Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-11-07
THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.
4 From the Norfolk Beacon.
THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..

q
THE SYNOD--DISCUSSIO
The discussion in the Synod which awakened
most interest, was one in relation to memorial
from various religious denominations, petition
ing the Legislature to pass a law Incorporating
literary, benevolent and religious societies.
This memorial was referred to an able commit
tee, OF which the Rev. DR.. Atkinson was chair
man. The report Of the committee, however
was not discussed; nor was paper on the sub
ject introduced by DR.. Plumer; the Rev. p. Har
rison having offered a substitute for both, more
acceptabie 10 The minds OF the members. This
substitute called forth very spirited discussion,
In which Messrs. Harrison. Smith, White, and
others, together with Drs. Mcfarland, Atkinson
and Pliner took part. DR.. Plumer's speech,
which was an hour and half long, was very
able, Sometimes witty, and uniformly Interest,"
Ing. TIE substitute was passed with great una
nimitj :. The Rev. ]. Armistead, however, in.
troducsn two additional resolutions, another dis.
eosssS ~ considerable warmth arose upon The
latter, which recommended the appointment of a
committee, under given circumstances, to pre-
sent to the Legislature the views Of the SYNOD
upon the point in debate. This resolution was
lost by vote Of about SIS to 81. The subject
OF Agencies, the Central Board of Missions, the
report of the Directors of the Union Seminary,
and several other subjects also elected many pun
gent and interesting remarks. But the vision
has now passed, and we proceed to notice the
two last days Of the Synod.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES had been made to
furnish with preaching eight pits besides that
OF The Presbyterian Church. In the Presbyt.-
rlan Church, the Rev. Jesse Armstead, from
Cumberland, preached at III from Phil. Ill. To-
Ia The sermon was one Of universal excel
leDce and power. Drs. Graham, Atkinson and
ifendfon, then proceeded to administer the Sa-
crament Of the Lords Supper. About i've hun
ofed communicants were present, and the scene
was one, which, it is likely, none of them will
ever forget. The remarks of the aged and vene-
raoie Dr. Hendron, as well as the prayer of DR..
keid, were peculiarly melting. The Rev. Benz.
omith preached IN the afternoon to a very large
and crowded house. And considering the fact
that he changed his discourse in the pulpit to suit
the very large auditory to him so Unexpectedly
present, and also that The afternoon was SO short,
MS sermon was one Of much interest. His man
ner Is somewhat peculiar and Well adapted to
produce both clear conviction and deep solemn-
~ OF mind. Tie Missionary meeting at night
was one OF peculiar interest. The instructions
OF MIR. Lowrle were first delivered to Mr.. Brown.
The Missionary then made his farewell address
and appeal to christians. The Rev. MIR. Ley
bu:n, at the direction OF Synod, then gave a part.
ing adieu to our young Brother. The assembly
was unusually large, many standing for the want
OF seats. The whole scene was impressive, and
many no doubt obtained view of the Missona-
ry enterprise, never before possessed by them.
MoNDAY.-The forenoon Of this day was occu-
pied by the Synod in business. A scene how
ever, occurred, of peculiar interest. Mr.. Gray,
blind young man, and teacher of the blind at
otaunton, delivered TO the Synod short but
very thrilling address. He spoke with the great
est fuency, and moduaed his voice with unu-
sual ProPrieiy and force. He gave brief ac-
count OF the history of institutions for the Blind
passed most happy encomium on DR.. Plumer
Tor the Interest ne has taken in their institution,
and represented their visioniess society as one Of
Inc hGPpiest and nost fraternai on earth In the
afternoon the members of Synod, in compliance
with an invitation from Captain Farraeut, of the
pennsylvania, visited that noble ship, where the
polileness of the officers the cheering sounds of
music, and this great water-castle, with its ordi-
nances and curlosi,ies, excited unusual interest
Surely mounlaineer could but be astonished at
such specimen of the nautic art. At night the
Kew. Dr. Mcfarland preached the closing ser
mon. HIS subject was justification by faith only.
Perceiving that The discussion was rather dry
though exceedingly able, the Rev. DR.. closed his
manuscript, and Tor about Is minutes poured forth
a torrent of thrilling addresses and appeals
The Rev. Dr. Reid then arose to lead in PRAYER,
before which, however, he said, ''My young
friends, have now been for fifty years servant
OF the Lord, and can truly say, ..wisdom's ways
are ways OF pleasaRtnesS, and all her paths are
peace" 1t was enough. The words of the man
and the tones Of his voice melted every eve
Aiter prayer, the pastor Of the church delivered
a brief valedctory to his venerable fathers and
brethren In the ministry. A parting hymn was
sung, all standing. The benediciion was then
pronounced, and the assembly dismissed
Synod proceeded TO correct its minutes and
was soon after adjourned 10 meet in CharIottes-
vile next October. Hands were sbaken-tears
feli-and manly counienances turned away from
each other, with strong evidences Of an abiding
and increasing love.
Ii affords the writer Of this sketch great plea
sure to state, that our guests and brethren from
the interior were greatly delighted with their vi
sit to the seaboard. Said the venerable Modera-
tor 10 him on Friday, "My dear sir, if the people
OF Norfolk entertain their friends so, the General
Assembly will soon meet here" Said another
member, II have really been so happy at this
meeting Of Synod, tina. have began to fear on
that account il is to be my last. But the enjoy
ment has been mutual; and we who stay have
also been happy in the converse and spirit of our
friends who have gone.
Glove is the golden chain that binds
The happy minds above,
And he's an heir Of Heaven who finds
His bosom swell with lovc.''
With corresponding members, Of whom there
were seven or eight present, the members of Synod
amounted to ninety persons. About FIVE hundred
YiS"eIe III az ore supposed 10 Lave been In ouI
Borough. Now that they have left us, NAV
peace 90 with them-and whether thew shall
lodge in The capital and chief towns OF The com
monwealth, or be dispersed in country places
among the mountains and valleys Of the interior
may the arm of the Lord be their defence, and
his rch blessing their inheritance forever.
U. S. DRAGONS MURDERED BY INDIANS.
The Wisconsin Herald, Of the 18th, contains Z
postscript stating that an express had arrived
Prairie du Chen from Fort Smelling, nth new.
Of the murder. by band Of Soosatong Indians
OF ten o: The detachment of Dragons lately sen
nd Efft Aikin.n.. e.