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lewis m:. grist, proprietor, j % Jjitbtjpbent Jfamiln fftfosjiaper: /or lljc promotion of tjje political, Social, Agricultural anb Commercial Interests of % fSontl). |terms--$2.50 a year, in advance. VOL. 29. YOBKVILLE, S. C., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1883. YO. 44. " 1 i! " r*in. ,./%!! i ^nntinorl nnnraptu ill tllivl Sitntinil IS fltlO hIIndfPll fclcdcd fflfttg. THE WITHERING LEAVES. - ? BY T. BUCHANAN READ. The Summer is gone, and the Autumn is here, And the flowers ace strewing their earthly bier; A dreary mist o'er the woodland swims, While rattle the nuts from the windy Jimbs ; From bough to bough the squirrels run, At the noise of the hunter's echoing gun, And the partridge flees where my footstep heaves The rustling of the withering leaves. The flocks pursue their Southern flightSome all the day, and someall the night; And up from the wooded marshes come The sound of the pheasant's feathered drum. On the highest bough, the mourner crow Sits in his funeral suit of woe; All nature mourns, and my spirit grieves At the noise ot my feet in'the withering leaves. Oh! I sigh for the days that have passed away, When my life, liketheyear, had its season of May; When the world was all sunshine and beauty and truth, And the dew bathed my feet in the valley of youth! Then my heart felt its wings, and no bird of the sky Sang over the flowers more joyous than 1; But youth is a fable, and beauty deceives; * "" Wctonaawiinnil in thn witherintr loaves. A' U1 mv 1VV/VOW^uuiv?vwv... ?, w And I sigh for the time when the reapers, at morn, Came down from the hill at the sound of the horn ; Or when dragging the rake, I followed them out, While they tossed the sheaves with their laughter about; Through the field with boy daring, barefooted I ran ; But the stubble foreshowed the path of the man. Now the uplands of life lie all barren of sheaves. While my footsteps are loud in the withering leaves. mf t<rn? idler. A SUMMER ROMANCE. > "St. Philip's Street!" A lonely little station, quite in the woods it seemed to the curious travelers looking out as the train slowed up. A pretty girl stepped to the platform, and a man, holding a book still open, followed her. These were the only passengers for St. Philip's ; the whistle shrieked, and the next moment the train was thundering away beyond recall. This was the thought flashing on the man who stood yet on the platform staring after; though whether he would have recalled it, if he could, was a question with him even then. A bit dazed, he turned and stared at the opposite mountain, at the houseless country all around ; then slowly he stepped oyer the track into the one grassgrown road round which the girl had disappeared. He thought to close his book, and, with a smile which broadened almost to a laugh, he walked on down the lonely road. Whither would it lead him ? in what sort of a place was he doomed, at least, to spend the night ? For he had never before stopped at St. Philip's ; he had, in fact, never dreamed to stop tnere now, or ever ; till that last little moment when he left the train so suddenly he had not time even to close his magazine. He walked on still smilingly. It did not matter any way. True, he was bound for a place far distant, and his luggage had gone ahead ; but he could follow on the morrow. What mattered one night, even though he must camp out in the wilderness? And perhaps beyond lie would find some very attractive spot where he would prefer to pass his vacation; a trifle would bring the luggage back, and so? He strove to argue down the odd circumstance of his stopping at St. Philip's; headmitted no cause to quarrel with lnsinipul.se, ?uoil tlir? coniB SsiulflonlV VCl Jlf 1UV1111CVI IU U11 tuv ^ he frowned a bit?as a man must?suddenly realizing that he has made himself ridiculous; still, whether he would have recalled the train was a question with him even yet. That moment he looked ahead and saw what there was of St. Philip's he had now come upon. A small straggling hamlet, hugging closely the base of the mountain which hung down over it. A picturesque place enough it looked in the evening sunlight; it would have captivated an artist's or a poet's soul at once; but Howard Ralph was neither, and he only walked prosaically up the first street, seeking a place to pass the night. There was no sign of an inn anywhere he could see. He stopped to inquire of a man he saw standing in a doorway. "Inn ?" the man answered with a laugh. "There never was an inn in St. Philip's Street its I heard on. If you want to stop, you can stop here ; we make a business of taking boarders. You come fromthe train, of course," he added, leading the way into the little parlor. "You must have walked powerful slow ; the young lady's been here five minutes and more." "The young lady ?" "The young lady, yes. You saw her? No doubt such a face as hers wouldn't be likely to escape?well such a corresponding chap as you. She's one of our boarders, ?11?? - U<w. Kama ftt'A nr\U' ' ? reg Jill" 1UIS> uccil nac iwv/ Jtaio nun. The inan glanced with an honest, wistful, dissatisfied look from the newcomer to his magazine. "Guess you don't mean to take long board, though; you don't seem to have much luggage. But perhaps you left it at the station? The boy's going right off for the young lady's, and he can bring yours, too." "Yes, but?" "Oh, I see, you just want to spend the night? Odd, but, of course, you're welcome. Perhaps to-morrow," he bent closer, and ended in a sly whisper?"perhaps, when you see our young lady closer, you'll decide to stay a while." Howard Ralph was a man not easily embarrassed, but he fairly writhed now under the speaker's innocent words and glances. He plunged into his answer right recklessly, albeit it cost a lie. "The fact is?the fact is, 1 did not intend to stop at St. Philips. My luggage was checked to Brumpton, but the?the natural beauty of the place attracted me, and the fact is, 1 may like to stay here. What attractions have you ? Fishing, boating, all that, I suppose of course ?" "It's no object of deceiving you, stranger. There isn't water enough to float a boat in ten miles of St. Philip's. All we have is the mountain." "All the same, 1 think I'll stay." He was not looking at his delighted host; he had turned, ere answering at the sound of a light step and rippling laugh in the hall without; he stood now gazing at the little figure tripping toward the roadway, with the words involuntarily on his lips. He did not see it again that night; but once yet, while at supper, he heard the rippling laugh ; once, talking after with his host on the piazza; once, when the latter was leaving him at the door of his sleeping-room. "Who is the young lady?" he asked, with one of his impulses. "She's Miss Ilerndon?Miss Marion I lerndon. She's?" The man on the door-sill did not finish, for he within had hastily set the lamp on the table staring at nun with an expression which caused liini to retreat below with the barely expressed opinion that the young man with the magazine might prove a very good boarder, but he was afraid he was a little "off." "Marion Herndon!" Midway between a gasp and an ejaculalation, Howard Ralph sank into the chair beside the table and took out his cigarettes. It was a coincidence, truly. It was not strange that he should smoke up the most of them ere he could compose himself to sleep. A coincidence indeed? lie began to realize it in the morning. So far it had been a dream, a jumble; he had come almost to believe the very words lie heard a fancy oJ his own. But the scrap lie came in contact with while dressing forced down on him a truth. A letter in his pocket ending thus: "Your obstinacy in regard to this girl exceeds niy comprehension. What possible objection is there to your making her acquaintance? Hecause she lias money, would il he impossible foi i you to fall in love with her?or, if you see fit iu are vou obliged to marry her? "1 have no patience*with you, Howard, j know if you once saw Marion Herndon v< j would fall in love with her; and I wanted you ! have the opportunity to win a charming wi j and?a fortune, all at once. But your chanc are over now; she goes to-morrow, now for tl second time, to that absurd place in the raou: j tains to find a husband, perchance, in some farm j who does not dream she has a cent." j He re-read it with mixed emotions. Thi | then, was the end of the long war he hp waged with his ambitious sister, his j>e i sistent thwarting of her schemes for tl past two months. He, because his hone soul despised such speculation, had vowe< finally, never to look into the face of Marie ! Herndon so long as he should live. Ji could but smile when he learned how fai had helped Mrs. Marbury Bell. "I know if you once saw Marion Herndc you would fall in love with her." His eyes met the words again to re there; somehow he could not endure no" those other daring ones. Still, if ev< there was a prophetess in the nineteenl -? _____ j. 1)^1 century, it was mis same jiiuuui^ jjci He was beginning to feel a certain awe < his elder sister; lie came suddenly to deligl even in her presumption; he was on tl point of according her full forgiveness, yei thanks, for her persistent scheming whenA merry rippling laugh floated up froi the porch' below. As though it were th most natural of things, Howard Ralph wei out and down the stairs. He was face 1 lace with Marion Herndon ere he realize his own presumption. Rut she did not mint he saw, delightedly ; she was frolickin with the dog, and she looked up with blush, yet with a smile. "Good-morning," she said, and then?" saw you on the train yesterday, but I di not dream you were coming here," she adc ed, frankly. "Whatever attracted you t St. Philip's?" was the question plainl written in her face. He could not be taken a bit aback. "I was not intending to stop at St. Phi ip's," he stammered, "but?but I did," h finished, simply. "Aud I think you did a very sensibl thing," she answered, merrily; she seeme really to enjoy his odd conclusion. "Yo will surely like St. Philip's if you do nc mind the quiet; I think there is no place s charming on the earth. But, then, I hav special reasons forlikingsuch?" She pause abrubtly, as though remembering she W? talking to?a stranger. Her reasons flashed on him ; she liked S Philip's because she was free from a thron of snitnrv; shf? must, at hast. susnect: becaus here she might have the satisfaction ( knowing that some man loved her eve though lie were the long-nosed farmer sh could never marry. And then suddenl his own position dawned on him. She ha heard of him, of course; Mrs. Marbury Be would never scheme all on one side. Sh would hear his name?hear it this ver morning, and then? What had attracted him to St. Philip would be quickly revealed to her. The r( alization was unendurable ; lie could barel control himself to renew polite converst tion. What should he do ? Go to his ho< and beg him to conceal his name? Quite to ridiculous. Go away now, escape this te: rible denouement at any cost . He coul not?he would not. Howard Ralph was quite beside himse as he went into breakfast. But fortune ft vored him. "Mr. Rolfe, I think you said your nam was ?" was the remark, to which he wicl edly nodded acquiescence. So the bliss ( the days was spared him?the near happ days wherein they lived and strolled tc gether up the mountain's heights an through the pretty valley. For it was eai ly season; they were the only boarders yt arrived, and somehow it seemed the mo.' natural of things to both that she shoul show him all the familiar nooks, the faire; bits of St. Philip's. A three days' rapture, every hour i which he grew madder in love with Mario Herndon, and some blissful moments : dawned to him that she did not dislik him?that is, she did not dislike tne Strang Mr. Rolfe who might not dream that sh was an heiress. This thought was the on bitter drop always in the eup, and the sol restraint on a passion which, save for i could never have lived three days une: pressed. So he was pondering when came that ui expected mail from Brumpton. It chance she brought it to him. "You are a brother of Mrs. Marbur Bell ?" she asked quietly, as she haiule him the letters. It was all over ; he read that plainly t he looked up in her face. It was naught! him that moment, her frank look of (Tisaj pointment, the bit of real trouble she scare* ly meant that he should see, seeing th?r they should bestrangersforevermore. Hov ard Ralph was to be nothing to her, wha ever had been Mr. Rolfe! Plain, so plain, and yet lie could not blam her. It was his own fault; he should hav been frank with herat the outset; she migl have believed him then. But how hav been frank without being?ridiculous? What to do ? 8he certainly would notb< lieve him now, however eloquent his expls nation ; strong as his passion, he strangel shrank from it. The one thing was to g away, to relieve her of his annoying pre: ence, and, perhaps, a further day woul come? He could not; he would not. The tit was eternal, he told himself, and yet?whs to do? The miserable dsiys dragged slov ly ; he scarcely dared to speak to Mario Herndon, and she barely spoke to bin He rambled alone these days ; even the do deserted him for her. It was an exaspen ting situation, and yet, he could do nothin but wander up the mountain's heights an through the pretty valley, wondering 11 sn cared. Did she ? No. Always the same answe: uncompromising, prompt. That look < hers was but the pain born of a fresh decej tion, unnatural, nor strange. Morethanoi dinarily he was realizing this that mornin he strode up St. Philip's mountain, despei ate, scarce looking where he walked?on, o absorbedly till? His foot stnick empty air; a vision ( rocks, a blackness, and he lay senseless o ; the cliff below. In the mystery betwixt lil | and life, till suddenly what he fancied a I angel's wing brushed his forehead, and th j faint music of a voice fell on his ear. "Can it be that he is dead?oh, no ! J cannot be, it must not be; 1 will not have so! Oh, Nero, good dog, go and fetch them go and bring help to me. Do you not see cannot leave my darling here; the onl man 1?I ever liked." The voice faltered; tint speaker starte with a little shamed, despairing cry, fortli man beside her had opened his eyes, an i was gazing at her a bit dazed, yet with ! growing look of rapture which told ho' I well he knew. "Marion!" cVw, finnWl lint own liifln bnr fjino. til poor Marion Herndon; for faint, yet stunne as he was, he had started up and elaspi licr hands in his. "You must not call me Marion," si rasped, despairingly, "and you must lbrgi ; those words T said. I cannot help that I said them, and?and 1 am glad you are n< hurt, but?I do not care if you do love 11 | now ; you know why you came to St. Phi 1 ip's; because?because?you gave in at la ! to Mrs. Marbury Bell; you?" But she was talking between his kiss I now ; he had taken her in his arms, ar 11 was fondling her?ah ! so tenderly, but d liberately, as though it were the most po.. i tive of things. And she, strange girl, w; : permitting it, even while she spoke. , "Do you know why L came to St. Phi f j ip's?" he interrupted her. - 1 She did not answer, she was too ashanu 11 of her own happy self to say any more . him. lie held her closer while he told h< | what the reader has already guessed?of tl i sweet face he saw in the car that day, tl . face that liqld his eyes that long journc : through, that drew him, despite himse! >t, out of the ear after the little girl that owned in. it. Could he help it if that little girl was sr j Marion Herndon ? B( This and all the rest he told her, sitting ! us fe there. What woman will not believe a lov- gi es er in a lover's arms? She looked up at him an nc in gentle amazement, but with tender eyes, at' ti- "is it not a pretty summer romance, B< er dear ?" she murmured. is "My Marion !" j w) s? Words could wait but not kisses, that mo- th 1(1 ment thought Howard Ralph. nc r" So fate helped Mrs. Marbury Bell. i w< le 1 th st Meat.?The value of meat as a food isdue j id i, in a degree to its heat producing properties, | 1 >n though in this respect it is surpassed by fat- tic ie ty and amyloid substances. It is as a tissue pt te building material and as an excitant of as- au similative changes on the tissues both with Se >n regard to itself and noil nitrogenous foods, di; that it is most useful. It is a stimulant as st well as a nutritive, and it therefore holds a cri W deservedly high place in the daily dietary, eh sr Experiment has snown that three-quarter's co :h of a pound of lean meat fairly represents the m H. quantity per diem which, taken with other m of less nitrogenous matter, suffices to maintain dr it a person of average size and weight in a nor- fr< ie mal state of health. Some there are who CI ti, largely exceed this standard, eating freely loi ? of meat at every meal and living quiet and be ii sedentary lives, rsucn carnivorous ieeuers ne ie sooner of later pay a penalty by suffering it attacks of ^out and other disorders of indul- th :o gence. It is equally important to note that Ws d many others, especially women, healthy in be I, all points but for their innutrition are apt to th g err on the other side. Thus one meets with \y( a people who consume about a pound of butch- tic er's meat in a week, or not even that. This th J fact has been fully brought out by J)r. Oral- th d ly Hewitt, in his address to the Obstetrical Gi I- Section at the recent meeting of the British -\b o Medical Association. He has likewise with mi y much probability assigned this defect of diet lot as the chief cause of that general "weak- ha ness" which is so common among the ante- ye I- cedents of uterine displacement. The expe- eft e rience of many practitioners will confirm i these observations. Different causes are at is [e work to produce this kind of underfeeding? ha d too rigid domestic economy, theoretical bu u prejudices, the fastidious disinclination for tai )t food which comes of a languid, indoor life Ji( (0 without sufficiently bodily exercise, tight no e lacing, perhaps, and many more. These toj d difficulties are all more or less removable, Li is unless, indeed, where absolute poverty 1 forms the impediment. No effort should be ti> t. spared to remove them. The advantages sic g derived iromauietcunutiiiiugit urn uuiuuuu in ie ol solid animal food could not be obtained in if from a purely vegetable or milk regimen a 11 without either unnecessarily burdening the T1 e digestive system with much surplus mate- th y rial, or 011 the other hand, requiring such jz< d revolutionary changes as to quantity and ou 11 quality of food and times of eating as would he e probably altogether prevent its general th y adoption even were that desirable, into to household management. In our opinion, th >s such changes are not desirable, as being in- M adequate to secure their purpose.?Lancet. m d SECEDERS IN COUNCIL ^ Annual Meeting of the A. R. P. Synod. Jjs A PLEA SANT AND PROFITABLE RELIGIOUS e ASSEMBLAGE. " . lb A Kcrioiv of the History of the (iiurcli. ^ y _ i[BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] f' ? 1 o ..A tei J ne Assocuue xveiurmeu o.viuhi ui uic r7 South convened in the Associate Reformed Ti } Presbyterian Chur *li. in Chester, S. C., at 11 1 o'clock A. M., laJ* Thursday, October 2">th. Jc> Although this is one of the oldest church or- 1 ganizations in the United States, yet so littie is known, in some sections of the coun- f 11 try, of its true history, that many look upon .n the "Seceders" as being a mere handful of (< lt malcontents, who left the mother church on ^ e some frivolous ism, when in reality it is the oj "e mother church of Presbyterian ism in the m l(i United States, and the only branch of the b< 0 church that has remained true to the stand- K ,e ards of orthodox Presbyterian ism since the days of John Knox. \Ve are glad that the c" Southern Synod, a branch of the original de- jJ, nomination?for like many other branches of the Christian Church in the United States, \V " various questions ruptured this denomination, resolving it into two distinct bodies, R y one known as the United Presbyterian {, Church, and the other as the A. It. Synod of s' the South?met at a point this year, render- \\ ls ing it practicable for us to give an extended 0 report of its proceedings, that the readers 5" within the circle of the Enquirer's circu3" lation, who are not already informed upon {? lt the subject, may have a more intelligible j';j ' idea of the extent and influence of this ven- ]{( erable but modest body in the religious (?t world. H J? This denomination was made by a union V of the Associate Presbyterians and the Reformed Presbyterians in America, formally consummated at Philadelphia, Pa., on No- p, a vember 1, 1782, and hence the name, Am)- m date Reformed Rrexbyterian. The Associate " Church had been organized in Scotland in R' J 1738, and its members were known as "Se[P eeders," because they seceded from the Es- 1 sj tablished Church of Scotland. p, The Reformed Presbyterian Church had existed in Scotland from the time of Charles to ]I in 1679, and its adherents were then known as Covenanter*. At the time of the union of these two bodies in Americain 1782, re 11 there were only fourteen ministers in the e> united Church. The strength of the de- fe '8' nomination was then located in Pennsylva- pi l" nia and New York. They, however, had a 8 foothold in the South, and in February, rc " 1790, the Associate Reformed "Presbytery hi ie of the Carolinas and Georgia," was organ- cc ized. The denomination grew rapidly, re r? and in 1803 divided itself into four Synods, ec " one* of these being called the "Synod of the st Carolinas," which was organized in Fair- tli r" field county, S. C., on the 9th of May, 1803. hi 0 These four Synods were subject to a "Genr" oral Synod," and in 1821 the "Synod of the ni n Carolinas" withdrew from the General Syn- o?> od and resolved itself into an independent co- M ordinate Synod, under the name of "The Sj 11 Associate Reformed Synod of the South." pi G This body is commonly styled "the Secen ders," which is hardly applicable to them p( ie now ; but the name "fieceder," when un- P derstood historically, is significant and high- ri [t ly honorable. Many suppose that the cause la it of the original secession was the questions a.4 ; of Psalmody and close Communion, but T 1 these had nothing to do with it. The h< y Psalmody question was then not agitated. (1 The fundamental principle in dispute con- di d corned the relations of Church and Slate, pi ie the power of civil government, tfcc., and d these were the causes of secession. So then | tl a the relations of this Church to Historical! tl w Presbyterianism are close and inseparable. | w It is purely and distinctively Ibvsbyterian. oi i In its form of government, doctrinal belief, at is j practice and discipline, it adheres rigidly ct <1 and conscientiously to the West-minster j ct 'd | Theology, its Confessions and Catechisms. I ti It adopted from the outset those symbols ol ie and has ever adhered closely to them ; and j si et those branches of the Church which sprung i a< t I r?v.w. 4-K^ 1 U/w./wowm f Mm ivili fnv /?v- i nl 1 I run I mi- IlllgUliU ntw.-vu/n VI1U1MI) 1UI >.? . V. ot ample "The Presbyterian Church in the i pi 10 l'nited States," North and South, have all 1- followed their example. This Chi irch claims e< st to represent to-day the true type of Scotch 1 Presbytorianism which has ever conserved a: es 1 the highest interests of Reformation Prot-1 s? id estantism. The Concensus of the Church, e-' as expressed in summary form by the Synod pi :i-1 in 1X71, ernlKidiesin the main the doctrines ?i us of all strict Presbyterians in eve:ry part of n the world. In addition to these, it holds to n il-1 certain tenets called "distinctive prineij pies," of which Pmbiiotlj/ is# the chief. It <>1 ?d maintains that since the Book of Psalms si to was given by Divine appointment as the n er matter of the Church's praise, which ap- tl io pointnient was never annulled ; since the in Psalms are the very word of God and the f< ;y truth most pure, and since uninspired com- si If, posers may and often do contain error, an ttpired Psalmody should be used exelu- of re in the praise of God ; that Hymn Ts| )oks prepared by uninspired men for the e of the Church are sectarian in that they pc ve prominence to their denominational oe (I doctrinal beliefs, and thereby perpetu- tei e the division of the Church ; 'while the it )ok of Psalms, like the Bible of which it a part, is common ground on which the ad hole visible Church may stand. It claims D.f at this Book of Psalms is the only undo- "> iminational Catholic Hymn Book the I ^rld has ever seen, and alone represents P. e grand and glorious Catholicism of the eal Millennial Church. ; This church now neither believes nor prae- 1 :es "close communion," as seen from the co atform announced by Synod in 187o, which , thorizes a communion regulated by the M ssions, as this best maintains the honor, 1 gnity and purity of the Church. K* lis ministry ami meiiiuursni|? naw m- .. cased steadily, for in 1821 there were only ' even ministers in the Synod. It is now w raposed of eight Presbyteries, eighty-three inisters and about seven thousand com- J. unicants. Its ehurchcs number one huned, and are scattered over the entire South lv >m the Potomac to the Rio Grande. The lurch is particular' strong in this State, (.| cated mostly in the Counties of New- . rry, Laurens, Abbeville, Anderson, Fair- Pi Id, Chester, York and Lancaster. 1 Erskine College, at Due West, S. ('., is e literary institution of this Church. It pj is founded in 1842, and has ever since en liberally supported and patronized by p, e Church. At the commencement of the ir it was the most prosperous denomina- W mal college in the South. It is now in t 1 e midst of success and usefulness under se efficient presidency of the Rev. W. M. S1 ier, 1). I)., who is assisted by a corps of ^ le professors. It has a paid-up endow- c,i ent of over S7o,U00. At the same place is iated the Theological Seminary, which s been in successful operation for many ,l(] ars and has supplied the Church with an icient ministry. ut One of the best enterprises in the Church pe the Due West Female College, which s no direct connection with the Church, , t to a large extent is supported and mainined under its influence. The Associate m 'formed Presbyterian is the organ of the de- i mination, and is published at Due West, (<f aether with its Sunday-school paper, The ^ tttc Banner. pe This denomination maintains a compara- j.e, ;elv extensive systematic domestic mis >11 work in Texas and the Southwest, con- ^ buting and using about $4,000 annually this branch of its work. It also supports foreign missionary at Tampico, Mexico, o le Rev. X. E. Pressley has been laboring yC ere for four years, and now has an organ- tei id congregation of members, three or four cs t-stations, and is assisted by several native j15' lpers. The Sabbath-schools support a na- r; re teacher. Efforts are now being made n? build a church at Tampico. For six years cj is Synod supported a missionary in Egypt, Cc rs. Giffeu, who died there in 1881, in the T1 idst of a successful work. vi Such is a brief review of the church, as awn mainly from Dr. Lathan's history, ,je iblished last year, which volume is an im- P? irtant acquisition to the church history til this country. y, Last year the Synod met with New Hope ws lurch, in Lincoln county Tennessee, and an journed to meet in Chester, S. C., October th, 1883. Pursuant to this adjournment ilu e Synod met last Thursday. The openg sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. R. A. a? a < ol .... .....1 ';.r J.Vjj |)UMUI in niiaiun tiuu. nuijuia uiuiv.n ^ in York county, S. C., from Revelations he : 11?"And they overcame them by the &> ood of the Lamb and by the word of their si( stimony." < ' JJ The Synod was then constituted by llev. si unes Boyce, 1). I)., of the Second Presby- "oi ry, who, on motion, was chosen, byaccla- pr at ion, Moderator for the present meeting. The roll was then called by Dr. Lathan, *e e stated clerk, and the following mem- V?1 rs answered to their names: Fiiist PitKsiiYTERY?South Carolina.?Rev. J. Chalmers; Kov. John Hunter, Elder 1. X. allace; Rev. R. A. Ross, I). I)., Elder R. A. m 1 fi 1 leu ; Rev. J. (1.McLaughlin, Elder Win. J. V( cLaughlin; Rev. E. E Royec, Elder John R. i,: >\vry; Rev. John E. Presslv, P. D., Elder (i. <rr Smith; Rev. W. R. Prcssly, Ehier J. W. pj hite; Rev. C. 15. Retts, Elder J. A. Marion; jv. Robert Lathan, D. I>., Elder Lewis M. Uf rist; Rev. E. E. Presslv ; Rev. J. MoC. Todd; jv. R. (1. Miller, Elder' T. S. Rriee; Rev. W. . Hunter, Elder J. P. White; Rev. <b R. hite, Elder J. M. Kirknatrick; Rev. 1). D. OJ ddwell; Rev. J. A. White, Elder S. M. Me- vi ill; Rev. W. T. Waller, Elder T. R. MHJill; re esv. J. T. Chalmers, Elder J. E. McDonald; jv. J. S. Mills; Rev. E. C. McDonald; Elder |j| W. Reid ; Rev. M. W. Presslv, Elder Joseph ylie. Licentiate.?W. A. M. Plaxico. Skco.ni> Piiksbytkhy?South Carolina.? Rev. X. Young, Rev. J. Rovce, D. D., Rev. D. (J. lillips, D. P., Rev. II. T. Sloan, I). 1)., Elder W. Watson; Rev. I>. F. Haddon, Rev. W. L. }? resslv. Elder W. S. Lowry; Rev. J. C. Royd, , bv. It. E. II rail lev, Itcv. .1. (lallownv, ltev. ilvin Pressly, Rev. II. K. McAulev, Rev. .1.1.. ('t: emphill. Licentiates.?E. E. Patterson, ('. E. Todd. il Student.?\\\ W. McMorris. b1 Commissioncr.?\). A. Chestnut. ('J Tknnksskk and A r, a ha ma Puksiiytkuy.? i, bv. A. S. Sloan, Rev. J. A. Lowry, ltev. H. c.M. Henry. Mkmi'iiis* Pkksiiytkiiy.?ltev. \V. Y. I.ove, ^ Ider James Strong. :e Kmntwky Piikshytkhv.?Rev.'D. H. Presslv, bv. W. (). Cochran, Rev. James Bovco. virtmma Pukshythiiv.?Rev. J. II. Simpson, 1,1 bv. It. M. Stevenson, Elder R. 11. Brown. . Arkansas Pkksuytkuy.?Rev. J. S. A. Hun- i !'( r, Elder It. B. Lessly; Rev. J. L. Young. Tkxas Puksiiytkry.?Rev. It. E. Patterson. J" It was moved and adopted to defer the t|, ading of the minutes of the last Synod, ccept such portions of the minutes as re- lx r to the business to be transacted at the | ai esent meeting. I The first item read by the clerk was in | ^ Terence to the preparation of statistical' ? anks for the use of the congregations in j u, (unection with this Synod. Xo formal i pi port was made by the committee appoint- j si; I for this purpose; though it was under-' ^ ood that the committee had discharged j vicir duty by furnishing the required ! s0 anks. ti, The second item was in reference to the I lblication, in the Associate Reformed Pres- j ci tterian, the sermon delivered by Rev. W.; si (trier, D. 1)., at the opening of the last mod. Reported that the sermon was duly | lblished. The third item was in reference to the ap- :,!H jintment, at last Synod, of Rev. W. R. cr ressly as delegate to the United I'resbyte- m an General Assembly, which met in May i)f st. Mr. Pressly reported that the duty pi isigned him was attended to by proxy. I Hi hat owing to unavoidable circumstances, | . .1 could not attend the United Presbyterian j J" eneral Assembly, but had delegated that! T] iity to another, who, he felt assured, had 1 i,( roperly discharged it; whereupon, I <>t Hev. \\\ L. Pressl.v informed Synod, that i si le delegate had made only a partial report; ! ait he had discharged the duty by letter, of j j* hieh he, the speaker, was bearer, and that j l delivering the letter, by invitation, he i Idressed that body on behalf of this Synod, | u mgratulating the Assembly on their cesqui-! uitcnnial, which they were then celebra-1 ^ ng, bur ne did not do this in the capacity ' a delegate. He spoke on his own respon- j* bility. He also thought the warm letter j Idressed by the delegate was sufficient flis- i? large of the duty devolving upon the ap- m aintee. * H The fourth item was the following, adopt- l? 1 at the last meeting of Synod : 111 Itasolvcd, That the pastors be directed to preach (.j sermon on "Theduty of parents educating their j(. ins with a view to the Oospel ministry." sj A majority of the ministers present re- Ki orted that they had complied with the reuirements of the resolution, while others 1,1 ported that from various causes they had j* ot yet preached the sermon. ' s'j The fifth item was a reference to a more :Hcient plan for conducting the Sabbath- si ,'hools. It was announced that a special b .'port would be made upon this subject, and ti ic matter was passed over for the present. sl The sixth item was in reference to the -X illowing resolution adopted at the last ses- ^ on of Synod: A'rsd/rril. Thill the Synod enter upon the work ii purchasing a lot anil building a cmircn 111 i mpioo, Mexico. A majority of the ministers present rerted that they had brought the subject { fore their respective charges, and the en- j rprise had met encouragement wherever had been presented. Rev. W. M. Pressly moved and it was lopted, that the hours of Synod be from 50 A. M. to 1 P. M., and from P. M. to P. M. Synod then took a recess until 0 o'clock j M. Thuhsdav, ."5 o'clock P. M. , Synod met and proceeded to business. The Moderator announced the following mmittees: On Prettbytrrial Ifrjinrf.v.?.1. I,. Lowry, K. <1. I il lor, T. S. Brice. On J^ominationn.?10. 10. I'oycc, I>. F. liadilnn, | II. Brown. On. Eccunch and Leone of Absence.?< . K. White, ! F. Bradley, I. X. Wallace. On Finance.?Dr. W. M. Brier, A. Dowry, . T. Waller, L. M. Crist. On Devotional Exercises.?.Mason W. I'ressly, 11. Simpson, Joseph Wylie. On Ersline College.?John Hunter, J. E. Press, A. S. Sloan, II. McM. Henry, K. A. Ciltillen, E. McDonald. On Auditing Account#.?Dr. K. Dathan, .1. T. lalmers, J. A. Marion. On Correspondence.?1. ft. McLaughlin, 1). M, essly, James Strong. On Theological Scminarg.?I. C. Chalmers, ('. Betts. A. S. Sloan, E. W. Watson. On Sabbath Schools.?W. T. Waller, Calvin essly, T. R. Met till. On Church Extensions.?I. C. Bovd, W. B. esslv, S. M. MoDill. On Overtures.?.}. X. Young, J. S. A. Hunter, . S. Lowrv. On Prcsbytcrial Records.?I. E. Hemphill, J. Mills, S. W. Reid. On Domestic Missions.?J. A. White, II. F. oan, H. McM. Henry, James Strong, J. H. inpson, J. S. A. Hunter, D. F. Haddon, W. (). ichran. After the announcement of the commies, I)r. It. A. Ross moved, and it was [opted, that the consideration of the items unfinished business contained in the mines of last Synod, he, for the present susnded, and that the reading and referring papers be the next business in order. On motion of Dr. Lathan, tne stateucierK, o Moderator appointed Rev. J. C. (dialers assistant clerk. The reports of the treasurer of Erskine illcge was presented ; and on motion of r. T. AValler, the reading of it was disused with, the report having been alady audited. The following Presbyterial reports were en presented and read : TKXXKSSKK AMI ALABAMA I'UKSBYTKRY. To the A. R. Synod of the South, to meet at lester, S. October 25th, 18S3: During the ar we have enjoyed a reasonable measure of aiporal blessings'. While some of our ehurchhave been more*favored than others, yet all vc a sufficiency to supply their wants. Our ises for the year have bceii fifteen ; seven by nth and eight by removal. Of the aggregate imber, four were ruling elders, viz.: Patrick lisolm, James PaTrkinson, George Kidd, and >wan Forbers, all of whom were useful men. iree elders have been elected and ordained, z.: S. McCala, T. M. Wilson and J. A. Cooper. The lives and health of all the ministers have en spared. The relations between pastor and ople have been of a pleasant character. In one our congregations an unhallowed strife conlues. The pastoral relation between Rev. C. S. ruing and his congregation, at his own request, is dissolved; but he continues with them for other year as stated supply. Rev. J. U. Muse lias removed from our bounds id is living in the limits of tho Second Presbyrv. The state of religion is not specially encouring in a majority of our congregations. There an indisposition on the part of the lay mem >rs to take part in prayer-meetings and active .bbath-school work. There have been aecesans in all of our churches, except one?the hole number reaching forty-one?while the sses are fifteen, showing an increase oftwentyx. Of these accessions, thirty are in Rcthel, ik Hill, Alabama, which has been enjoying a ecious work of grace. Sabbath-Schools are receiving increased atntion, and are kept up with some degree of terest in all our congregations. The Little miner questions give general satisfaction. The different claims of the church, as set forth r Synod, have been brought before our ehurch, and contributions, in most cases, have been adetothem. The total amount given to all of mr calls upon us this year exceeds the amount lid last year, by nearly $2110. Some of our conegations have contributed liberally to theTainco church building fund. We appoint Rev. II. MeM. Henrv to represent i on your committee of Home Missions, and ev. J. A. Lowiy to represent us on your Fimcial Committee. We endorse a claim made by Rev. J. A. Myers 1 Synod's fund to the amoiiut of $101), for serves rendered in our bounds and under our dictions. May the blessings of Cod rest upon your decorations. Respectfully submitted. C. S. Yorxo, ") .1. A. Lowjiv, Com. R. C. Mookk, J a UK a xsas I" KENHYTKItY. - ? r>?<V nrilwi finntli 1 i) illc .v>sih-i:iii; livii'i iiil-u 11 u,i vi? i..v. . meet at Chester, S. ('., October 25th, IKS.'}; We ive reason to lie thankful for the blessing, ith temporal and spiritual, which we have relived from the kind hand of Providence. Death has claimed a few victims. Mr. Wright, ruling elder of Saline, has been cut oil" in the ime of life. It is with sad hearts that we re ml the death of that venerable and useful man, ev. John Wilson, who was called to his rest mnary 2(>th, iss:{. The financial condition of the church is not p fiood as it might have been, had we not sufred from a drought, which cut short the eotn crop, our chief dependence for money. Hut ir churches seem to be making an effort to eet all demands. As to the spiritual condition, there seems to } some indifference in regard to performing town duties. But, on the whole, there is much anifestation of spiritual life. We have reason take courage and go forward in the work of ic Lord. Your missionary, Rev. W. L. Patterson, has >cn laboring faithfully and with much acceptice, in our bounds. We earnestly petition his turn. In addition to Rev. W. L. Patterson, e solicit Synod to send us another missionary rone year. The Presbytery recommends the payment of c following claims: To Rev. J. A. Lowry, stipeinent to salary, ; to Rev. J. S. A. Hunter, ipplement to salary, $25; to Rev. W. L. Patter>n, per diem, Si is; and for traveling expenses, n. Rev. J. !S. A Muuter was appointed to reprcnt this Presbytery on the committee of Donios Missions. May the Prince of Peace and King of the uirch be with vou in your deliberations. Keicctfully submitted. .J. S. A. 11 L'XTKit, Chairman. V t ltl it XIA I'll KSIIYT K It Y. The Virginia Presbytery beg leave to submit ; follows: (Jod lias blessed us in temporal things. <Jenally we have received the early and latter rain, ling our hearts with joy and gladness and our irns with plenty, fii view of this it is with ensure that we iiote an increased liberality on e part of many of our people. Old Providence and Timber Ridge have paid full pastor's salary and all Synodieul assesscnis?:i tbimr that has not been done for years. lie Sabbath-school of the former is, perhaps, itter this year than last, while a new one was ganized in the latter ami has been tolerably leeessfnl. The Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society of Old rovidence raised, during this year, f*(i.">.s:>. of lis aitionnt, 5*10 was given to the foreign misonary cause and $10 to the domestic. The reainder is to be disposed of at the discretion of ie Society. According to the Prcsbylcrial order, Kcv. S. T. Haddon was duly installed pastor of old rovidence congregation on the 22nd of last pril for two-thirds of his time, he giving Timjr Ridge the remainder. Your missionary, Rev. R. M. Stevenson, has *en laboring acceptably in Ebenczer and liethel id IIrood Creek congregations. Ebenczer and cthel have paid him the per tlicm. Rrood Creek lid $(!.">; balance due, which we recomiciul Synod to pay. Our ministers have beeii faithful in the distarge of their various duties; and while there is been no marked outpouring of the Holy [>irit, it affords us pleasure to note a steady rowth of grace and liberality. The Sabbath-schools in Rro. Stevenson's charge my be considered a success, when all things are msidered?preaching only every third Sabith?the scattered condition of the mcmbcriip of each of the churches, etc. A call was placed in the hands of Rev. It. M. tevenson bv the congregation of Ebenczer and ethel?one organization?for two thirds of his me, and by him accepted, provided Synod would ipplcment his salary to the amount of $25 per ear for the period of five years, as asked for by ie congreation in their report to Presbytery, his we recommend Synod to do. I$y reference to the minutes of your last meetig, we found that Patterson's Mills congregn UOll, ri'llll?> IViUUU, JiUll MUCH UUUCU im win iwu. ? Wo appointed a committee to open a eorrespon- a dence with that congregation, and through them e we learn that they have gone into the United Presbyterian Church. e Death lias been in our midst and removed \ somo of our best members, and among that ^ number we mention Col. John McKemmy, a i ruling elder i i Ehenezer and Bethel, and Mrs. Eliza Thompson, wife of Rev. II. Thompson, t I). I). i Synodical oruers have generally been obeyed. J This Presbytery requests that the next meet- i ing of Synod ho at Old Providence, Augusta s county, Virginia. The railroad facilities for c reaching the place are good. Rev. S. W. Iladdon, with Rev. J. II. Simpson, t alternate, was appointed to be present as our t committee of Domestic Missions. t No report from New Lebanon, West Virginia, t Respectful!v submitted. t s. W. Haddox, i . i It. II. Brown, j i second phk8byteky. The Second A. It. Presbytery report to the A. ( It. Synod of the South: Dear Brethren: The re- ^ ports of the several congregation under our ju- s risdiction present the following facts : The spiritual condition of our churches is good. . Our pastors, missionaries and people are repre- j sented as faithfully discharging their respective ? i ? ?......11 ?n i duties, rue.NjiDiiain-scnouis arc ^cuciauy attended ami are accomplishing a good work as the nurseries of the churches. And we are pleased to say, in this connection, that the Little Banna is generally used by our schools and is growing in favor. Notwithstanding the severe drought that has prevailed throughout our hounds, our people have not been in remiss their pecuniary obligations to the church. In the depths of their poverty their liberality has increased. At our present meeting, Rev. E. P. MeClintoek was released from the King's Creek branch of his charge and accepted a call from Thompson Street Church for all of his time. Also, at this mooting, Rev. II. R. McAulIvaccepted a call from Woodruffs, on the condition that Synod supplement his salary with SHOO. We therefore respectfully ask vou to grant this supplement, in accordance with a rule established by Synod. Steps were taken for his early installation at Woodruffs. Rev. R. E. Bradley has demitted his charge, (icnerostecand Concord, Anderson county, S. C., thus increasing the number of our vacancies. But we are happy to say that most of them are looking toward the settlement of pastors among them. Two of them?Troy, in Abbeville county, S. ('., and Prosperity, in (Georgia?have petitioned us for the moderation of calls. Their petitions have been granted. At our spring meeting, Charles E. Todd was licensed as a probationer for thegospel ministry, and has been assigned work in our bounds. Also, at that meeting, W. W. McMorris, who is a graduate of Erskine College, was received as a student of theology, and is prosecuting his studies in our seminarv. General good health has prevailed in our midst; , yet we have not been left without reminders of bur Mortality, in the deaths of a number of our members ; among them two ruling elders?Capt. Jonathan Reed, of Head Springs, Laurens county, S. ('., and Mr. J. A. Wallace, of Cannon Creek, Newberry, S. C. The several duties imposed by Synod on the pastors and missionaries of the church have been generally discharged by the brethren of this Presbytery. Tlie'devotion of the women of our church is worthy of all praise. In addition to the several ladies'benevolent societies, which have been for a series of years in active, vigorous operation, accomplishing a great work for the King and (lead "f the church, others have been organized | and arc enlisted in the same good work. We would commend this feature of church work to ] your favorable consideration. 1 Rev. H. T.Sloan, D. D., has been appointed as ] our member of Synod's committee of Domestic ^ Missions. We would respectfully ask you to transfer Rev. J. R. Muse from the Tennessee and Alabama J Presbytery to this Presbytery. At the instance of a petition from Hopewell, Georgia, we ask you to reorganize the Georgia ] Presbytery. May the Head of the Church be with you, and preside over your deliberations, is our prayer. , Respectfully submitted. J. C. Boyd, ) J. S. Rknwick, > Com. W. S. Lowry. 1 Besides the above Presbyterial reports < which were properly referred, the following papers were read and referred to appro- ; priate committees: Report of the committee on Church Extension; report of Board of Trustees of Erskine College; report of committee on the Theological Seminary; a letter to Synod from Rev. John (J. Miller, of Kentucky Presbytery; a letter to Synod from Rev. J. H. Strong, of Memphis Presbytery. After the reading of the above papers, Synod resumed the consideration of unfinished business. The order of last year, instructing tne Board of Foreign Missions to present an address to the churches on the subject of the Tampico church building was continued. Itev. W. L. Pressly moved, and it was unanimously adopted, that hereafter all matters of Sy nodical appointment shall be referred to the respective Presbyteries, and they shall be required to report upon them to Synod. The hour of "> having arrived, after prayer by Rev. John Hunter, Synod adjourned until 9.W o'clock, Friday morning. Friday Morning, October 20. Synod met pursuant to adjournment. The roll was called, after which it was moved by the clerk and adopted by Synod, that hereafter the names of all absent elders be enrolled. Rev. J. S. A. Hunter moved, and it was adopted, that Rev. \V. B. Pressly, Rev. John N. Young and Elder R. B. Lessly jie appointed a committed to prepare a suitable tribute of respect to the memory of Rev. John Wilson, deceased, and that a blank page be set apart in the Minute books of this Synod to the memory of Rev. John Wilson. i The reading and referring of reports and papers was then begun. The Moderator vacated the chair to I)r. R. A. Ross, and as chairman of the committee of the Theological Seminary, made a , report as to expenditures from the Torbit fund in support of the library. From this report it appears that the sum of S2G9.7:3 has been expended in the purchase of new books, and the rebinding of old volumes. The report was adopted. Rev. John Hunter offered the following | resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That all moneys due our missionaries and others, not paid at the first annual meet- I | ing thereafter, he considered as hearing interest j at seven percent, until they are paid. rnho vonnrf of the Board of Foreign 1 ! Missions was read, but on motion of Dr. I Ross, it was recommitted to the Hoard, and j the hour of ;i P. M., Saturday, appointed i for a special conference on the subject of Mis- 1 sinus. < I n connection with the report of the Board ' I of Foreign Missions, the following report , j from Rev. Xeill E. Pressly, missionary to , Mexico, was read: hki'ort ok the missiona ky. T.vmimco, Taumaulipas, August 'J4th, 1883. To the Hoard ok Fori:ion Missions?Urethral: The last of next month will close another ecclesiastical year in your mission held on the ( Julf coast of Mexico, and, in its review, while there have been many and great discouragements, < we have abundant occasion for special thanksgiving to (lod for his loving kindnesses. He has I visited us; yea, we humbly and prayerfully trust i j His Spirit has not been withheld. 1 Wc recognize the blessing of health enjoyed by i all in the regular stations, Tampieo, Chiconeillo, and Pueblo Viejo: only one death, and that in i I the second mentioned place, a child. ] Tamkico. The services have been regular, but i | we lament the coldness and inditl'erenee of the ! place to spiritual things. The few that have been I evangelized remain tirm. There have been no ! additions,, but two removals on certificate to i | Vera Cruz. i The school continues, the roll numbering fortv-one pupils. Their progress has been encouraging; but our efforts to have them attend the service on Sabbath have not been successful, i Special attention is given to the Iiiblc class every I morning. * i The Theological student, Zenon Zaleta, prosecutes liis studies in Theology, Church History, Scripture Exposition and Spanish Grammar, I with energy, and is now actively engaged in the j Pueblo Viejo mission. At the organization of I the church in Chicoucillo, he was ordained a ruling elder and transferred to Tainpieo. From your treasurer, Rev. W. L. l'ressly, ?;54.2."> "Beneficiary Fund" has been received and applied as specified?a report of which will ho sent up at ; the end of the year. Chicoxcillo. The first religious services in this ranch were held on the 10th of August, lt$2. Since that time they have continued without interruption, being directed bv the public school teacher, lues Hernandez. The whole number of ,nd one. Of this number one lamb has been ailed, we trust, to the heavenly fold. On the 18th of last May an organization was iffected, and 011 the succeeding days, four elders vere ordained and fifty of the baptized persons vere received and admitted to full membership n the church. The Protestant school for girls under the direcion of "The Children's Gila" promises to be an nstrumcnt of great good. The Treasurer, Rev. if. W. Presslv, of the fund applied to this work, s prompt in his remittances, and to him will be lent a statement at the end of the year of the lisposition of moneys. Pueblo Vjkjo is a small town of about ouo housand inhabitants, distant by water about hree miles from Tampico. Active and coninued work began here the first of April. A hapel was opened in the central portion of the own. The opposition is yet very considerable ind seems to be growing. Last week, 18th inst., vc had to apply to the authorities for protection. Notwithstanding, we arc encouraged. The average attendance has been from liftv and up.vards. About half that number can he seen inlide the chapel, and others not yet decided nor ible to overcome the ridicule. I am attempting the preparation of the Psalms n verse, which I hope to nave published before he end of the year. The cost of this work, I am lot able to state, as I do not yet know the number of selections I will have." Such work in this >r?nntr\' eviioimive ;mil cuu not l>e doiioin the United States without sonic one interested and hat understands the language. For an edition if five hundred copies I will ask?150. About a lot, lam not indifferent, but just at :histinie I cannot find any suitable property for <ale, except one lot valued at ?3,500 (Mexican lollars). This will be made the subject of adis,inet letter. In view of the fact that our work is increasing, 1 would respectfully ask, in addition to the present appropriation, ?900 for the next year. I have in my congregation here a promising young man who was for three years in the Protestant school in Mexico, that I think would be useful in the work. Nothing has been said to him nor to his father yet, owing to the fact I do not know if it is the intention of the Board to enlarge the work, md whether the funds could be had. The heat this Summer has been intense, and intil now the health of Tampieo continues in its lormal state. The sanitary condition is good and :he port is now under a rigid quarantine. Nkill E. Pkessly. Rev. William Johnson, of Iowa, delegate )f the United Presbyterian Church, was presented to Synod by Rev. 1). Ik Pressly, tnd cordially received by the Moderator, rhe hour of 4 P. M., Saturday, was appointed for hearing the delegate. The Rev. w. T. Matthews, of the Presbyterian church, was introduced and received ts a corresponding member. The committee on Church Extension presented the following report, which was idopted: The committee on Church Extension submits ;he following: Our congregations are very slow in taking hold of this important enterprise of the ihurcli. This, we apprehend, arises from not aolding the deacons, the proper financial ollicers )f the congregations, responsible. The committee recommend that the deacons, in their own way, take up collections in the month of January of each year, and forward to the treasurer, Mr. Joseph Wylie, Chester, S. C. This recom rnerulation will not release pastors ana enters from their duty in the matter. J. C. ho yd, W. B. Pkkssly, S. M. McDill. Rev. Dr. H. T. Sloan presented the report of the committee appointed at last Synod to consider the practicability of enlarging the course of study and increasing the number of professors in the Theological Seminary," which was received, and the hour of 10 A. M., to-morrow set apart for its consideration. The following Presbyterial Reports were read. iikpout ok first presbytery. To the Associate Reformed Synod to meet at Chester, S. October 25th, 188.'!, the First Presbytery would report: 1. As to the health and mortality during the year now closing, the lives of all our ministers have been spared ; and while we have been exempt from the prevalence of plague and pestilence, yet death has entered many of our homes, and we are called to mourn the'loss of twentynine active members and eight ruling elders, Newton Morrison, of Amity; Elam Neel, of Coddle Creek; Matthew Wallace, of Sard is ; David Duncan, of Chester; Hugh Kirkpatrick, of Ebenezer; John A. Miller, of Stirling ; Thomas Righam of Hopewell; and John Barron, of Tirzah. The general condition of the churches is promising. Peace and harmony prevail. Pastors l. i-.i ? 1 ?!tl. *1 mwl u/toarafo_ IlilVU uiuurcu mm unuui auurujr mm miuj.m bleness, and the people are attentive upon the word and ordinances and manifest no abatement of their interest in the prosperity of our Zion. Rev. 10. K. Pressly demitted the Shiloh branch of his charge, on account of feeble health, and the same is being supplied by Presbytery. At spring meeting, W. (A* M. Plaxico*was licensed as a probationer of the gospel ministry. Revs. W. M. Pressly and C. E. McDonald were ordained to the full "work of the ministry, and installed; the former over Chester congregation, and the latter over Steel Creek. Eight persons were ordained to the office of ruling elder, viz.: Thomas G. Bigham, Dr. S. M. Wylie and J. T. Bigham, in Hopewell; W. C. Abernathy and W. C. Lesslie, in Neely's Creek ; and J. K. Henry, S. B. Lathan and A. G. Brice, in Chester congregations. Seven persons were ordained to the otlice of deacon. While drought has prevailed pretty generally throughout our bounds, cutting short the fruits of the land, vet with the blessing of God there will be a sufficiency of bread for the eater and seed for the sower." Our spiritual state is far short of what we would have it to be. There is not that zeal in progressive work, nor that practical godliness r.Uornnfnri'/P thrt TiOrfl's IlGOOle. There is much coldness and worldly-mintfedness and want of family religion in our midst. It is a fact greatly to be deplored that so large a Presbytery has hot a single theological student, and that, too, when the harvest is white and the laborer.') are few. There is great need of a baptism of the Holy Ghost. We ought to umble ourselves and pray the God of the harvest that he would send more laborers into the harvest. These things call for deep humiliation. On the other hand, there are some things en- , couraging. Reports from nearly all our thirtytwo congregations indicate a healthy state in some respects, and, indeed, rather an advance in the working forces and piotis deeds of our peo Ti,n,.n hnu lionn <1 mvrikmina?that of Huntersville, N. C.?and though but one, we trust it is the beginning of a good work in our midst. There is also a net gain of sixty-three members. Though this may seem small, it points to a slow but steady growth. Points where organizations long since ceased to exist are making application to us for reorganization and the ministration of the word. Sabbath-schools are progressing with interest, and are evidently doing a good work. The United Presbyterian (ptartcrly is extensively used, and is giving great satisfaction. So also, is The Little Jianner, where used. Our financial condition is in the main good. Pastors' salaries have been paid up with marked promptness, and the assessments for foreign and domestic mission purposes are almost if not fully met. We recommend that Rev. W. Y. Love be paid 5l.S5.fiO out of Synod's fund. We request that Rev. W. Y. Love lie transferred to this Presbytery, and that he and Revs. Mills and Plaxico be retained to labor in our bounds. Rev. .1. A White is appointed to act on committee 011 Domestic Missions. R. G. Miller, ) J. A. White, > Com. T. S. Brick, J K KNTl'CKV I'RESBYTERY. To the A. R. Synod, to meet at Chester, S. C., October 2?th, 188:1: Again we are nermitted to record the great goodness of Gou to us as a people. Peace and prosperity prevail in all the congregations under our care. The pastors are reported as faithful in the performance of all their ministerial duties, and the people as punctual and diligent in their attendance upon the ordinances of God's house. The greatest harmony and brotherly kindness prevail in all our borders. While there has been some sickness among us, vet in the main we have been blessed with good health and richly supplied with all temporal comforts. Two of our congregations report the death of ruling elders?Mr. John McKee, of the nnrnrrfMT'ltiflll !ind Mr. D.IVid Rei(L Of Mount Zion. Rev. D. B. Pressly has been in very feeble health for several months and unable to perform the active duties of the ministry. His congregations, however, were supplied for near two months by Rev. W. A. M. Plaxioo. The Ebenezer congregation have built during the year a neat and substantial house of worship. T&e church at Louisville is in a healthy and prosperous condition. Regarding the frequent change of ministers as detrimental to its growth and best interests, and deserving a permanent pastor, it has taken the necessary steps to secure a pastor. At a late meeting of our Presbytery, a petition for the moderation of a call was presented, and the following action of Presbytery was ordered to bo incorporated in our Synodical report: Whereas, the congregation of Louisville have petitioned this Presbytery for the moderation of a call, and are not fully able to support a pastor ;