Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-09-11
Proceedings of Lexington Presnytery
Reported for the spectator.

ington Presbytery were held in the pleasant
and very hospitable village of Fairfield, Rock
bridge county, Va.
Rev. ]. A. Preston preached the opening SER
mon from Matthew XXVIII:20-"So, am with
you Away, even unto the end OF the world."-
This wonderful word of Jesus was considered
in a very pleasant and edifying manner by
this esteemed young preacher. All true sue
cess in gospel work. depends on the presence OF
the Redeemer All believing and prayerful
persons will find the promise true in life. and
at the solemn departure hence to be no more
in scenes Cd earth. Rev. A. Sprunt was chosen
Moderator by reclamation. and Rev. F. J.
Brooke and Captain T. c. Morton. Temporary
clerks. Rev. James Smith, of Leesburg, Va.
was invited to sit as corresponding member
The Rev. D. H. Bishop, NJ. E, Church South,
was introduced as visiting brother.
Rev. f. H. Gaines reported on the Presbyter-
ial Manual. After patient review, the Man.
ual was adopted, and one thousand copies di-
rected to be printed. An important and very
useful publication.
Rev. w. e. Baker of the First Presbyterian
church of Staunton, preached a sermon OF I'M
common power on ministerial Support on
Wednesday evening. Even so has God or
dained that they who preach the gospel should
live of the gosrel." 1t was very convincing
presentation OF the duty of christian people to
give ample and hearty support to the minis
try. The preacher regarded this essential to
the existence and efficiency of the church.
Rev. DIR. Houston, Missionary to China, ad-
dressed the Presbytery, Thursday in very
impressive manner. Many of the incidents
detailed were very interesting 1t appears
from his statements that the folklore and po-
that prepare the way for receiving the gospel
doctrines OF reward for virtue. retribution for
vice, and vicarious suffering. A spontaneous
offering was made amounting to s4475 Among
the gifts was a nice gold pencil which was all
an aged lady had 10 present. The history o.
that golden relic is touchingly pathetic show
ing that the name of Jesus is still the sweetest
name to some humble heart.
Mr.. VIM. N. Alexander of Beaumont, Texas
and Frank McCue, OF Mt. Horeb church. were
received as candidates for the ministry.
Rev. Geo. Wolfe Presbytery Lake Superior
Rev. DR.. T. L. Preston, of Richmond and j
H. McCown, OF Greenbrier Preshytery, were
invited to seats as corresponding members.
Rev. Mr.. Murray presented an elaborate re-
port on minutes of General Assembly, en-
bracing a number of important matters per
tanning to church poliiy which were judicious-
ly disposed of By reference to able committees
COMMISSIONERS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Revs. D. G. Irwin and A. II. Hamilton, Prin-
cipals, with Rev. DR.. Bowman and A. Sprunt
Alternates, were nominated for the next Gen.
eral Assembly. Vicksburg. Mississippi, May
1854. The Elders were, Capt. T. c. Morton and
c. J. Bell, Principals, with Prot. J. ]. White
and Gen. r. D. LilIey, Alternates.
DR.. CRAIGs ADDRESS.
Rev. DIR. Craig Secretary Of Home Missions
gave clear and effective address on Friday,
explaining the various causes represented by
him. He is fully alive to the passing needs o.
the period in reference to sustentation, evan
gelistic work, church extension, and invalid
fund. Never Las there been a more pressing
demand for earnest effort to conserve and ad-
vance the influence of the Southern Presby-
terrain Church.
REV. Mr.. BRYAN's WORK.
The widely-extended and important charge
occupied the past five years by Rev.'Mr. Bryan
in Randolph, w. Va. was divided. Presbytery
recommended that he should occupy the Hut
louisville division, thereupon amended calls
from Tygarts Valley and Mingo churches were
received by him. and Beverly church cited to q
special meeting at Philippe to answer whether
the pastoral relation between them and Mr.
Bryan should close or not.
CALLS, &C.
a call from Philippa church was extended to
Rev. Mr.. Vandeventer, and accepted by him.
Union church at the request of Mr.. Thos.
Eogshead, obtained permission to retain the
ministerial services of Rev. Mr.. futile until
next meeting of Presbytery.
Presbytery declined to dissolve the relation
ID
Rev. R. G. Walker submitted an interesting
report on Home Missions, showing gratifying
progress.
Rev. Mr.. Murray read an extended report on
Ministerial Education.= The report recon
mends some special provision to employ the
candidates during the vacation of four months
in mission services in towns ami cities as well
as the country.
Rev. Mr.. Baker submitted an admirable
scheme of sustentatlon; which ill be of ines
Unable service to the efficiency OF the minis
try.
Brother Jones, Pastor of Fairfield, and his
people, endeared themselves to the brethren
in their happy efforts to maxi all feel at home
Everywhere good words will be heard about
the kindness received, and the pleasant season
of social and Presbyteral intercourse. The
prospects of expansion and usefulness for the
churches under Brother Jones's care were
never more encouraging than at present. The
two Railroads pass through the limits of these
churches, and immense enterprises are in con-
temptation, which promise to increase tbs pop
ulatiOn very materially.
Yours, as ever,
s @. RIBBLEK.