The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-05-23

critics be true the Bible is true only in part; it
is an admixture of error; it is not God breathed;
1t is not the best book it is worthless as an in
falible rule of faith and practice What of neces-
SHY, then, is the effect of this criticism upon the
preacher? How his confidence remain I'M
shaken? Preachers should be- of all men men of
the deepest conviction 1t is notable fact that the
great men of our day who have been honored of
God in leading multitudes into his kingdom have
held most firmly by the views of the Bible which
nave been handed down to us. There is a positive
ness and an JUNCTION about their preaching which
we should earnestly covet among the best gifts
What is the effect of such criticism upon the
people? 1t is agreed that age is becoming
more and more materialistic Reports of the sDe-
clal manifestation of the Spirits work come from
but few of our churches. The spiritual experience
of those Joining our communions is generally SUI
perfcia. The number of candidates for the Gospel
ministry is inadequate and is there not a mani
fest lowering of reverence the part of the peo-
pie for the Bible and it's teachings? Is not the cry
going up everywhere, throughout the Church RE
store unto me the joy of thy salvation" AS the
bride of our absent Lord sits weeping beside his
unattended garden, we hear The plantive prayer,
Saviour visit thy plantation;
Grant u.s. Lord, gracious rain;
All will come to desolation,
Unless thou return again"
am not of those who believe the ark of God
will be taken; but 1 do very sadly fear the de-
stroying influence of this critical spirit upon the
ministry and upon the people shall not presume
to forecast the action of this Assembly upon any
question; but 1 do pray that The Holy Ghost may
deeply impress every with the paramount
Importance of these things L have been saying and
to-day by the affairs of ancestral faith we still
renew our vows of subscription to the Gospel of
our foTefathers being in every book and chap
ter and sentence and word the inspired oracles of
Cod ''the pillar and ground of truth"
Il charge thee, therefore, before God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and
the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach
the Word be instant in season, out of season; re-
prove, rebuke exhort with all long suffering and
doctrine. For the time will come when they will
not endure sound doctrine; but after their own
lusts will they heap to themselves teachers having
itching ears; and they shall turn away their
from the truth and shall be turned into
fables. But watch thou in all things, endure af-
hictions, do the work of evangelist make full
proof of thy ministry"
The exercises attending the opening sermon hay
ing been concluded the Moderator formally
sttuted the Assembly with prayer.
An enrolment of about 1870 members was made,
the permanent clerk having given official notice
of the enrolment of the Presbytery of Eel
Paso in the Synod of Texas.
For the election of Moderator the following
names were placed in nominations Hon. Allen G..
Hail. Of Nashville, Tenn, by Rev. G. w. Bull;
DR.. J. W. Bachman, of Chattanooga Tenn, by Dr.