The Central Presbyterian

For the Central Presbyterian.

"Ruling Elders, 79."

BY REV. A. A. LITTLE.

The minutes of the Synod of Virginia are admirably and accurately edited. They are worthy of a careful reading by our officers and members. The text of this article is taken from these minutes. The Presbyteries, constituting our Synod, reported 248 ministers and 411 churches. Of these 248 ministers 116 attended the meeting of Synod in Lexington, about one in two. Leaving out our infirm ministers and foreign missionaries, the proportion is more than one in two. This is a fair average when we consider the large territory of our Synod, the early time of meeting when many of our country ministers are holding meetings in their congregations, and the derangements due to sickness and death in the families of the churches. It is otherwise with the representatives from the churches. Out of 411 churches only 79 were represented; (27 of these elders were from the churches of the Presbytery in which Synod met). This is about one in five. Why this great disproportion? Even with an alternate in case the principal cannot go, why is it that only one in five of the churches can find an elder to represent it at this important meeting of our Church? It cannot be:
(1) Because the elder is less able to pay his way. We believe a majority of elders as well as ministers pay their own expenses to Synod. But surely the elder is as well able to do so as the minister. The church ought to pay the expense of its representatives; if they do not, what with reduced fare on the railroad and the abundant hospitality at the place of meeting, this expense cannot be great generally, and ought not to keep our elders away. It cannot be—
(2) Because the ruling elder is not valued and honored in the Synod. He is eligible to any office. His advice is sought on the various committees, and when he speaks on the floor he is always listened to. The writer has noticed whenever an elder talks he captures the attention of the house at once. Perhaps it may be—
(1) The time of the year. October is a very busy month in country and city. The farmer is getting in his winter grain, and gathering his corn and otherwise making needed preparation for winter. In the city the fall trade is at its height. November is a much better month for this meeting, and our sister denominations have found it out.
(2) Our churches are not careful to pay the expenses of the minister and elder. That it ought to do so is very clearly the teaching of the Book. This may deter many of our elders who are not rich in this world's goods. The churches ought to do better in this matter and in our weaker churches, two might combine and send the elder, which would be better than it is now.
(3) The sessions neglect to appoint a delegate to Synod, and the meeting of Synod is ignored. We have noticed in hearing the reports of the committee on sessional records the criticism, "No delegate appointed to Synod," is very frequent.

Whatever be the reason, ought this disproportion to exist? What a splendid meeting of Synod we would have if 250 of our staunch, intelligent and godly elders were to come!
What impressions for good and for Presbyterianism would be made!
Would we not have much more esprit de corps if we could only get together. The meeting of Synod is largely that of a mass meeting, to learn and consider, rather than to inaugurate or conclude any great schemes.

Brethren in the ministry let us get our elders to Synod, and with a large and enthusiastic body, make a great impression for Presbyterianism in Danville and the surrounding country.