Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-08-03
INTERESTING INCIDENT.

The Lynchburg Republican has the following |
nosice-of an interesting incident which occurred
in connection with the recent annual commence
ment of Washington College a, Lexington.
"On the afternoon Of Commencement! day the
Alumni of the College were addressed by the
Rev. DR.. Alexander OF Princeton Theological Se-
minary, ~. j. This venerable and excellent
Divine is the Oldest Alumnus Of the College liv-
ing, end stood up in his s2nd year, to perform the
duty assigned to him. Great interest was impart-
ed TO the occasion by the fact that the aged speak
er amongst his native hills, breathing his ma
tive air, and surrounded by numerous relatives
and friends, who all rovered him as patriarch,
and loved him brother and father. His adj
dress, which was upon the subject Of Education
was full Of simplicity and sound wisdom. Itpre-
scented the matured opinions and reflections Of
long Lille of observation, and what is more, Of
long experience in teaching. He looked with a
jealous eye upon many Of the novelties in sys-
tens of Education. and seemed to cry, with ora
| cuar wisdom, seek ye the old paths, and walk
yc in them"
| After having advanced with apparent case
through more than half of his speech, in conse-
quence Of the oppressive heat and bad air Of the
room, he was compelled 10 rest for while. He
shortly resumed his discourse; but was compell-
ed again TO take MS seat, when he soooned.
The scene now became one of deep and thrilling
interest. All feared serious, if not fatal issue,
| and every heart was full of anxiety and sorrow.
| However, on being removed from the house into
the pure air of the yard, he soon recovered, and
rising from the grass he insisted on returning to
the Church and Iesumng his discourse. The
congregation assembled, but he had not proceeded
far before the palencss of death stole over his
face, and he was again carried forth apparently
liieless. Again he was speedily recovered, and
again he expressed his desire and deiermi ation
to proceed with his address; nor could the prayers
and entreaes OF friends turn him from his pur-
pose He did not, however, return to the Church,
, but seated upon Chair i'm the midst Of that vene-
rable Church yard, he discoursed 10 the congre-
CATION, while they stood around him, listening 10
, his words with silent and breathless attention.
, The portion of the discourse which he seemed Sc
reluctant TO leave unuttered was a glowing euogy
upon the late Mr.. Graham, the founder Of the
. College-a person to whom ii would seem the
College and the State much. In concluding
his remarks, in that place of graves, he referred
TO the fact OF his being the oldest Of the Alumni
and that soon some Of those who were then sur
rounding him would occupy his place. He was
soon TO pass away, and they in their turn would
i be the last He tenderly counseed them TO put
their trus: in God, to make the Saviour OF sinners
their friend, and with his solemn testimony Il
the truth and value and excellence OF religion HI
babe them all final farewell, with the praye
, that he might meet them all i'm heaven. II was ;
> solemn, heavenly scene! place where w,
were forced to say, 1t is good TO be here Th
r venerable Father in Israel, from amongst thu
I iombs of departed generations had, as it were
/ delivered his dying counse--it had been receive,
into eager ears and sofiened hearts, and we wor
waiting to hear from his lips the words Of one O
: old, Sc Now ettest thou thy servant depart il
1 peace J" That place was Bechisa but they sor
rowed "most of all, for the words which h.
spoke, that they should see his face no more"