Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-09-27
SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.
A GREAT SERMON on PREsByTE-
RIAN DOCTRINE.
Report of the Secretary of Educn-
tion-Narratiye OF the state of
Religion I'm the Church-forcign
Missions-Notes.
Correspondence Of the Dispatch
Nissions-Nofes,

LEWISBURG, ". Va. September 25.-
the Old Stone Church were concluded by
a sermon by Rev. G. Il. strckler, ID. d.,
Of the Union Theological Seminary at
HampdenSidney, Va, from !. Timothy,
w., l3-"Give attendance to doctrine"
This sermon was a remarkably strong,
clear presentation In a popular style OF
the distinctive doctrines of the Presby-
terrain church. The general opinion OF
those who heard It is that 1t was one OF
the ablest presentations Of the doctrines
Of Presbyterianism delivered before the
synod, and there is a feeling of thankful
ness that the church has such theo-
Logan in its seminary to lead its stu
dents in their studies OF theology.
The first thing of Importance this morn
ing was the hearing OF Rev. Il. NJ. Rich
ardson, -. D., secretary Of education,
who addressed the synod on the work
which is entrusted TO him. He said that
the charge had been made that much oil
she money Of the church had been lost by
being given to candidates for the minis
try who had proved themselves unworthy.
presbyteries that during the last ten
years very little had been lost in this
way.
Or. Richardson said there never was a
time when the church was better equip
ped with institutions OF learning. both
classical and theological. for the educa-
ton of her candidates. but he deplored
the fact that there was a falling of in
the number Of candidates for the minis
try, and he urged that prayer should be
made to the Lord OF the Harvest that lie
should send forth more laborers into the
harvest. He made an earnest appeal TO
the pastors 10 use their influence in lead
ing the attention OF young men TO The
Importance of entering the ministry.
He called attention TO the collection TO
be taken in November and reminded the
synod Of the importance Of giving earnest
support to the efforts TO raise the money
necessary for this work. The committee
only aids the young men who need aid
TO an amount not exceeding So Last
year 200 candidates were aided.
THE FIGURES.
The report of the synod's Committee on
Education shows that there are under the
care OF the presbyteries connected with
this synod thirty-nine candidates, a fall
ing off of four from the preceding year.
The contributions were $4,000, falling
off OF SlS42i from the preceding year
Tho synod recommends that the first
Sabbath of November be observed as a
day OF prayer for the youth in schools
and colleges.
Rev. j. Y. Fair, u. d., presented the
Narrative OF the state of Religion In the
Churches" This showed a good state OF
affairs In the churches generally.
One of the matters which awakened
more interest and discussion than almost
anything else was the report OF tho
| committee to whom had been referred the
matter OF a cheaper religion newspaper.
The most important feature of this re-
port was a proposition from the proprietor
/ Of the Central Presbyterian. This propo-
| sition is that II 1000 new subscribers can
be secured between this time and the LIST
| Of next January, the price of the paper
| to all subscribers will be reduced from
| $50 to $3.50. The synod approved OF this
! plan for securing a cheaper paper, and
recommended that the session of each
church appoint an agent TO make an ell
fort to secure new subscribers under these
! conditions.
The Committee on Foreign Missions pre-
! scented report, which was adopted. THIS
report commends the liberality Of some
parts of the church. bu, expresses regret
| that there is such apathy and lack OF IN
| terest in other parts Of the church In
this great and important work. The
! synod recommends that the first week In
| October be set apart as a week OF special
! prayer and self-sacrifice for the cause OF
| foreign missions.
SERMON BY DR.. FAIR.
Tonight Rev. J. y. Fair, ID. d., OF
| Richmond. preached sermon from the
text: PHILIPPIANS H.. "a name which Is
| above every name"
Very clearly and distinctly did Dr. FAR
show that. humanity speaking. Jesus, the
Man of Nazareth. could not have mace
| any impression upon the people or ms
own or any other age. His death would.