The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-10
THE CENTRAL
ON PREACHING
Says Ministers Should Stick to
the Gospel Items from the
Religious Field.

In discussing the function and mission
OF the Christian ministry, the Central
Presbyterian this week makes some In
teresting expressions having bearing
upon certain recent local happenings.
The Central Presbyterian says in part:
Tho law and Gospel which we are
set to preach touch all human life. and
it is the preachers part to press them
home upon the reason and conscience and
hearts of all men. that they may change
character. and thereby change society.
But the Christian minister is not sent
to be the. keeper OF the city. nor re-
former of social life. nor "a judge and
a. divider over YOU. any more than was
Jesus OF Nazareth. a few minister's
have been statesmen and reformers and
leaders In the intellectual and moral pro-
gress of the Commonwealth, but that was
calling aside from the minister of the
word. 1t was something they might
Go well for the world. but not In the pull
pit. or in the sanctuary. and the APP
pointed ministrations of Gods truth and
grace for the spiritual quickening and up
building of men.
ave believe that the weakness OF a
large part of the American pulpit to-
day is that. departing from its divine
commission. it has occupied itself with
preaching social reforms. That was
the trouble in the North when the un-
happy war between the sections came
on, and it had much to do with bringing
on the long and costly struggle. The
pulpit resounded with denunciations OF
slavery Of the South and the echoes OF
that noise are yet heard in many north
ern churches. Now. it is preaching on
specific evils and plans for the reforma-
ton of communities, and societies ara
in vogue all over the land to persuade
the pulpit to preach on anything else
than the Word, which is able to save
mems souls"
The Rev John II. Williams. OF last ses-
sio1l's class at Union Theological Semi
nary at this place. YEAS oraaltIed Il sElos
while ago and installed pastor OF the
First Presbyterian Church at Ada, In
diana.
The service Of ordinat ton was held in
the Methodist Church. which had been
loaned for the OCCASION and which was
crowded with Interested spectators.
The Rev. w. r Dickey presided
preached the sermon. put the con-
stitutionat questions and charged tie
pastor. The Rev c. J. Ralston charged
the people and the Rev. Henry Wilson,
Choctaw Indian. offered the ordinations
prayer in his own language.
The congregation purposes the erec-
ton of a church building next month.
The friends here Of the Rev. Kendall
Keegan the young Catholic prist, who
was ordained in this city a short while
ago will be glad to learn of his Inn
proved health.
Father Keegan, though intended for
the Virginia diocese. was forced to go
to Texas on account of his health. He
took up work at Austin and writes that
the climate there agrees with him won.
derfuIEy. FIe is much improved and
hopes in time to entirely regain his
health.
The Baptists of the State are making
a great struggle to raise SlC9.G0 by the
meeting o. the General Association next
month. Up TO October 9Th the receipts
of the treasurer amounted to s71.57s6.os.
Receipts at the corresponding date in 1871
were s65, 9S292 The total receipts during
the last association year were s92.IQo1 ~
The Southern Churchman OF this week
prints an interesting letter from Iyo
Araki. the japanese girl who spent
wear at the Old Dominion Hospital. in
thjs city She is now back in Japan and
IS at work with DR.. Teusler. in st.
Luke's Hospital. Tokyo.
Mr. w Fl. Sadler. business manager
If the Religious Herald. has returned
% the city after a visit to New York
ind other points north.
The Rev. j. T. Belts. a native OF Vir-
;inia, who has been for some time pastor
It Tallahassee. has resigned He is ne
PRESENT in Richmond. staying with
riends.
DR.. w W. Moore. Union Theological
Seminary. writes from London that his
health has much improved and that all
lis party are we'll.