The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-05-27
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Late Meeting of Lexington
PreSbytery.

NheooIS. EuCGOTS, [AnOuS Gue plSdSluS
incidents that vary the monotony of a
country minister's life is the stated meet
ing of Presbytery. The spring meetings
are usually regarded as most appropriate
for special attention to Presbyterial in
terests.
The recent sessions of Lexington Pres
bytery at Union church, April 22d-25th,
were held under charming auspices
Everything combined to make the open
ing services pleasant and impressive
The morning was one of the most balmy
of the season, and readily recalled these
words as very appropriate
"Spring with that nameless pathos in the air
That dwells with all things fair
Spring with its golden suns and silver rain,
Is with us once again"
In the religious services conducted by
Moderator Laird, and Rev. A. H. Ham
il5on, DR.. Species matchless hymn was
sung:
Blest Jesus when thy cross I view,
That mystery to the angelic host,
I gaze with grief and rapture too,
And all my soul in wonder lost"
In this sJanza was the keynote OF the
sermon, "And l, if l be lifted up, will
draw all men unto me" John xii 80.
The sermon was above the average pull
pit efforts of our times for JUNCTION and
evangelical sentiment. 1t was assuring
to hear that the gospel of the kingdom
must and will prevail, to the unspeaka-
bic advantage of our unhappy world.
In reference to the work opening up
so largely before the Presbytery, while
to the ministry and eldership there has
been marked accession of young, ardent,
and energetic, men, there seems to be no
disposition, modify or readiust regula-
tions adopted fifty or more years ago,
and appropriate to long past exigencies.
Jealous young pastors, successful farmers,
teachers, physicians, and merchants were
there as representatives Of the churches,
but there were no spirited discussions,
nothing timely or practicable in the way
of effort to hold the position or reach the
multitudes now striving for livelihood,
property, and social standing on lines OF
endeavor so diversified from those in
which the fathers and mothers lived sew
enty-fve years ago. While it is true one
or two attempts were made by less prom
inent brethren to awaken more general
observance of family worship, and to
urge Sessions of vacant churches to as.
semble congregations and conduct SER
vices in the absence of supplies, which
resulted in resolutions reminding parents
and ruling elders of their important du-
ties, nevertheless, from the tenor of the
discussions and the little interest mani
tested, there will be very slow fastening
in the attempt to arouse our congrega-
tions lest there be something unconstitu-
tional in the methods to be employed to
accomplish the purpose in view. In any
thing but religion our people seem ready
to adopt exchanging principles to change
able circumstances. This may be done
some day~in promoting Presbytenanism,
but only after the slowest rate of hasten
ing, your correspondent sadly fears.
The only proceeding that savored Of
something rightly progressive, was the
review of the Seasonal records, so pro-
perly and satisfactorily done. The re-
cords were referred to one permanent
committee, with DIR. Preston, chairman.
In q well-written report, every book was
passed on in order. No trivial or cap
tious criticisms were made, but several
exceptions were noted where Sessions
had neglected duties or left important
proceedings unrecorded. In every case
of exception taken the Manual was cited
for authority. The report was fled,
and it can be referred to, and whatever
Presbytery did in reviewing the records
Of Sessions may be seen whenever called
for.
y The report on Home Missions is sug.
gestive Of strongly startling reflections