^?^^^^^^^^^^^^^ M. S. CAROTHERS. My Books, to me, are like my Iriends, Theii presence to my pleasure tends, And when away, I wait with pain. Until I see them back again. I >. MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA, AT THEIR SESSION IN ST^uisrToisr, OCTOBER, 1862. WITH AN APPENDIX. MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA, AT THEIR SESSION IX S T ^ TJISTT O ]Sr OCTOBRR, 1862. WITH AN APPENDIX. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OP THE SYNOD L\fnf- MINUTES. The Synod of Virginia met according^ to adjonrnment, in the Preshyferi.in church of Stannfon,on Wednesday, Oclober 1st, 1862, at 7 o'clock P. M., when a sermon was preached by the Moderator, Rev. J. B. Ramsey, D. D., from Phil. 1 : 21, "For to me to live is Christ." Alter public worship, the Synod was called to order, and opened with prayer by the I\Ioderat()r. The Roll was made out, and the following Ministers and Elders were present during the session, viz : Greenbrier Presbytery. Ministers— S. R. Houston, J. Calvin Barr, R. P. Kennedy and H. B. Rose. Elders — Thomas Matthews and James Montgomery, from Lewis- burg church. Lexington Presbytery. Ministers— Francis McFarland, D. D., Wm. G. Campbell, K W. Oalhoon, Samuel Brown, Luther Emerson. Enoch Thomas, John Miller, Wm. Finkerton, W. H. Ruflfner, D. C. L-win, Wm. E. Ba- ' ~ ' ■ • • — " — , -- . ^. - , — ^... ker, F. 11. Bowman, Wm. T. Price, John Pinkerton, A. L. Hogs- head, E. D. Jnnkin, R. C. W^xlker, Wm. S. White. D. D., C. S. M. h See, (2) P. M. Custer. (2) Wm. T. Richardson, (3) W\ W. Trimble, (3) John S. Blain, (3) T. L. Preston, (4.) Elders— John Merritt, from Bethel church ; Wm. M. McCutchen, Lebanon; J. C. Hntton, Collier's Creek ; Alc.x'r Taylor, Staunton ; John PL Guthrie, Tinkling Spring ; John Paris, Hebron ; H. Bar- clay, Lexington ; II. Bear, Union ; Wm. Van Lear, Rockingham ; Wm. Crawford. (2) Augusta church ; Benj. B. Campbell, (2) Pis- gah ; Wm. Wi throw, Waynesboro. West Hanover Presbytery. Ministers— Peyton Hnrrison, D. B. Ewing, J. D. Dudley, Charles Beach, Wm. J. Iloge, D. D., B. M. Smith, D. D., (3) J. Rice Bow- man* (2) Francis Bowman, D. D., and John H. Bocock, D. D. Elders— C. C. Read, Farmville ; Thos. E. Perkinson, Cumber- land ; L. R. Railey, Charlottesville , A. J. Bondurant, Maysville ; Wm. Dinwiddle, Lebanon. *Thc figure following a naino Indicates tlic da.v of the Sbwlon on which the mombcr took his veau 296 SYNOD OP VIRGIXIA. East Hanover Presbytery . l\rrNisTERS— T. V' Moore, D. D., M. D. Hoge, D. D., (3) A, W. Miller, AVm. Brown, D. D., (3) 13. T. Lacy, li. Mcllwaioe, Q. W. White. Elders— P. P. Batte, Lst church Petersbnrfij ; R. H. Lester, 2d church, Petersburg ; N. C. Read, 2d church, Richmond. Roanoke Presbytery. Ministers— J. B. Ramsey, D. D., A. Martin, W. H. Mathews, P. T. Penick, H: C. Alexander, T. W. White, T. Wharey, (2.) Elders — H. T. Richardson, Briery ; Sum'l McCorkle, 1st church, Lynchburg ; L. Moore, Olivet ; J. D. Spraggin, Rough Creek. Montgomery Presbytery. Ministers— J. M. Rice, J. S. Grasty, G. Goble, A. Hart. Elders— T. M. Wiley, Falling Spring; J. B. I. Logan, Salem ; E. Plileger, Cliristiansburg. ^ Winchester Presbytery. Ministers— W. H. Foote, D. D. and M. W. Woodworth, (4.) Elders — None. MEMBERS ABSENT. Greenbrier Presbytery'. John McElhenny, D. D., M. D. Dunlap, R. Osbovn, J. H. LepSj M. H. Bittenger, J. C. Brown and Wni. 0. Neely. Lexington Presbytery. James Moriison, Reuben Lewis, Jbhn F, Baker, J. K. Harris and Thomas Hempstead. West Hanover presbytery. Michael Osborne, J. S. Armistead, D. D. , Wm. H. McGuffe)^, D. 1)., Wni.S. Thompson, ,1. H. Fitzgerald, R. L. Dabney, D. D., S. W. Watkins, J. M. P. Atkinson, D. D , B. M. Wailes and L. Vass. East Hanover Presbytery. Theodoric Pryor, D. D., G. D. Armstrong, D. D., Edward Mar- tin, Robert J. Taylor, S. W. Blain, Sam'l W. Blain, A. W. Wright, Wm. A. Campbidl, James Murray and H. H. Hawes. Montgomery Presbytery . J. D. Ewing, U. Powers, J. H. Wallace, R. C. Graham, W. P. Hickman, Thos. Brown, J. M. Humphreys, 0. A. Miller, Wm. F. Junkin, S. D. Stnarl, James Greer, W. M. White, A. B, Carrington and L. H. Blanton. SYNOD OP VIRGINIA. 297 Boanolce Presbytery . S. B. Wilson, D. D., H. Lee, M. W. Jackson, I. Cocliran, R. K Andersou, S. J. Rice, J. Gr. 8hepperson, S. D. Rice, C. R. Vanjjhan, J. A. Scott, H. Snyder, Thos. E. Peck, W. B. Tidball, H. A. Brown, B. W. Moseley, John A. Moore and John H. Davis. Winchester Presbytery. [The Stated Clerk of the Synod has no Roll of this Presbytery.] Rev. Wm. J. Iloge was elected Moderator, and Rev. J. D. Dudley and D. C, Irwin Clerks. Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. ' Closed with prayer. Thursday Morning, October 2d — 9 o'clock. Synod met and was opened with prayer. On motion of Dr. McFarland, Synod spent half an hour in devo- tional services, under the direction of tlie Moderator. At the close of these services it was — Resolved, That Synod will meet every morning at 9 o'clock, spend half an hour in devotional services; take recess at 11 o'clock for public worship ; meet at 3^ o'clock P. M., and adjouru at will. The Roll was called. The following brethren being present, were invited, to sit as cor- responding members: Rev. Wni. W. Morrison, of the Synod of Alabama. Rev. J. H. Bocock, D. D., of the Synod of Baltimore. ■ Rev. Francis Bowman, D. D., of the Synod of Georgia. Rev. B. T. Lacy, of the Synod of Kentucky. Rev. J. S. Watt, of the Synud of ]\Iissoiiri. Rev. J. N. Anderson, of the Synod of South Carolina. Also Rev. Messrs. Gilbert and Davis, of the Evangelical Lutheran church. The follovring mc^ibers were excused for non-attendance at the present meeting, for reasons rendered, viz: Rev. Messrs. James Morrison. Wm. H-. McGuffcy, D. D., G. D. Armstrong, D. D., H. M. White, L. \\. Blanton, U. Powers, C. R. Vaughan, B. W. Moseley, T. P;yor, D. D., and J. S. Armistead, D. D. The tninutes of the scssson of yesterday evening wore read and approved. The Stated Clerk presented the, report of t1ie Board of Directors of Union Theological Seniinary, wliich was read and referred to the Coinmiflee on the Seminary. Tiie Synod proceeded to a)ipoint the time and place for its next moctinj;, and the town of Salem was chosen as the place, and the third Wednesday in October, 18G3, at 7 o'clock P. M., as the. time. 298 SYNOD OF VTRGINIA, The Moderator appointed the following Standing Committees : JJn Leave of Absence — Rev. Richard JMcIhvaine aud G. W. White and Elder P. P. Batte. On Bills aud Overtures — Rev. J. B. Ramsey, D. D., William S. W^iite, D. D.. aud S. R. Houston, with EldJrs C. C. Read and E. Phlcger. On Union Theological Seminary — Rev. Wm. H. Rnffner, Francis McFarland, D. D., and D. B. Ewing ; Elders S. McCorkle and J. B. J. Logan. On ihe Narrative — Rev. H. C. Alexander and Luther Emerson, and Elder J. D. Spraggins. Judicial Committee — Rev. T. V. Moore, D. D., John Miller, Chas. Beach, and Elders T. E. Perkinsnn and J. C. Hiitton. On Devotional Services — Rev. Wm. E. Baker and Elder Alexander Taylor. It was resolved that the Committee of Bills and Overtures be re- quired to report on the propriety cf appointing a stated time for the ' regular meetings of Synod. On motion. Rev. John Miller and H. C. Alexander, and Elder R. F. Lester were appointed a committee to report a minute on the general subject of the'interruption of worship in our churches. Resolved, That the Committee on the Theological Seminary be instructed to inquire as to the number of Theological students now in the army, and write to them a letter of sympathy and support. Resolved, That a Committee from Lexington Presbytery be appointed to prepare a Minute in reference to the death of Rev. Henry Kiitfner, D. D. Resolved, That a Committee from each Presbytery ho a[)pointed to pre- pare Minutes with reference to the deaths of the members of their respect- ive Presbyteries during the past year. r The Committee on the Narrative were requested to notice in the Narrative tlic death of those Theological Students who have died, during the past year. The Moderator appointed the following committee from Lexing- ton Presbytery, on tlie deatli of Rev. Dr. Ruffner, viz: Rev. Francis Mcirarland,D. D., Wm. S. Wl#te, D. D., and Elder Hugh Barclay. Also, the following committees to review Presbyterial Records: To review the Records of — Gi-eenbrier Presbytery— i^\.Q\\ A. L. Hogshead, Wm. H. Matthews and Ekler L. Moore. Of Lexington Presbytery — Rev. J. Calvin Barr, G. Goble and Elder F. M. Wylie. Of West Hanover Presbytery— Hev. P. T. Pcnick. R. C. Walker and J. E. Guthrie. Of East Hanover Presbytery— llev. E. D. Junkin, T. W. White and A. J. Bondurant. Of Montgomery Presbi/tery—RQV. S. Brown, R. P. Kennedy and H. Barclay. SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. 299 Of Boanohe Presbytery— Rev. Win. G. Campbell, E. Thomas and "Wm. M. McCiitchan. Of Winchester Presbytery— Rqy. F. H. Bowman, Wm. Pinkerton and J. Montgomery. It was made the first order of the day for this afternoon to receive Presbyterial R,ecords. And it was made the second order for the afternoon to receive Statistical Reports of Presbyteries, and Narratives of the state of Religion. And the third order to hear reports from Presbyteries on evangel- istic labor. The fourth order to hear reports from Presbyteries on systematic benevolence. The following members appeared and gave satisfactory reasons for tardiness : Rev. J. R. Bowman, Rev. C. S. M. See, and Elder Wm. Craw- ford. Synod took a recess till 3| o'clock P. M. After recess Synod met. The first order of the day was taken up, and the Records of the Presbyteries of Lexington, West Hanover and Montgomery were received and placed in the hands of the committee. The second order was taken up, and the Statistical Reports of the Presbyteries of Greenbrier, Lexington, West Hanover, Montgomery and Roanoke were received and read, and are as follows, viz : The Presbytery of Greenbrier report to the Synod that they consist of 12 Ministers, and have under their care 23 churches, and 3 Licenciates. On the 19lh of April, 1802, they licensed James Haynes, and on the 22d of Septermber, 1862, Brice B. Blair, as probationers for the ministry. Died, Dec. 17th, 1861, Rev. Henry Kuffner, D. D. Died, June 8th, 1862, Rev. James M. Brown, D. D. Died, August — , 1862,' Rev. David H. Cunninj^ham. Died, May 15th, 18d2, James Brown, a candidate for the ministry. By order of Presbytery J. C. Baur, s. a Lexington Presbytery report to the Synod of Virginia that they consist of 30 Ministers, and have under them 38 churches, 2 Licentiates, and 1 can- didate. Ministers Received — Nov. 8th, Rev. F. H. Bowman, from the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa, and Rev. P. M. Custer, from the Presbytery of Greenbrier. April 17th, Rev, Reuben Lewis, from the Presbytery of Montgomery, and Sept, .5th, Rev. N. VV. Calhoon, from the Presbytery of St. Louis. Pastoral Relation Dissolver/— Feb. 20th, 1862, between Rev. Samuel Brown and Windy Cove church. Installed — Nov. 8th, Rev. Francis H. Bowman, pastor of Augusta church. Nov. 9th, Rev. Philander M. Custr, pastor of Mount Horcb. church, and May -nth, Rev. Thomas L. Preston, pastor of Hebron church, and May 10th Rev. Samuel Brown, pastor of New Monmouth church. 300 SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. Ordained — May 10th, Rev. John M. Goul, as'an evangelist. Licensed — March 21st, Mr, J.. H. Gilmore. Died, August 9th, Rev. John M. Goul. The Presbytery has also lost, by death, three candidates during the year. By order of Presbytery, Sept. 18th, 1862. Sam'l Brown, Stated Cleik. The Presbytery of West Hanover report to the Synod of Virginia that the^consist of 10 Ministers, and have under their care 21 churches, 6 Li- centiates, and 1 candidate. On the 23d day of April last they dismissed Rev. S. S. Mnrkland to the Presbytery of Concord , on the s:i?nc day they dismissed John M. Goul, a Licenciate, to put himself undef the care of Lexington Pre>bytory. On the 25th of the same month they received Kev. Win. .1. Hoge, D. D., of the Presbytery of New York, on examination, without a dismission, for reasons stated on their Minutes. On the 25th of the same month thoy licensed Thomas W. Gilmer, George H. Gilmer, Charles James Armistead, H. P. R McCoy and James M. Wharey to preach the Gospel. On the 2;!th of Aug., they received under tlieir care Park Poindexter Flournoy as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry. By order of Presbvterv, .^ug. ZOih, 1862. J. S. Armistead, Stated Clerk. Montgomery Presbytery repoit to Synod that they consist of 18 Ministers, and have under their care 3 Licentiite? and 5 candidates. That on the 7tb da}' of Nov., ISGI, tiie pastoral relation between the Rev. J. F. Lanneau and the church of k^ale|B was dissolved, and Mr. Lanneau was dismissed to the Presbytery of Chjepkee. That on the 11th of January, 1862, tiie pastoral relation was dissolved be- tween the Rev. J. S. Gia-^ty and the jchurch of Mountain Union ; that on the 12th of April Rev. L. H. Blaiiton li'as received fiom the Presbytery of West Lexington, and on the second Saourday in May installed pastor of the church of Salem. / That Rev. H. M. White was installe| pastor of Mountain Union church on the second Saturday in June. , And that since the last report th^ Rev. W. W. Stickley departed this life. L. H. Blanton, Mr. W. F. JUNKIN. The Presbytery of Roanoke report to the Synod of Virginia that they consist of 24 Ministers, and have under their care 27 churches, 1 Licen- tiate, and three candidates. , That on the 2.5th day of April, 18G% they licensed Mr. William S. 'Lacy to preach the Gospel. That on the day following they received under their care Mr. Thomas W. White, a Licentiate from the Presbytery of East Hanover. That on the 31st day of May, they lost by death, at the battle of Seven Pines, Mr. Edgar Wirt Carringion, a candidate for the ministry. That on the 11th day of July they ordained Mr. Thomas Ward White, and installed him pastor of Ebenezer church. . That on the 29th day of August they received Rev. John H. Davis from SYNOD OP VIRGIIHiA. 301 the Presbytery of East Hanover, and on the same day they toolc under their care Mr. Tazewell M. McCorkle, of the Ist Presbyterian church of Lynch- burg, as a candidate for the Ministry : that on the 3d day of Septembei they installed Rev. John H. Davis Pastor of Bethlehem church ; and on the 20th day of the same month installed Mr. Davis Pastor also of Concord church. By order of the Presbytery, Sept. 26th, 1862. Sam'l J. Price. Stated Clerk. The Prfsbytery of East Hanover report to the Synod that they con- sist of 17 Ministers, and have under their care 17 churches and one candi" date. On the 17th day of April, 1862 they dismissed the Rev. John H. Davis to unite with, and Mr. Thos. Ward White, a Licentiate, to put him- self under the care of the Presbytery of Roanoke. On the same day they ordained Mr Herbert H. Hawes to the full work of the Ministry, and on the 23d of August installed him pastor of Hebron church. On the 3d day of October they received the Rev. Beverly T. Lacey, a member of the Pres- bytery of West Lexington. On the 15th day of February Rev. Dabney Carr Harrison died of wounds received at Fort Donaldson : and on the 9th day of June Rev. Wiu. Lyon departed this life. Oct. 2, 1862. William Brown, Stated Clerk pro tern. The Narratives on the State of Religion from Greenbrier, Mont- gomery and Roanoke Pre.sbyteries were read, and put into the hands of tlie Coicmittee on the Narrative. Rev. Thomas Wharey, P. M. Custer, H. B. Rose and Elder B. B. Campbell, from Pisgah church, Lexington Presbytery, appeared and gave satisfactory reasons for tardiness. The third order of the day was taken up, and the Presbyteries of Lexington and Roanoke reported on the subject of Evangelistic labor. From these reports it appear.^ that these Presbyteries manage the subject through their Coinniittees of Domestic Missions; that they are endeavoring to aid feel)le churches, plant new ones, and to aid in supplying the army hospitals with Chaplains. In this latter work the Presbytery of Roanoke has shown commendable zeal. The fourth order was taken up. and a report on Systematic Bene- volence wa.s received from the Presbytery of West Hanover alone. From this report it appears that the subject has been attended to by this Presbytery. Besolved, That it be enjoined on the Presbyteries to send up their reports on Systematic Benevolence. The Moderator appointed the following Committees to prepare suitable Minutes in regard to the death of Ministers in their re8[)ec- tive Presbyteries during the last year : Lexington Presby levy. — Rev. C. S. M. See and F. H. Bowman, El- der J. C. Hutton. East H' mover Presbytery.— Rev. T. V. Moore, D, D. and G. W. White,#Elder R. F. Lester. 2 302 SYXOD OF VIRGINIA. Montgomery Presbytery. — Rev. A. Hart, J. S. Grasty and Elder E. Phle<;r.r. Greenbrier Presbytery. — Rov. S. R. Houston, J. C. Barr, Elder Thos. Matthews. The Committee appointed on the subject of the interruption of worship in the churches, repeated. The Moderator appointed the Ri'V. W. H. Foote, D. D, and Elder P. P. Batte a Committee on the Minutes of the General Assembly. Adjourned to meet to-niurrow morning at 9 o'clock. Clotied with prayer. Friday Morning, Oct. 3d, 9 o'clock. Synod met and was opened with prayer, and half an hour was spent in devotional services. The Roll was called, and the minutes of yesterday were read and approved. The Rev. Francis Bowman, D. D. and Rev. J. H. Bocock, D.D. having been received as members of West Hanover Presbytery were enrolled and took their seats as members of Svnod. Rev. Messrs. B. M. Smith, D. D., VVm. Brown, D. D., M. D. Hoge, D. D., and Wm. T. Richardson, appeared and gave satisfac- tory reasons for tardiness. Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D. and Rev. J^hn Moore were e.vcused for absence "from the present meeting, on reasons presented on their behalf. A paper was presented by Rev. Wm. S. Wliite, D. D. in reference to the duties of the chnreli to the Hospitals and the Army, which was discussed at some length. Pending the discussion, Rev. Dr. McFarland, at the call of the Moderator, led the Synod in [)rayer, with reference to this subject. On motion, the paper, and the whole subject of the duty of the church to tlie Hospitals and the Army, was referi'ed to a Ci>mmittee consisting of Rev, J. H. Bocock, D. D., R. Mcllwaine, M. D. Hoge, D. D., Jol'in Miller, Wm. Brown, D. D., and Elders H. Barclay and J. B. I. Logan. Synod took a recess till 3i o'clock, P. M. After recess Synod met. The Committee appointed to review the Presbyterial Records of East Hanover, Roanoke and Greenbrier reported that the Records had not been ])ut into their hands, and were discharged. The Committee on the Records of West Hanover and Lexington Presbyteries reported, recommending their api)roval as far as written. The reports were adopted. The Committee on tl»e Roc>r(ls of Montgomery Presbytery re- ported, and their report was laid on thy table. The tollowing Resolutions were offeredand adoiited, viz : Resolved, That this Synod hereby bear their solemn testimony against the growing neglect and disuse of singing as a part of family worship,»as being SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. 303 a departure from the hallowed custom of our fathers, as well as from the teachino;s of the Bible, and the .standards of our owu church. Resolved, That we afTectioiiatel)' commend to all our people this important miitter ; and would kindly invite a'l our Pastors and i^essions, (while they attend to the keeping; up of family worship amonpr the familiey of their le- spective charges) not to neglect, but pay special attention to thi» as an im- portant part of the worship of God in the familie.s, as well as in the public congregation. The Rev. B. T. Lacy, liaviiifj been received as a member of East Hanover Krcsbytei'y, was enrolled and took his seat as w member of Synod. The Presbytery of East Hanover presented their report on Evan- gelistic labor, from which it appears that they conduct this business as the other Presbyteries, through their Committee of Domestic Missions. They had endeav(kred to nbtnin a travelling Evangelist, but had failed. They have ha I four .Missionaries in their service during the past year, one of wlmm had been laboring mostly io the army. The Presbytery also reported that in consequence of the de- tention within the enemies lines' of tbeir Stated Clerk, and the ab- sence of the Records of the Presbytery, they can make no detailed report on Systematic Benevolence. The Presbyteries of Lexington and East Hanover presented their Narratives of the State of Religion, which were referred to che Committee on the Narrative. The Rev. W. W. Trimlde and Rev. John S. Blain, appeared and gave satisfactory reasons for not attending earlier. The Committee of Greenbiier Presbytery, appointed to j)repare Minutes in reference to the death of members of Synod within tiieir bounds, made the following Reports, which were ado[)ted : The Committee appointed to prepare a Minute expressive of the feelings of this Synod in reference to the death of Rev. James M. Brown, D. D., would respectfully submit the following, viz : Our departed fellow servant in the ministry of Christ was born in Rock- bridge county.' He prosecuted his theoIo<;ical studies under the direction of Rev G'o. A. Baxter, D. D., and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Lexington. He commenced hi^ labors as a Pastor in Berkeley county, in the year 1824. Afler the lapse of ten years he became an Agent of the Bonrd of Domestic Missions, in which service he continued two years, labor- ing in the States of Vir^'inia and Nuith Carolina. In the year 1836 he was installed the Pastor of the church of Charleston, in the Kanawha Valley, where he served his Master untd his death, which occurred on Sabbath morning, June 8fh, 1862. During this latter period he had, for some time, the charge of a Female Seminary, and at the same time performed frequent and toilsome Missionary tours through the exlen>-ive region of Western Vir- ginia. He was eminent for his zeal and conscientious fidelity in every branch of of his diversified labors. As a Pastor he was particularly di.^tinoruished His preaching was simple, logical and deeply impressive. In public prayer he seemed to stand hard by the throne and hold intimate communion with the God of grace and mercy. His people honored and loved him much. For 304 SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. mor* than a jear p'pvious to his death his church enjoyed an unceasing re- freshino; froin on hii^h. In Ihe la>l dny many, doubtIe^dom, caused him to be a-mtsl judicious counsellor, and a truly .safe guide. He passed through deep waters before he arrived at the Jordan of death. A beloved daughter, and a much loved son, sickened atjd died but a short period before he himself was called away. He bore his afflictions without a mur- mur. Every word that fell from his lips indicated a heart perfectly resigned and sweetly submissive. His end was more than peaceful. His death was tnumphant. » As a Synod we profoundly condole with his thrice stricken widow and only surviving son. May that precious Gospel, which was so full of peace to him, be their consolation and joy. Also in reference to the death of the Rev. David H. Cunningham. He was a native of Rockingham county, received his Theological education at Union Seminary, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Lexington in the ye;ir 1834. During his lil'e he labored in many different fields with much zeal, and a gof)d degree of success. He evidently lived the service of his^ Lord and Master Jc^us Christ, but in consequence of continued feeble health, and other circumstances the latter pnrt of his life was one of much suffering and but little efficiency in the mini-try. Many and sore weie his afflictions, but the Lord, we trust, has deliv -red him out of them all. Through much tribu- lation he lias entered into the kingdom of heaven. The Synod would heieby express their sincere sympathy for his numerous oipliaii children, now bereaved of both their parents, and would earnestly commend them to the grace and protecting kindness of their father's God. Sae'l U. HousioK, ) John C Barr, > Committee. Thos. Matthews, ) Oct. 3, 1862. The Committee of East Hanover Presbytery made the following reports, which were adopted : The Committee appointed to bring in a Mit^utc in regard to the deaths in East Hanover Presbytery, report the following: R-v. Dabney Carr Harrison, son of Rev. Peyton and Jane Carr Harri.son, was born in the county of Albemarle, Va., Sept. 12th, 1830. After the usual preliminary education, he graduated at Princeton College, N. J., at the age of 18, and studied hiw. Soon after entering on the practice of his profession, he was led to consecrate himself to Christ, and immediateiy began the study of Theology. After the usual course at Union Seminary, he was called to give instruction in Hebrew in the Seminary for two years, owing to the lamented death of Prof. Samp-on. After which he accepted the Chaplaincy of the University of Virginia, and was ordained by the West Hanover Presbytery in April. 1S,')7. Ha.itig filled this post with great acceptance, he took charge of the Bethlehem church in Hanover county, and performed a great deal of Mis>ionary labor, e.-pecially among the servants. After the death of his brother, Peyton R. Harrison, and other relatives, in the battle of Manassas, SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. 305 he felt it to be his -duty to enter the army, and raised a company in Hanover county, of which he took as much the s-piritual as the mihtary charge, labor- ing in various ways for the good of their souls. This company was ordered to the West, and it fell to their lot to participate in the terrible struggle of Fort Donelson. He was with them in all their sufferings, and although too unwell to be fit for duty, he rose from his sick bed to share with them the exposures of the impending battle. It had been his custom to assemble his company regularly lor morning and evening prayers, and this custom even the progress of that protracted battle did not cause him to intermit. On Thursuiy morning, the second day of that bloody and unequal struggle, where, amid drenching rain and freezing sleet and chilling snow, that gallant band of heroes struggled so bravely against overwhelming odds for five days, he gathered his ..len in the trenches, where they had been working all the night before, to begin the day with prayer. Many others gathered around him, and in the dim light of a setting moon and a dawning day, he repeated with thrilling effect to these weary and sufl^ering men the sublime words of that grand old war song of the Hebrew hero, the 27th Psalm, and many a heart grew stronger, as his manly voice exclaimed, "the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid ? Though an host should encairp against me, my heart shall not fear! Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident!" And though many an eye swam, and many a choking thought of loved ones far away came up, at the word, "When my father and mother forsake me;" yet the tear was checked as he added, "then the Lord will take me up." And that prayer in the freezing trenches, in the dim dawn of that wintry morning, will long be remembered by many a brave heart. On Saturday morning, Feb. 15lh, 1862, as he was leading his company in a dar- ing charge, and cheering them on, he fell, pierced by a mortal wound, and after lying for some time on the battle field, was carried off* by his brave men, to be removed to Nashville* As he was borne along on a litter, he re- marked to a passing friend, "it is all right, I am perfectly willing to die." During the next da}', which was the Sabbath, he called for a note-book, and with a hand thus growing feeble in death, as the following characters touch- ingly indicate, wrote: "I die content and happy, trusting in the merits of my Saviour Jesus, committing my wife and children to their Father and mine," and signed his name. Sinking into sleep, he suddenly started up, a few moments before his death, and exclaimed, as if his thoughts were wan- dering back to the battle field and his beloved men, " Company K, you have no captain now, but never give up ! never surrender !" Sinking back on his pillow, he sweetly and quietly fell asleep, and on the rest of that holy day, which he loved so well, passed from the Sabbath on earth to the eternal Sabbath in heaven. He sleeps far from the graves of his kindred, but his gentle loveliness, his fervent piety, his chivalrous courage, his ripe scholar- ship, his inflexible firmness in duty, and that rare and beautiful combination of almost of)posite' qualities that made him at once a " son of consoration," and a " son of thunder," will embalm hi« memory in an undjing affection in the heart.s of those who will long mourn that a sacrifice so rich and precious should have been yielded on the blood stained altar of our country's liberty. Rev. William Ljow was a native of Carlisle, Pa., pursued his academic course in Dickinson College, and studied Theology privately. Removing to Virginia about the year 1844, he took charge of the Kethlehem church, Han- over coimty, where he labored for four or five years, when failing health compelled him to teach for a few years. After which he took charge of the 306 SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. Amelia church, in East Hanover Presbytery. He wfts called about ten years ago to the genera! agency of the Virginia Bible Society in Eastern Virginia, in which work he labored faithfully, until he sunk under protracted ill health last June, and ended his earthly career about the age of forty. He was an humble, retiring and pious man, blameless and holy in all his walk and con- versation, laboring with uncomplaining fidelity amidst peculiar discourage- ments, and his latter end was peace. The Committer of Montgomery Presbytery reported the following, which was adopted : REV. W. W. STICKLEY. Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to remove from us by death the Rev. W. W. Stickley ; therefore, Resolved, That we bow in humblo submission to the divine will as ex- pressed in that event, and adore that sovereignty which we cannot compre- hend. As a Synod we record his death with sincere sorrow, feeling that we have lost a valuable member of this body, and a highly esteemed brother in Christ. We deeply sympathise with the people of his recent charge, believing that they have lost an earnest, affectionate and faithful preacher — a laborious and devoted Pastor, and one who was very successful among them as well in comforting, guiding and instructing the people of God, as in winning souls to the Redeemer. We also tender our warmest sympathies to his deeply afflicted wife and children, and commend them to the love and kindness of our Heavenly Father. The end of our beloved brother was peace, and \vc hope that his rest will be glorious. The Committee from Lexington Presbytery, appointed to prepare a Minute witii reference to the death of Rev. Henry Ruffner, D. D., reported the following, which was adopted : The Synod would put on record in their Minutes the mournful fact that on the 17th day of December, 1861, in the 71st year of his age, that honored and beloved member of the Synod, Henry RufFner, D. D. L. L. I)., ceased his ministry in the church below, but we rejoice to believe that on the same day he commenced his ministry before the throne of God and the Lamb. He possessed a very vigorous and well furnished mind. His literary and scientific attainments were large, varied and accurate, and he was a sound theologian. His love of learning was so intense, that by his cFose applica- tion to study he no doubt impaired a constitution naturally strong. His eminent qualifications pointed him out as a man well suited for the in- struction of youth in the higher walks of learning, and as Professor and Pre- sident of Washington College, he rendered, for many years, valuable service both to the church and to the State. But being a man of fervent piety he loved to preach Christ and him cru- cified, which he did with plainness and fervency and power, rightly dividing the word of truth. And Gud so owned his ministry, that three precious re- vivals of religion were enjoyed by the churches to which he ministered ; SYNOD OP VIRGINIA. 307 and there is no reason to doubt that his abundant labors in the last tended to shorten his life. His end, we learn, was perfect peace. Confidently relying on the promises of the Lord Jesus, he entered and passed through the dark valley, fearing no evil, the Rod and Staff of his Shepiicrd comforting him. A Committee, consisting of Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D.,Rev. A. W. Miller, and Elder L. R. Kailey, were appointed to bring in a Minute expressive of the Svnod in view of the death of the Rev. James H. Thorn well, D. D. At the suggestion of the Moderator, the Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D., led the Synod in prayer, with reference to the unusual number of deaths of members of Synod during the last year. The unfinished business of yesterday was taken up, being the Re- port of the Committee on the interruption of w-orship in our churches. The Report was received and adopted, and is as follows : The noble behavior of our people in this time of trial is a subject for thanksgiving, and ought to meetavith no discouragement on the part of the church or any of its judicatories. Even when it extends to the forsaking of pulpits by miuisters, and the giving up of churches for high military ends, it is a part of a system of sacrifices which our county undoubtedly demands, and for which our church, so far as she is faithful, will not be allowed to suffer. Nevertheless we sympathize deeply with those congregations that are thus called upon to make saciifices, and enjoin it upon their sessions and private members, by social meetings and by public assemblages for prayer, to keep up. the habits of the church, and to maintain the spirit of devotion. ^Ve think it high time also to enquire whether the more regular worship of God may not in more cases be restored. Ministers, by a proper self denial in re.«pcct to the freedom of their expresssions, without a trace of servility or shade of even imagined disloyalty to their country, may find it safe to go back to their posts : and elders, in a still greater number of cases, may find it possible to famish some other building for a hospital or for military stores than their church, and thus by a liitle exertion, worship may be restored in a number of neighborhoods. The Synod enjoins it upon our Presbyteries to have a vigilant regard for our interests in this respect ; and as one great object of our meetings is to give efliiciency and permanent arrangement to the preaching of the gospel all over the St;ite, the churches are entreated not to allow this war unnecessarily to interrupt their services, and at a time of peculiar temptations, not to allow the ministrations of the gospel unnecessarily to disappear from the land. The Committee appointed to report on the duty of the church with reference to the Ciia[)lains for the hospitals and the army, reported, and the Report was accepted. A motion was made to adopt, and pending the discussion, the subject was, on motion, laid on the table, and made the order of the day for to-morrow morning at 9^ o'clock. ^ It was also cesolved tiiat the hour for recess to-morrow sliall be 12 o'clock, "M. Synod took a recess till 7^ o'clook, P. M. After recess Synod met. 308 SYNOD OF VIRaiNTA, The Report of the Committee on the Records of Montgomery Presbytery was taken up, and the Records were approved as far as written, with the exception that on paije 323 it ai)pears the Presby- tery dispensed with requiring a Latin Exegesis from a candidate for Licensure, or any similar exercise. The Rev. Dr. McFarland presented liis report as Treasurer of Sy- nod, which, with the Treasurer's Book and vouchers, was referred to an auditing Committee, consisting of Elders E. Phleger and J. B. I. Logan. A communication was received from Rev. J. G. Shepperson, as- signing reasons for his absence from the last and present meeting of Synod, wliich were sustained. The Committee on the State of the Church presented tlieir Report, during the reading of which Synod adjourned till to-morrow morn- ing at 9 o'clock. Closed with prayer. Saturday Morning, Oct. 4th, 9 o'clock. Synod met and was opened with prayer. After half an hour spent in devotional service, the roll was called, and the Minutes of yesterday's sessions were read and approved. The Rev. Mr. Granbury, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Rev. J. A. Latane, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, being present, were invited to sit as corresponding raemhers. The Rev. T. L. Preston appeared and gave satislactory reasons for tardiness. The order of the day for 9^ o'clock, being the report of the Com- mittee on the duty of the church in regard to Chaplains for the hos- pitals and the army, was taken up and read. The Rev. Mr. Gran- bury, being a Chaplain in the army, having been invited, addressed the Synod on the subject. After farther discussion, and the time of recess having arrived, it was resolved to omit ])ublic worship this morning, and proceed with the discussion. Wliilo the discussion was still pending, Synod resolved to take a recess till 4 o'clock, P. M. The services were closed with singing, reading the Scriptures and prayer. After recess Synod met. The Committee on Union Theological Seminary reported, and their report was accented and adopted, and is as follows : [See Ap- pendix.] The Committee to whom was referred the annual report of the Board of Directors of Union Theological Seminary, find nothing therein calling for thu special attentioo of the Synod, unless it be the fact that about .$10,000 of subscriptions to the endowment re- main yet uncollected. This certainly should be attended to by the Directors. Resolved, That M. D. Hoge, D. D. and J. B. Ramsey, D. D. and Mr. C Read, whose term of office as Directors has expired, be re-appeint**'' SYNOD" OF VIRQINIA. . 309 The Committee a]ipointe(l to audit the Trcnsnffr's accounts, re- ported tliiit tlu'}' liave eXMniined the same and find them corre«t. In order to make up the delicicncyreportcd by the Treasurer, and to prevent any deficiency in future, tlie Committee recommend tliat Winchester Presbytery he assessed $15, and that S18 be added to tiie assessments upon the other Presbyteries, as fbUows : ♦ Add to Lexiiifrton Presbytery $2, and make the assessment - $30 « Kast HiiMover " 2 ...... . , 30 " Greenbrier " 2 " " " . - 15 '< Motitcroinery " 2 .. « << . . 15 ]{oanolvP " 5 ....... . 20 West Hanover " 5 •«.«... . . 20 This rcjjorted was athijjtcMl. The Committee from the Presbytery of Lexinbyl.erv as ;in evangelist, He pieached with acceptance in many of our .hnichcs, and was for some time s'j-'.ted supply of Providence church in Louisa ounty, where he made many warm friends, and preached and labored with fidelity and .-success. At the beginning of the war he entered the army as a member of the Rock- bridge Artillery, the famous Pondleton JJattery, where he proved himself a brave and eflirient soldier, and yet reinembering that he was an officer umler the C?ipt:iin of our salvation, he evermore sought by word, by examfde, and by preaching, as oppo.'-tnnity ofTered. to eiuist soldiers h.r the army of King Emmanuid. As soon as the term of hi- enlistment e.pired, he sought a com- mi^sion as missionary to Ihe, army, in which service he had been ong'ged but one month, wla n his labors weie inlprrii|)trd by the painful, as it pioved fatal illness oli a youirg and deaily loved broiluT, by wlios«' bedside he watch, d with the tendere-t as>i(luitv, and who-e remains he removed to his bir'h place for buriid, inlendii^, when this sid oflice ol friendship w.is finished, to xeturn immediately to his labors in iht- nrmy. l')ul G.)d oideied otherwise. Scarcely had he Luiird his brother, when he w;is .seized with a malitrnaiit attack (if typhoid levrj-, which in a few days removed him from the l;ind of the living. He died on the .Oih of August, 1802, and then another name, (and how many they have been in o.ie brief year) was stricken from our roll, and another removed from the church on earlh to join, as we confidently believe, that ever increasing multitude of "the spirits of the just made per- fect' in heaven. His wise sen^e of propriety, his •'ncial talent.'', his freedom from every- thing like Banctimonioua cant, gave him a alrong hold upon the aflcctions of 3 310 SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. * all, especially the youngr. and opened before him a cheering promise of use- fulness, whil"^ his habitual cheerfulness ever tended to dispel that common delusion of the world that religion is a gloomy and sorrowful thing; and to show that it is not intended (o dry up the joy of our youth, but only to chas- ten and purify and make it perennial. We are thus called to trust Gol's cause more entirely to him, and not to trust in man whose breath is in his nostrils. We are admonished, brethien, to be more faithful, for the night soon comcth ; and we are taught to pray more earnestly that God would end more laborers into his harvest, which is plenteous; while from the thin ra .ks of the laborers God is calling many away, leaving their fields to be garnered by others, or to perish unreaped. Respectfully submitted, C. S. M. See, Chairman. Rev. M. W. Woodwortb, of the Presbytery of Winchester, ap- peared and gave satisfactDry reasons for tardiness. The unfinished bnsiness of the morning was taken up, being the report of the Committee on the duty of tbe church to the hospitals and tiie array, and the resolutions were taken up seriatim and adopt- ed, as follows : • 1. Resolved, That the Synod recommend to all under their care the estab- lishment of Wayside Hon es of R<^st, for the temporary relief of sick and wounded soldiers in tinnsiiu; with the express understanding, that those who have the management of those renting places, be enjoined to prevent any abuse of these provisions on the part of soldiers, who inight be disposed to linger longer than the necessities of their condition absolutely demanded. It is further earnestly recommended th.it those who have charge of these houses of refreshment, ob|f.jin, when practicable, the co operation of Provost Marshals in aiding the-e passing soldiers, and in preveniing ui.due loitering. And it is recommended to Pastors and to the churches within whose limits these houses of rest ma}- be established, acting through tlu'ir Deacons, or such other agency as may be deemed expedient, to attend to the supply of religions reading in each of them 2. Resolved, That l!ev. \ioses D. Hoj;e, D. D., be appointed a Commis- sioner on the part of this Synod, in reference to obtaining Chaplains, espe- cially for regiments raised within the bounds of this Synod ; and that it shall be his duty to ascertain what regiments are unsupplied with Chaplains ; to hold correspondence with the Colonels of these regiments in regard to filling such vacancies ; to receive the suggestions of the Committed of Domestic Missions of the Presbyteries, as to men suitable for Chaplains ; and to aid in obtaining co nnissixis for those thus recommenced. 3. Resolved. That Synod recommend to all their Ministers, who may be able to labor as Chapl.iins in the armv, seriously' to consider whether it is not their duty to seek such a position ; and to all our church officers and mem- bers seriously to consider whether they have done, or are doing all they ought to do for the religious instruction and warning of the soldiers in the army, and in the hospitals. The Committee appointed to prepare a Minute expressive of the sense of this Synod in regard to the death of the Rev. James H. SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. 311 Thornwell, D. D., of the Synod of Sontli Carolina, reported the following, which was unanimously adopted: The Synod of Virginia, participatinp: in the great bereavement which the Presbyterian church of the Confederate States has suffered in the death of Rev. James H. Thornwell, D. D., places on record this expression of its pro- found sense of the heavy calamity wiiich it has pleased the All-wise Head of the church thus to intlict. We mourn the loss of one, on whom God had most eminently bestowed the gifts and graces, so highly essential to the right performance of ministe- terial functions, of the highest importance in disseminating the great princi- ples of the Gospel of the grace of God. * To rare endowments of natural intellect he added a vast fund of knowl- edge, not only of the doctrines which diHtif)gui>h the Christian scheme, but also of all those departments of learning by which the acquisition, defence and inculcation of tho^e doctrines are so effectually aided. He was " mighty in the Scriptures," fully meet for sustaining, by argument, their divine au- thority, an I peeuliii7'ly able in expounding, illustrating and enforcing their truths. The loved theme of his preaching was eiTi[)hatically Jesus Christ and Him crucified ; and the whole scope of his theologic.il teaching was to humble human pride and exalt the God of all grace, as revealed to man in the Gospel of Hisj^on But not only as the preacher and teacher of 'I heo'ogy did he cominand the admiration of the church. He was as fully conver.-anl; with the facts of Church History, and the great prinpted. The Judicial Committee reported that no business had been put into their hands, and they were acQordin^ly discharged. Synod took recess till 7^ o'clock. After recess Synod met. The Committee on the Minutes of the Gener:tl Assembly reported calling the attention of the Synod to resolutions No. 1 and 2, on })a>4e 15, in reference toob.serviug the last Thursday of February as a day of special prayer for our youth, &c. Also recommending to our churches, oil the last Sahbitliin every mouth, to offer special prayer for our baptized young men in the army. The report was re- ceived and approved. The Committee on Leave of Absence reported that they had ex- cused for absence from the last two meetings of Synod Rev. S. R. Houston and Rev. P. M. Custer. , For absence from the last meeting : Rev. Messrs. Enoch Thomas, Wm. G. Campbell, J. M. Rice, John Miller, D. C. Irwin, and A. Hart. For absence from the present meeting : After Thursday morning, Rev. Wm. Pinkerton, « After the session of Fridav, Rev. Charles Beach, Wm. S. White, D. D., Geo. W. White, S. R. Houston, Samu'l Brown, Thomas W. White and Luther Emerson. Elders A. J. Bundurant, Wm. N. McCutchan, Littlebury Moon and Harvey Bear. After Saturday morning. Rev. P. M. Custer, H. "B. Rose, N. W.- Calhoon and R. P. Kennedy. After Satuiday afternoon. Elder William Van Lear. The repoit was accepted and a[)proved. Resolved, That the thanks of Synod be tendered to the various churches which have offered their houses of worship to the use of the Synod ; and likewise to the citizens of Staunton for their kindness and hospitality. The committee appointed to prepare the Narrative on the State of Religion within tlie bounds of the Synod, made their report, which was accepted and adopted, and ordered to be published in the Cea- tral Presbyterian, and in the Appendix to the Minutes of Synod. The Rev. Thomas E. Peck was afipointed to ])reach the synodical sermon at the next nieeting of Synod, on the subject of the relation between the church an:l the State ; and the Rev.* Williaoi H. Foote, D.-D., his alieraate. SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. 313 A communication was made to Synod to the effect that certain legacies had been bequeathed to the Boards of , by , anl that the legal representative of said testator expressed a readi- ness to pay over said bequests to the Commiitees of . But in view, of legal and other difficulties in the case, Synod is not prepared to give a deliverance in the premises. Whereupon it was Resolved, That Rev. Fjancis McFarland, D. D., and S. McD. Reid, Esq., be a committee to make further investigation, and to act in the premises on their best judgment. The committee appointed to .procure an amendment to the charter of the Union Theological Seminary were not prepared to report, and, on motion, were continued and ordered to report at the next meet- ing. Resolved, That the standing rule, requiring the appointment of a Commit- tee on the State of the Church, be rescinded. The minutes of this days sessions were read and approved. Synod adjourned to meet in Salem on the third Wednesday of Oc- tober,. 1863, at 7 o'clock P. M., and was closeel with singiug, prayer, and the apostolic benediction. W. J. HOGE, Iloderator. J. D. Dudley, ) ^, , D. C. Irwin, j ^'^*^^- Francis McFarland, Stated Clerk. 314 SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. APPENDIX. NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION. In taking a review of the year that has passed since the last meeting of the Synod of Virginia, it is our first duty and our happy privilege to render to our covenant-keeping God the tribute of uur humble, sincere and hearty thanks. The period that has just elapsed is one of no ordinary moment. It is a period that is destined to be memorable in the annals both of church and State ; a period that has been encompassed by the darkness and the mists of death ; and yet a period signalized by the shock of revolution, and the glory of heroic and victorious resistance. The fenrful strugi^le in which . during this time our noblest energies have been tasked to the uttermost, has been no heated discussion of the forum, or the deliberative floor, but has been conducted over many an agonizing battle-field, "with the noise of the warrior, and with garments rolled \i^ blood." At first God did not seem to smile upon our defensive operations. Disaster followed hard upon disaster, until the faith of some were ready to fail. But the Lord put it into the heart of the Chief Executive oflicerof the netion to call upon the Christians of the en- tire country to humble themselves* with fasting, acknowledgment and prayer. The appointed day was in July and extensively observed ; "and like a column of sweet smelling incense, the united supplications of the whole people went up before the God of battles, and was graciously accepted through the intercessions of our great High Priest. Almost before the weeping worshippers had risen from their knees, the answer came ; and gloriously did God at length avenge his own elect, who now continued to cry unto him day and night, and to present to him the .sacrifice of broken hearts. Our prayers were heard ; we were wonderfully deli^'ered out of the hands of our enemies; and now followed a solemn but most delightful season of thanksgiving a praise. Again our God-fearing President called upon the suffering church of Christ, throughout the Confederacy, to assemble in t!.eir various places of worship, no longer for purposes of humiliation, but for the sweeter offices of adoring gratitude and joy. The holy time was sacredly observed, and thousands of Christ's saints that day were refreshed and ex- alted in their King. Since the date of this proclamation, a new series of victories has accompanied the march of our armies, and as a church we would again "call upon our souls to bless the Lord, and all that is within us to magnify His holy name." The contrast presented between the position of the Synod to-day and the position of the same body a year ago, is broad and striking. We were then emerging from the agitating scenes which attended the separation of t^outhern Presbyteries from the Presbyteries of the North. We are -now, by the good hand of our God upon us, au-piciously united with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church in the Confederate States of America, and already — as we would fain trust and pray — like him who in the apocalyptic vision, rode upon the white horse, go forth "conquering and to conquer." SYIIOD OP VIRGINIA. 315 The year that has just closed has been pre-eminently a year of conflict and a year of trial. It has been, in the case of most of our churches, a season of probation, and it is our now unwavering conviction, that while many false professors have been discovered, and the love of many has waxed cold, the souls of those whom Jesus Christ has loved and purchased, have been "puri- fied as gold that is tried in the fire," The attendance on the ordinances of religion has, in many places, been necessarily interrupted ; but on the whole the indications of a desire and de- termination on the part of Clod's people to keep up the ministrations of the sanctuary, have been cheering. It has been the painful lot of several of our ministers to labor within the lines of the enemy. Others, under similar circumstances, have felt it to be their duty to seek other and more inviting fields. The attendance on the weekly prayer-meeting has been seriously, though not perhaps — in the majority of our churches — injuriously diminished. The war has taken off most of the male members of our congregations, but others have come in to take the places, and the attendance of females has been increased. Due regard has been paid by pastgrs and sessions to the importance of maintaining Catechetical instruction, the Bible-class and the Sabbath school. The contributions of the past year to benevolent objects have of course been curtailed ; but the spirit of Christian liberality, especially in behalf of our soldiers, has been greatly awakened and put in exercise. The devotion of our people to the army and the cause of the country, has perhaps no parallel in history ; and these emotions of patriotic ardor and tender natural affection, have in innumerable instances sought a common channel with the sweetest and most precious outgushings of the Christian heart. In some places union weekly prayer meetings have been held, and often ■with the most gratifying'results. A spirit of earnest supplication has per- vaded many communities in which our church is strongly represented, and prayers have ascended to God from bursting hearts that he would remember the desolations of Zion. If it is to be feared, from the narratives of our Presbyteries, that petitions for temporal blessings have far exceeded in num- ber and in fervency those for spipitual mercies ; at the same time it is not to be denied that there has been and is still discernable a general and mostmn- usual sense of dependence upon God, and a constant recognition of the favor and the chastisements of a divine and superintending Providence. The in- fiuence of the war upon us has been profound and complex. While it hag drawn off* the bulk of our fighting population from their homes, thi^'ir avoca- tions and the sanctuary of God, it has tlyown upon our watchful care great numbers of those who have been driven before the hurtful sword of the in- vader. This circumstance has modified if it has not increased our opportu- nities, and has added to our obligations and responsibilities in the sight of God. Mnc I of the attention of the church has been directed to the work of Chapl.iincies in the hospitals, the camp, and in the field, and the blessing of our heavenly Father has rested abundnntly on these labors of self-sacrifice and love. At the same timp there has been nothing like a wide-spread re- vival of religion, and there has been sad room for improvement in the fre- quency and character of the efforts that have been put forth by the servants of the Lord Jesus to brmg about this glorious result. In the retrospect of the year which has thus drawn to a close, there is much to cause the heart of the beliover to "bow the head as a bullrush" and weep amidst the willows and the streams of Babel. There are symptoms la 116 SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. some quarters of declension and decay. There is not to be seen ''as in llie days af old," "the years of the riglit hand of the 3]o.st High," the spectacle of those who "fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows." The ways of Zion have often seemed to languish : apostacies have been frequent ; and the providence no less than the word of God has proved ''a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." But if the war has brought with it its peculiar sufferings and temptation?, soalso has it conferred its peculiar blessings. Blessed be God, we have much to encourage as well as to depress us, in this our annual review. He has, in the evolution of his inscrutable and holy plan, opened to us many "wide doors and effoctual,'' which before were barred at our approach ; and even in this time of rebuke and tiibulation has "commanded his loving kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song has been with us." The past year has been a year not only of sadness and trial, but of be- reavement. The number of reverend and dearly beloved ministers of the word who have been translated from the church on earth to the church in heaven, is absolutely without example. "These all died in faith," and in the consolations and triumphs of the Holy Ghost. We are moreover called tQ mourn the decease of an unusual number of theological students, matriculates of our own cherished in^titution in Prince Edward, and it is the wish of Synod in this public manner to give perpetua- tion to their names. The following is the Llood-stained roll : Samuel M. Lightner, who was wounded in the first battle of Manassas, but recovered and re-entered the army, where he died of a fever. J. W. McCown, who fell asleep at home, never having connected himself with the army. Hugh A. White, who was smitten on the high places of the field in the second battle of Manassas, James M. Lynch, who had nearly completed his theological course, and fell a victim to disease contracted in the camp. And Edgar W. Canington, whose promising career was cut short at the battle of Seven Pines. "Blessed be the dead whirh die in the Lord, ior.ihey shall rest from their labors and their works shall follow them." In view of our grievous shortcomings in the past, we would in humble re- liance on his mercy, and the virtue of his obedience and dying blood, roll the heavy burden of our guilt and sorrow on the breast of Jesus, the friend of sinners and the great Head of the cluirch ; ai.d "forgetting the things which are behind," would press forwaid with redoubled aclivi y and zeal, in anticipation of the day when the s«cramental host of the Redeemed now militant shall return triumphant, "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and ter- rible as an army with banners." With renewed expressions of our gratitude to God for his unnumbered anJ unmerited mercies, we would oncemoie "set up ourKbenczer, and say hiiherto hath the Lord helped us." And "now unto the King Eternal, im- mortal, ihvisjble, the only wise God, be honor and gloiy forever and ever, Amen." SYNOD OP VIRGINIA. 31 T ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA. The Board of Directors of Union Theological Seminary, herewith present their annua! report, as follows, viz : I. Students. — The regular exercises of the Institution ha\^ been attePLl- ed to for the larger part of the last Session with less interruption than niight have beeii expected from the distracted condition of the country ; and all the departments of study have been regularly pursued, so far as circum- .slauces have allowed. The following eleven new studeuts have been received during the year, viz : Padce Poiiidcxter Flournoy, a member of the First Presbyterian church, Richmond, Va., and graduate of Hampden Sidney College. Imac Pdncakf. Heiskill, member of Romney church, Presbytery of Win- chester, and student of the University of Virginia. Jukii K Hisner, member of College church. Presbytery cf West Hanover, and student of University of Virginia. Jonrth W. Lvpton, member of First Presbyterian church, Alleghany city, Pa., and student of Western Theological Seminary of the UnUed Stales. Ed-unrd Hamrnet Barnet, member of the Presbyterian church, Christians- burg. Va., in Montgomery Presbytery and graduate of Hampden Sidney Coilego. Saviuel Valentine McCorkh, member of the Independent Presbyterian church in Greenville, Eu^t Tennessee, and graduate of Princeton College. JVdt/ian Backman, member of the Presbyterian church in Kingport, East Tennessee, cotuiected \Vith the United Synod, graduate of Emory and Henry College, and studeut of Union Theological Seminary in New York city. D'lvid tomfurt, member of the Village church in Roanuke I'resbytery, gradu'ite of iiampJen Sidney College, and student of Princeton Theological Seminary. Tazewell M. McCorkle, member of the First Presbyterian church, Lynch- burg, Va., and student of H. S. College. * Halbuf Green II. II, member and elder of the Presbyterian church in Clarksville, Va., and graduate of H. S. College. Brice Benton Blair, :i>ember of the Presbyterian church in Shippensburg, Pa., graduate of Jefferson College, Pa., and student of Princeton Seminary. Eleven of the old students returned, making the whole number in atten- dance during the year twenty-two, of these however only four were present at the close of the session, the remainder having left the Seminary in Feb- ruary and March, under the urgent call of the government for more troops, or since that for reasons growing out of the state of the country, and are nearly all now in the army. Certificates of having completed the full course of study were given to C. J. Armistead, T. VV. Gilmer and Jas. M. Whirey, and also to G. H. Gilmer, Henry (iilmore and Wm. S. Lacy, with the exception of a small portion at the end of the term, when tiny were called to the service of thei* country in the ar:ny. ojg RYNOI> 01' VIRGINIA. IT LiBRVRY.-Forty-one volumes have been added to ^h^ Library, all. except one purchased at the sale of a private library, making the whole No. of volumes now 5,059. ITT FArTTTTY —Tins is the same as reported last year { Jv SaTuel B. Wilson, D. D., Professor of Pastoral Theology. Moral «?/"'rnrp ami Evidences of (.'hristianitv- . i » i „:„ fReiv Robert L. Dabney, D. D.. Professor of Systematic and Polemic Theoln.'V,anci Sacred Rhetoric. r r» ■ toi nr.,1 Rihliral 3. l>e\'. Benjamin M. Smith. D. D., Protessor of Oriental and Biblical ^'T\e Hutchinson. M. D., J. P.-McPhersoL., N.M.lharr M.D., Thomas r. Faucette, Jesse H. Lindsay, (ieo. M. Gibbs. R- V. Watkins. S. A. -taiifield, ' S. 0. Pharr, F. N. Whaley, W. W. Pharr. APPOINTED BY THE PRESBYTERY OF WINCHESTER. Wm. H. Foote, D. D. R- B. Sherrard. THE OFFICERS OF THE BOARD ARE: Presiileni.—^ev. Drury Lacy, D. D. \st Vice President— Rev. Jas. B. Ramsey. 2d Vice President— Res'. Wm. H. Foote, D. D. Secretary.— C. C. Read, ICsq. Treasxirer.-Y. N. Watkins, Esq., of Farmville. V. The FuNnTlThe whole investments of funds for direct sustentat.OD and scholarship, are as follows, viz : , , , , „^,, .u^ Total investments as per Treasurer's report of last year, the particular nature of which have not been given in report o{ this year, but are presumed to be unchanged, ^2 000 00 Added during the last year, \ • . $106,700 00, SYNOD OF VIKGINIA. 319 This amoont is subject to Ihe following deductions, in order to show the amount available for sustentation, viz: For defraying director's expenses, ... For Rice Monument Fund, . . . ^ For Library Fund, - - - - - For West Hanover scholarship. For Lacy " For Ladies '' - - - - For Devereaux " . . . . For Winchester Presbytery scholarship, For Lexington . " " - , - Fur Elder's " - - For Pliysieian's "... Deduct further the Winchester scholarship, Leaving investments for direct sustentation, Add cash in estimated notes and bonds, The services of the agent employed by the Board for several years to com- plete the endowment, have been discontinued during the past year, owing to the st;itc of the country. There is still a large amount of unpaid subsciip- tions, not less than $10,000. All which is respectfully, By order of the Board, Clem't C. Rebd, Secretary. May 13th, 1862. 29 10 79 58 532 87 944 57 584 54 2.128 05 25 00 440 33 77 50 200 00 25 00 2,500 00 $7,566 54 99,133 46 2,901 54 $102,035 00 320 SYNOD OP VIRGINIA. DOCKET OF BUSINESS FOR 1863. Moderator and two Clerks to be elected. Printed Minutes to be distributed. Standing Committees to be appointed by the Moderator. On Leave of Absence. On Bills and Overtures. A Judicial Committee. ^. ^ t r On Union Theological Seminary. They nominate Directors, lerm ot service of Dr. Brown, iMr. Fitzgerald and M. Phleger now expire.s. On the Minutes of the General Assembly. On the Narrative of the State of Religion. On Devotional Services. Committees to review Presbyterial Records. j j Rpport of the Directors of Union Theological Seminary, to be read and committed. ,. . , . j r j Presbyterial Narratives on the State of Religion, to be read and reierred. Statistical Reports from Presbjteiies, to be presented and read. - The Permanent Committee on Ministerial Support to report.^ Synodical sermon to be preached by Rev. Thos. E. Peck ; Rev. Wm. H. Foo'te, D. D., Iiis-aiternate. A Preacher juid subject for a Synodical sermon next year to be appointed. Time and pliice for the. next meeting of Synod. A Board of Electors to be appointed for Union Theological Seminary. Presbyteries to report their diligence in Systematic Benevolence. Committee to procure an amendment to the charter of Union Theological Seminary to report. 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