The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-05-24

are engaged in strictly evangelistic labor
for their whole time, and Is only in part
The Incorporating presbyteries report
9 evangelsts, of whom are engaged for
only part of their time, so that the whole
number in the field during the year was
at least ga, which is 20 more than last
year.
This department of work was in very
hopeful condition at the time of the meet
ing of the last General Assembly and has
continued to grow in interest. The difficult
ty apprehended some years ago that suit
able men could not be obtained to fill this
position has not been realized. AS rap
idly as the means for their support have
been furnished, they have been found
ready to enter this arduous and self deny
ing service. And in many cases, their
labors have been richly blessed. 1t is
to be regretted that so large a proper
ton OF the Presbyterial chairmen were
unprepared to furnish statistical informa-
ton. Enough has, however, been gath
cred to show that God has rewarded the
labors of many of his servants, and to
awaken the hope that this right arm of
church extension will be yet more hon
ored in establishing the cause of truth
among our fellow countymen. Seven
teen Presbyteries report that 80 churches
have been organized through the labors
of their evangelists. In l9 Presbyteries,
6l5 members were received into full COM
munion with the Church in evangelistic
fields. In % Presbyteries, 128 destitute
points have been regularly supplied with
the Gospel. In IL Presbyteries, 10 Sab
bath schools have been organized through
the efforts of the evangelists. Nearly
all the Presbyteries report that the re-
suits Of evangelistic labor are satisfac-
tory, and some, that they are highly so.
With few exceptions they also state that
the Church is extending and strengthen
ing in their bounds. 1t will be seen that
this branch of work has increased largely
during the past.year, and the Presbyteries
are one after another entering upon it.
Four more Presbyteries employed evan
gelists last year than the year before and
several others have engaged in this work
since April LIST. In order that these
efforts may not be retarded, it will be
necessary for the fund to be greatly en-
larged. To sustain those already in the
field $4,000 will be needed, and in order
to meet the prospective enlargement
looked for, the fund ought to reach at
least $25,00O If this amount can be OBJ
tanned, it is believed that the general
work can be conducted to the satisfaction
of the Presbyteries and to the large up.
building of the Church. There are thir-
teen evangelists each laboring in the
Synods Of Texas and Virginia; four in
the two Presbyteries of the State of
Florida only one each in the Synods of
Arkansas and Alabama two in Georgia;
six in Memphis six in Mississippi; three
in Missouri FIVE in North Carolina, and
four i p South Carolina + will be seen
are needed in some parts of the Church.
Texas, Arkanas, Louisiana and Florida
constitute the great mission field of the
Church. The development of other parts
of our territory has, however, been un-
precedentedly rapid and their demands
are proportionately large. A wide door
for church extension is open all over the
land. Never, perhaps, in the history of
the country has there been call for more
earnest and devoted effort.