The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-07-31
From the " Y Commercial .adrertiser
REV. DIR. ALEXANDER, IN VIRGINIA.

REV DR.. ALEXANDER, IN VIRGINIA.
The annual commencement Of Washington Col
lege, at Lexington, Virginia, was held few days
since The l., nchburg Republican has the following
notice Of an interesting incident which occurred in
connexon with it, concerning Of the most v,ne-
rable men Of our country
On the afternoon Of commencement day. the alum
nj Of the College were addressed by the Rev. Dr..
Alexander, of Princeton Theological Seminary, IN.
j This venerable and excellent divine is the old
alumnus Of the College living, aud stood up, an
his SID year. TO perform the duty assigned TO him.
Great interest as impaired to the occasion by the
fact that the aged speaker among his native hills
breathing his native AIR, and surrounded by hume
rous relatives and friends, who all reyered him as
patriarch, and loved him a brother and father.
lis address, which was upon the subject of educa-
ton, was full Of simplicity and sound wisdom. 1t
presented the matured opinions and reflections Of
long life Of observation, aud what is more, Of long
experience IN teaching. lie looked with a Jealous
eye upon many OF the novelties IN systems Of ed
ucatlon, and seemed 10 cry, with oracular Wis
dom, "seek ye the old paths and walk We in them ~
Aflsr having advanced with apparent ease through
more than hall Of his speech, IN consequence of the
oppressive heat and bad air Of the room he was com
PEELED TO rest for while. lie shortly resumed his
discourse but compelled again 10 take his seat
when he soon swoonod. The scene now became one
Of deep and thrilling interest All feared a serious
II not fatal issue, and every heart iul OF anxiety
and srrow. However, on being removed from the
house into the pure air Of the yard he soon recover
ed, and rising from the grass he insisted on returning
TO the Churcn and resuming his discourse
The congregation assemble 2, but he had not pro-
ceeded FAR before the paeness Of death stole over
face and ne was again carried forth apparently life
less, Again he was speedily recovered, aud again he
expressed his desire and determination TO proceed
with his address nor could the prayers aud
ties Of friends turn him fon his purpose. lie d d
not, however, return TO the church, but seated upon
char in the midst of the venerable church yard, he
dlscoursed to the congregation, while they stood
around him, listening TO his words with silent and
bresthless attention. The portion Of the discours,
which he seemed so reluctant TO leave unuleted was
glowing eulogy upon the late MIR. Graham, the
founder Of the Coll ga person to whom II would
seem the College and the State owe much. In con-
Guiding his remarks, that place Of graves he re-.
erred TO the fact Of bis being the oldest Of the alum
nj, and that soon some Of those who surround
ing him would occupy his place. He was TO
pass away, and they IN their turn would he the lest
lie tendery counselled them 10 put their trust in
God, TO make the Saviour OF sinners their friend
and with his solemn testimony TO the truth and value
and excelency Of religion, he badc them all a FINAL
farewell, with the prayer that he might meet them
all 10 Heaven. II was solemn, heavenly scene "a
place where forced TO say " II is good TO be
here !" The yenerab father IN Israel, from among
the tombs Of departed generations, had as IL were
delivered his dying counsel--it had been received
into eager ears and softencd hearts, and we we're
waiting 10 hear from hi lips the words OF one OF
old 4" Now etest thou thy servant depart in peace
That place was Bochsa but they sorrowed worst
Of all for the words which he spoke, that they should
see his face more"