Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-05-28

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Quarter Censesnisi-The Families Of De-
ceased Miulsssrs-Rspsrt OF the Standing
Committee on Home Misziens.

cuartsr Cenfesnini-The Families OF De-
ceased Minis,srs-Rspsr OF the standing
COMMITTEES on Home Missions.
Especial telegram 10 the Dispatch.l
HousToN, Tex, May 27.--The COM
ml,tce on the quarter-centennial services
at the next Assembly reported. and the Of
hcen OF the first Assembly-Dr u. NJ.
Palmer, moderator: DIR. J. n. Wadden,
stated clerk, and Or. ]. X. Wilson, perrna-
nent clerk-were requested to make al
dresses on the occasion, and the committee
was continued cd interim 10 mature pans.
The directory for worship, after consiaers-
bic discussion Of the motion, was sent Gown
20 the presbyieries for further criticisms.
As recommended by the committee APP
pointed by previous Assembly, the scneme
proposed by DR.. W. w. Murray 10 provide
fund for the families Of deceased ministers
was taken up and discussed. The resolu-
lions were proposed and advocated by many
members commencing the scheme 10 the
Church and providing for Us inaugufsuon'
but finally The whole subject was taDleu.
The defeat was no doubt due TO the fact
that the scheme was not sufficiently ma
tured TO meet the views OF some members,
and they were unwilling TO give further
time 10 It's consideration. The Asse mbly
IN looking 10 the end OF It's sessions.
The report OF the standing Committee on
Home Missions was presented by the chair
man. Rev. H. s. McMurray, and the follow
ing recommendations adopted: The re-
quest OF st. Johns Presbytery 20 remove tne
committee TO Atlanta was declined. IN re-
sponse TO "A request from the same presby-
tprv. the committee was authorized NJ us
discretion to lend money TO feeble chufches
10 aid in erecting buildings; the money 70
be returned by instruments within nye
wears. The committee was authorized TO
conduct evaBgellstic work among the coll
ored people, subject to certain restrictions
by the presbyteries within whose BOUNDS
the work IL done.
The Assembly commended the work
among seamen at New Orleans and Charles-
ion, aud suggests that similar work be done
in ali our sea ports. The discussions OF these
important points consumed much oil the
days session. ,.
kn overture from Winchester Presbytery
asking that constitutional provision be
made by which presbytery cOuIu exercise
discipline over church-members Wnen IL IL
impTactic lea BILE for the session 10 act, was re-
ferred by the last Assembly toa committee,
but reported TO the present Assembly that
they deemed our rules as they stand SUM-
Client for the end contemplated.
I'm The discussion which followed the seve-
raj sections OF the Book OF Church order
giving the needed authority were pointed
ont and satisfied some OF the best Judges OF
ecclcstastical law, but by large majority
the Assembly determined 10 send down 10
the prcsbyteries for their sanction several
OF original Jurisdiction In the discipline OF
elders or private members under certain
circumstances.
The narratives from the presbyteries hay
Ing revealed deplOrable neglect OF family
worshtp and catechetical instruction in
families II was ordered that all our minis
ters preach in October or soon as practicable
one or more sermons on family worship
and one or more on parental obligation. The
Assembly Joined In special prayer In thls
connection led by the Rev. DR.. Thompson.
IL was further ordered that this action be
read from all our pulpits.
The popular meeting appointed for to-
night in the interest Of sabbath schools and
SABBATH observance was dispensed with, and
the Assembly resolved to proceed with It's
business.
ON the amendment to the Confession OF
Faith, emitting the provision forbidding
the marrying OF n deceased wifes sister,
forty.eight presbyteries reported concur
ring. seven not concurring. and fourteen
sent no reply.
To pass the amendment the concurrence
of 81, three fourths Of the whole, Is neces-
sary. The subject was postponed until the
next Assembly. that answers might he re-
ceiVed from the other fourteen presby-
teries
The Committee on Bills and Overtures re-
ported on the papers pertaining 10 the pow
ers OF the evangelist in the foreign field.
proposing substantially the amendment to
The ION offered by the minority OF
The al interim committee. DIR. Peek and Mr.
McIinn.
The majority report. signed by DIS. bosgs'
Ipfevle and Kerr, was of cred as substi-
iute. The former would give single mis-
siOnary power through his presbytery 10
ordain native ministers. The latter gives
the missionaries jointly this power through
the General Assembly.
Dr. Witherspoon advocated the measure
his committee-that on Bills and over
tures-TepOrted.
Rev. W. a. Campbell spoke in favor OF
the substitute, and Judge Breek on the
other side.
speeches were then limited TO five min
utes and "A number of members spoke.
Dr. Houston, the secretary OF foreign
missions, and Mr.. Graybill, missionary for
Mexico, advocated the substitute.
After full discussion the substitute was
lost by vote Of 35 TO 62, and the original
motion adopted.