The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-18

IN Address 20 Them trom the baplis'
Past,rs' Conference.

The Religious Herald pnhi.shes tne '0'-
lowing this week:
Richmond, Va, oct. j. l''''
To the Baptlsts OF Virginia.
DERRY Beloved Brethren,-At n meeting
~ me BAPTIST Pastors Conference o.
Richmond held this day, We were ap-
uofafed a committee 10 communicate WIN
You I'm reference 10 the meeting Oh the
Rapfist General Association OK virginia
witch * TO assemble in the Grace-Stieel
Rantist tabernacle on Friday evening,
November T.. 1876. There are matters OF
tho deepest interest 10 our Master cause
10 which We would ask the liberty OF
calling your earnest attention.
1. The Baptist pastors Of Richmond ana
Manchester are profoundly convinced that
The approaching meeting Of our Virginia
brethren ought 20 be great great III num-
heraauG H. the character OF It's repre-
sentatlyes. ~ is TO be lamented that lor
wears We have not had great gathering
of our state meeting. While We nave Az
"a these latter years delshttul Sessions,
IL has been noticed that many Of Cur
pastors have been absent, ana 0".y
comparatively few churches have pc Il
oo+,,aliv represented. Ii seems TO the
brethren whom we represent In this aD-
neal that il is Of the utmost importance
that we should seek earnestly 10 secure
the attendance OF at least one delestle
from each church I'm the State. We I'VE
I'm times OF unwonted depression. ana We
feel that we need 10 come I'm living con-
tact with every church through one or
more OF its most progressive men, ana
this with view OF infusing new hope
and life into the hearts Of our brethren.
We do. therefore. urge upon the churches
that they proceed promptly 70 ind suit
able representatives 20 sit with their
brethren in the November meeting.
.. While we are keenly alive TO the
necessity Of securing a full delegation,
we are equally solicitous "a 10 the charac-
ter Of the men who are 10 compose ms
meeting. We beg the churches that
they win send their choicest men. II
has become a reproach TO us as a denofni-
nation that we are so ready 10 appoint
men 10 our annual gatherings who really
have no sense Of the Significance and re-
sponsibility of their commission. In not
a few cases, men avail themselves OF
the cheap rates and the FREQ entertain
ment only that they may attend
TO their private business. or that
they NAV indulge in Sightseeing
or social pleasure. IL Is not an uncom-
mon thing for our associatlonal meetings
to be in session while Il majority OF i;s
members are out Of the house and ap-
parently Indifferent TO the objects which
they were appointed TO consider. Let not
this be so this time. Give US a better
class OF delegates. Send men who VIII
accept their appointment as sacred
trust. and will discharge thei- duties az
those who must give account. Wfsp The
delegates are appointed let them under
stand that they are 10 come at the be-
ginning OF the meeting. stay faithful
during it's sessions. and no. leave until
the work Is finished Then We will hold
one meeting, at least. In when the Lords
work will be transacted IN business
like way. This we owe TO our Lord, and
We ask for II In His name.
3. 1t Is the purpose Of the Richmond
pastors. TO the extent OF their ability
and influence. to see that the November
meeting shall be one OF the richest and
most powerful in the history OF that
body. They will give their best atfen-
ton to the arrangements for the meet