The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1889-03-20
For the Central Presbyterian.
Synodical Evangelism in the
Synod of Virginia.

cation Is prompted by suggestive and
timely article in late number of the
Central Presbyterian designed to enlist
the Synod OF Virginia in some general or
Synodical work of evangelism. l would
like to remind the author as well as those
interested in such enterprise that the Sy-
nod OF Virginia committed herself to this
work Just hundred years ago To the
honor of those broad, spirited, heroic
presbyters of 1888, though the churches
served were feeble and poor and scattered,
they resolved to make q bold effort to
win the grand young commonwealth for
the Presbyterian Church. The follow
ing was the scheme of Synodical evangel-
ism. ct was adopted in the autumn
after the first meeting of the Synod whose
centennial has recently been so happily
celebrated at New Providence church.)
ResolUed 1st. That we will take all proper
care to seek for men of knowledge integrity
and purity who may travel through our bounds
as missionaries to preach the gospel to catechise,
and instruct the youth and to discharge such
other parts of ministerial duty as they may be
authorized to perform.
I'd. That there shall be a committee of Synod
appointed consisting of four ministers and four
elders who shall be called the Commission of
Synod to receive the recommendations of such
men from the respective Presbyteries to exam
inc into their credentials and fitness for the dis
charge of such an Office and who shall give
them such directions and INSTRUCTIONS as the
exigencies of different places in their wisdom
may require, that they may meet annually, and
ottener If thought necessary; and that any two
ministers and as many elders of the commission
as shall be convened at the place appointed
shall have sufficient power to proceed to busi-
ness
Sd. That it be recommended to the different
PTesbyteries to raise such contributions as they
may be able in their respective bounds which
shall be put into general fund for the support
Of such missionaries.
4th. That there shall be a treasurer appoint
ed, &c.
Copied from the records of the Synod
of Virginia, by DR.. Foote, see Sketches of
Virginia, p. 525.
The following is the first Synodical
evangelistic commission or committee ap-
pointed to carry into effect the above re-
solutions: Revs. VIM. Graham and Arch.
bald Scott, and elders John Lyle and
John Wilson of Lexington Presbytery,
and Revs. John B. Smith and James
Mitchell, and elders Benjamin Rice and
Charles Allen of Hanover Presbytery
This commission began it's work with
great spirit and success, and its heralds
of gospel truth were sent from the shore
line to the Mississippi. It's work was,
however, crippled by resolution Of the
committee expressing the opinion that
the preachers should be "unordained
preachers" F'oote, as above, p. 526. In
this the venerable fathers not only handi.
l ponnoA fhoi,. L, ,horo~r b,,G ia . l. -
missionary work from the beginning
This resolution OF the commission fairly
deducible from the fret resolution of the
| Synod's paper whether considered as an
! exponent OF the sentiment OF the Church
regarding missionary laborers, or as Civ
ing character to the indispensable Office
OF the ltinerant missionary was exceed
ingl y unfortunate for the aggressivenes'
of the Church. However successful 6
missionary might be, and however anxi
GUS to continue in the great work o
evangehzing the destitute sections OF tn,
/ Synod, he would, under this resolution, bt
forced to resign if ne accepted ordination
and preference to the full work of tht
ministry. Yet even under these seriou
Disadvantages. a great work was done
As might have been expected under
such restraints, the commission sool
found difficulty in securing laborers, ant
after 1913 could rally none to the work
and in 1901. at it's own request, the com
mission was dissolved.
From this interesting piece Of histor
we may learn several instructive an,
profitable lessons.
(o) The enterprise and devotion of tn
young Synod of Virginia.
OBJ The present Synod has, besides
pressing demand in its destitute territor
and larger ability to prosecute sim
lar work, an historic precedent for
grand system Of Synodical evangelizatior
(c) Our present book Of Church Orde
obviates difficulty, perhaps fatal to tn
former plan in providing for the ordins
tion Of evangelists to execute this gres
work.
(d) The work was fully undertaken a
the autumn meeting Of Synod, 17S'
May not the venerable Synod in 186
celebrate a second centennial by insugt
, rating a work stimulated by sll the il
spring associations of the former meetin
, yet stripped Of the defects that largel
contributed to it's failure2 w. D. M.
70.