The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-10-29
VOL. 2O---NO. IS.

Assemble; ITO had contributed fto-all
and rs to 6, &c. Winchester Presbvte.
ry reported no non-contributing church
es; all had contributed to some of the OBJ
lects. Greenbrier and Montgomery are
mentioned as making the most earnest
and successful efforts in the department
of Systematic Beni6cence; but all the
Presbyteries are endeavoring to secure
contributions from all their churches.
The aggregate of contributions to the
seven causes for the year was in round
number $62, 900, an increase of f$8 OOOover
the previous year. The committee re-
commended that the Presbyteries send
down to the churches separate blank
forms for reports on Systematic Benif-
cence, with the question appended asking
for reasons of failure to take up any Of
the collections; and this recommendation
was adopted.
The Records of PreS5yter1e8.-The re-
ports on records were singularly free
from exceptions. By refusal to sustain
an exception Synod established the usage
generally prevailing by which Presbyte-
ries send up to Synod the same Narrative
that is sent to the General Assembly. In
support of this action it was argued that
the difference Of time of the meetings of
Presbyteries in the fall and of SYNOD
yearly, made it impossible to fix Syn-
odical year; Synod has heretofore re-
ceived from a number OF Presbvteries
these Narratives; and by its own rule,
the reports on Sabbath Schools, system.
attic Benifcence, and Home Missions are
made up to April L. By sustaining two
other exceptions Synod decided that the
enrolment of ruling elder as Mr.
without affixing his official title, or the
church which he represents, is not sufi-
Gent; and that failure to mention
whether tardy member is excused is
irregular
Edwcatlon.-A resolution in response
to DR.. Richardson's address expressed
the sympathy of Synod in this cause, and
warmly commended it to the churches.
Sabbath Schools.-The committee pre-
sented aggregates from each of the Pres
byteries, and the following as the totals.
Rolls: teachers, 1867; scholars, 19 293.
Average attendance: teachers, 2,ll7;
scholars, 1905 Admitted to the com.
munion, AIS. Contributions for the
schools, Sc. .450, for other purposes, $4,-
0S2. The schools are generally under
the control Of Sessions; in about one half
the pastors preach to the schools; the
Catechism is taught in nearly all; the
circulation OF the Earnest Worker and
Chs(dren'S Friend is increasing; Jacobus
and Ramsey's questions are used by some
schools, and Cook publications are found
in some. Twenty five schools report spe-
cial interest. Seven have contributed to
all the seven objects of Systematic Benef-
lcence, and about one half to Home and
Foreign Missions. East Hanover reports
TWO colored schools, Lexington one, Mont
gomery one, and very few report COL
ored classes.
Rev. DR.. Wno Byo,U1l. The committee
appointed to respond to DR.. Browns let
ter presented paper expressing the pro-
found sympathy of Synod, and It's fervent
prayer for the restoration of his sight
Home Missions. report present
ed last night was the last subject that oc-
cupied the attention of Synod to-day, the
subject was discussed at length, and then
the report OF the permanent committee,
which gives vast amount of useful in
formation touching this work was ap-
proved. The resolutions recommended
by the committee were adopted, and are
IN substance as follows:
lst. Presbyteries are enoined to set apart a
sessioa of one day at every spring meeting for
the special consideration of Home Missions.
ID Presbyterles are urged to require every
church to contribute to this cause. or g1ve sat-
isfactory reason for not doing 20.
Sd. 1t IS urged upon Presbyteries to take all
possible measures to make all their churches
selt-sustaining and to allow 10 minister to leave
their bounds for want Of support.
4th The day on which the collection is taken
up for Education, as well as the fourth Thurs
day in February, shall be a day of special PRAYER
to the Lord Of the harvest that he will send
forth laborers into mis- harvest