The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-10-25

number of candidates are not more than enough
to supply the loss by death, and yet many more
are needed to occupy destitute fields.
Rev R. R. Howison led the Synod in prayer
to the Lord of the harvest to send forth more
laborers.
A report was adopted expressing l. The pain
full anxiety of the Synod on account of the def
cheney of candidates. 2. That the deficiency is
chiefly due to failure of dedication by parents
and failure of officers and members to look for
Suitable young men. s. Recommending the
subject to churches and Presbyteries. 4. Re-
commencing the observance by the churches of
the fourth Thursday in February as day of
special prayer for the increase of candidates for
the ministry.
Bible Society.-The agent Of the society for
West Virginia, Rev. Walter R. Long, was in
vited to address the Synod; and the society and
its work earnestly commended
authority Of Presbyteries oUer Candidates.
The committee on Bills and Overtures in an
swer to the overture of Chesapeake Presbytery
on this subject made the following report, which
was adopted, viz:
The committee on Bills and Overtures would
reporton overture No. from Chesapeake Pres
bytery asking that this Synod shall reconsider
the action of the Synod of 1881 touching the
nature and extent of the authority of Presbyte-
ries over candidates for the ministry, and re
commend, 1st That the request for reconsider
alton be granted I'd. That in lieu of the ac
tion taken by Synod in 1881 the following res
olutions be adopted viz:
Resolved lst. The standards of the Church
do not specify at what period of education per
sons seeking the ministry are. required to mt
themselves under the care of Presbytery. but
this Synod would affectionately and earnestly
counsel such persons to put themselves under
the care of Presbytery as soon as possible.
I'd. That when persons seeking the ministry
do put themselves under the care of Presbvtery
1t should ordinarily be under that Presbytery to
which their church beloLgs, and they hereby
become candidates for the ministry
Sd. That candidates are subject to the au
thorlty OF Presbytery in all matters pertaining
TO their education and training for the ministry
such as time, place, teachers, and course of stu.
dy IN the matter of exercising their gifts, and
IN those of removal and dismissal from Presby-
terry:
4th. That Presbyteries are enioined TO exer-
else their authority over candidates with firm
ness and discretion"
Home NlsSions.-At the request of the AS
semblys Secretary Rev. DR.. MeIlwaine who
could not be present, this cause was presented
by DIR. a. c. Hopkins He stated that the com
mlttee propose to raise in the whole Church for
the objects of Home Missions 100000 next
year; I. C., $65o0O for Sustentaton, and S35.-
600 for Evangelization. Last year the Synod
OF Virginia gave through the ASscDJZy's Com
"1ttee for these objects, ST., 500; this year the
committee asks for $4,000; or $15, 900 for Sus
tentation and $4,000 for Evangelization. The
need OF this and much more was shown from
the facts l. That $50 home missionaries or
eyangelists are aided from this fund; 3. We
nave 400 churches vacant that need aid 8
mere are 100 churches needing houses of wor.
snip m which they cannot build without help; 4.
Inc work among the colored people languishes
Tor want of better support
DIR. Hopkins was followed by Rev. J. P.
Smith, DR.. c. H. Read and DR.. Pryor. and
Synod favored the proposal to raise the amount
named for this great work.
Forelgn NissionS.-The interests of this
subject were represented in Synod by DIR. A.
w. Pitzer' Of Washington city He stated that
thls work was one of almost boundless extent
embracing the world, and of the very first i'm
Portance to the kingdom of Christ. In this
great work our Church has engaged in all
about lO4 active laborers. The committee will
need for its prosecution next year 100000.
Nert Neet,Hg.- Charlottesville. Va. was
chosen as the place for next meeting, and the
time fixed for Tuesday, October Both, 1883. at
u PM
Union Theological Seminary Report of the
trustees to Synod was read, showing that the
financial condition Of the institution was never
better. There were 45 students last session
and there are 55 this session. The Synod ex
pressed gratitude to the great Head OF the
Church for his favors to this institution for the
fact that there has been this year considera-
bic increase in the number Of students.
The Synod suggests to the Trustees Of the Semi
nary the Iropriety Of providing an assistant in
structor in the institution.
Rev. c. II. Read, D. D. Rev. Alexander
Martin, D. D., and Ruling Elder Judge F. N. |
Watkins, whose term Of Office expires as trustees.
were appointed for the next four years.
Systematic BeneUolcnce.-The report of the
committee showed the percentage Of churches
contributing to six objects, was from so per cent
to 50 per cent in the different Presbyteries
Winchester shows the highest per cent 1857 and
Maryland next (78) The amount Of contri-
buttons has increased in seven Presbyteries and
IS less IN two but the total amounts shows a de.
srooan Grocpl-fo- -1.-t 49, -.---t