appropriate
to this season of prayer, and all, evident
ly, entered into the plan of those who
originally proposed it,
So, all through his book, Dr. Miller
argues in behalf of Missions in the most
comprehensive sense and pleads for the
Monthly Concert with fervor, perhaps
iiOfC4 'OACCllCui 90 du luSblJuJlOu essential
to the interests of the work at home, as
well as abroad.
We beg, also, to refer to Assembly de-
iverances on this subject, in Baird's Di-
gest, pages 179-180 which seem to sus-
tain the scriptural view presented by DR..
Miller.
As to the position of our own Church
on this subject, besides the action of the
last General Assembly quoted above, we
need refer only to the following from the
report of the Standing Committee on Sys-
tematic Benefcence to the General As
sembly in 1872 (when the present Secre-
tary Of Foreign Missions was also sole
Secretary Of Sustentation). "In. answer
to the memorial presented to the Assem-
bly, by the Secretary Of Foreign Missions
and Sustentation; recommend the adop-
tion by the Assembly Of the suggestions
contained, to-wit:
Z" l. That the collections for the evanee-
listic work, ETC., etc.
2. THAT the collections made in con-
nection with the monthly concert of pray.
er, on the alternate months g. g., on the
first Sabbath in February, April, June.
August, October and December) be de-
voted to Foreign Missions" 1t is not spe-
cifcally stated what is to be done with
the funds taken up in the other months.
viz, January, March, May, July, Septem-
i