Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-08-21
LETTER EDITORIAL"

WARM SPRINGS, Aug. IL, 1916.
The Lexington Presbytery met at this place on
Wednesday the 18th instant, pursuant to APP
and continued in session until Satur-
lay evening. There was quite full representa-
ion Of the Churches, and the meetings through
out were highly interesting. The Rev. ID. NJ.
SMITH was chosen Moderator. The opening SER
non was preached by the Rev. DIR. RuFFNER, the
Moderator of the last session; and the sermon
on behalf of the Home Missionary cause by the
Rev. HENRY Brown. There was public wor-
ship regularly twice day during the session,
which was well attended by the people, and on
the Sabbath the Sacrament of the Lords Supper |
was administered to large number Of commune
cants.
Among the subjects which were brought before
the Presbytery and ELECTED interesting debates,
was series of resolutions urging mere attention
to the religious instruction of our colored popula-
ton. There was no dissent, we believe, as to
the main proposition, but there were some differ
ences Of opinion in regard TO the best means of
eiectng the object, and as TO the extent Of ground
which the resolutions should cover. The resou-
tons were finally adopted, however, in form
NuiSu oSCuieu SiCat WHCu we
think must be elicacious, and entirely unexcep-
tionabo to the Churches.
Another subject of interest was proposition
to divide the Synod, which now embraces the
whole State--making the Blue Ridge the line.
This also produced an animated DISCUSSION. The
proposition. howo'er, we are happy to say, was
finally lost. Although originating in no feeling
of dissatisfaction with or unkindness towards
those from whom the separation was sought, as
was explicitly declared; and induced solely by
view of the supposed advantages which would
arise from it 10 the Church ITSELF there is never
'heless something in the bare suggestion from
which the mind instnctively shrinks-particular-
ly at time like the present, when many are dis
posed TO favor political ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the
good old Commonwealth.
An Overture was adopted, after some debate,
proposing repeal of the order made by tho Gen
eral Assembly of the Church, during the memo
rable excitement about "Old School" and "New
School, few years ago, which requires Minis
tiers of the Gospel applying for admission into
another Presbytery TO undergo a new examina-
| ton. Some are opposed to the order not only as
vexatious and unnecessary, and contrary to the
long established usage of the Church, but as an in
fringement of Ministerial rights. 1t seems more
over to be regarded as reasonable and proper adj
vance or concession TO those Presbyterians who,
in the excitement, were forced to unite in the
formation of new Assembly, upon what they
conceived to be constitutional grounds. OF
course, 1t is not our province TO speculate upon
these things, and we shall not do it,
There were some other topics introduced, of
which we cannot at the moment recall a distinct
recollection. The debates were generally able,
and sometimes even little spicy but without
being thought irreverent, we hope we may be
permitted to say that the sparrngs of the Reverend
gentlemen proved to be pretty much like Lovers
quarrels-only leading to the most delightful ex.
plantations, and stirring up 1--WE hope) the foun-
tains of deeper and truer affection. Every mis-
understanding or misapprehension was happily
corrected, and the session closed in the utmost
harmony and good feeling among its members.
vote of thanks was given to the citizens of
the village and neighborhood for their hospitality
and kindness to the members by the Presbytery-
and they certainly deserved it. The community
is small one, and greatly dispersed, but it prov
the truth of the old adage which larger commune
ties are often slow to discover especially in refer.
ence to such matters, that 'where there is the
,ciN there is generally way.''
The next regular meeting Of Presbylery will
be held at Stanton, on the first Monday In April
next-An adjourned meeting is to be held in
Waynesborough for the ordination Of Mr.. WM
DAVIS, now laboring licenciate at this place,
some time in October.
So much for Church maters.-The company
attending the Baths here has averaged perhaps
about fifty during the week, exclusive of those
brought in by the Court, which was in session
two days, and the Presbytery. The throng, con-
sequenty for most Of the time, has been quite con-
siderable The proprietor, DR.. BRocKENBRoueH,
has made some excellent and tasteful improve
ments since his residence at the Springs. The
aks have been greatly improved, and some of
them handsomely bordered with flowers; new
Bath, specially for the Ladies' has been erected
and the Spring Of drinking water, which had al
most fallen into disuse from its neglected and
forbidding aspect, although highly estimated in
former times for its medicinal qualities, is now
enclosed in neat basin, and covered with beau
tiful dome supported by columns. The accom-
modatlons too, are in every respect excellent;
while its Baths, which are unrvaled, make it,
in our estimation at least, the peasantest place
in the mountains.
The company at all the other watering places,
from reports is as large if not larger this season
than it has been for many years. 1t is said, in
deed, that the White Sulphur has done a bust
ness nearly, if not quite equal, to the unprece-