The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03
For the Central Presbyterian.
Domestic Missions.

MeSSrS. EditOTS,-Iu this important
work there is sometimes waste of time
and material without apparent results.
We believe that one cause of failure is
the want of judicious appointments to
reasonable bounds OF individual labor
and scattering efforts over too much space
at any rate there is great difficulty with
our Presbyteries and committees in adapt
ing limited resources go as to accomplish
the best results. Under such circum.
stances it will be gratifying to the Church,
and especially to Roanoke Presbytery, to
learn that part of the field hitherto
undeveloped and unpromising is now be.
ginning to open up and exhibit the fruit
OF faithful evangelistic work. l allude
to region OF country between Chatham,
Pittsylvania county, and the border and
adjacent parts of Henry county This
section hitherto has had no Presbyteria
preaching other than occasional and rare
visits from transient ministers, except the
labors of Rev. William H. Matthews, who
resides at Chatham. He has for several
years, as evangelist, preached once
month, including, Cascade, at regular ap-
pointments. He not only travelled and
preached but visited and instructed fam.
lies, and became known and appreciated
by them. A man of feeble constitution
and not young man, venture to say
he has done an amount of horseback trav-
cling and. endured privations that would
dishearten and break down many
younger preacher. He had ignorance
and prejudice to contend with, and has
been faithful, laborious, and self-denying,
and at very small compensation and great
sacrifice. He has patiently, without com.
plant, labored in faith
How pleasant it is to recall the fact
that he sees now that his labor has not
been in vain, and that at two points in
this field there is near prospect Of build
ing two houses and organizing two Pres
byterian churches. At one place, about
eight or nine miles from Chatham, about
midway between that place and Henry.
the people, chiefly Baptists, are willing
to help to build and within few DAYS
past Mr.. Matthews baptized, by 8prink-
ling, three ladies in Baptist community
without jar or connection, although
novel sight there. He expects to re
ceive seveFal more into his church very
soon, and there are several members OF
the Presbyterian Church within reach,
so that very soon he can organize q
church there of twelve or fifteen mem
bers And at another point within this
field there is prospect OF having another
church organized But the people have
never been trained to give OF their sub.
stance, and help will be needed to build.
Ny object is mainly to present this
statement before the Church and Pres
bytery for consideration whether aid
from the Evangelistic Fund could be
more judioiously appropriated than in
giving aid to build church, and whether
Mr.. Matthews, who has labored faith
fully, with aid so light that it was no In
ducement to him, and whose usefulness
is now manifest, should not receive from
our Committee some adequate support, in
money, as evangelist It's certainly due
to him-one of the soundest theologians
and useful ministers in our Presbytery.
w. NJ. T.