Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-06-08

Baptist Association.
The recent sessions ofthe Baptist Associa-
ton In Staunton, will not soon be forgotten
BY our citizens. Assembling for the first
time in Western Virginia, the convocation
Was looked to with more than ordinary in
terest, and drew to our City large number
ofladies and gentlemen not Immediately con-
nected ~ith that Church.
The delegates, both lay and ministerial,
were body of men marked for their fine
personal appearance, as we'll as mental ac-
mplishments, some Of whom are distin-
guished in the pulpit and the forum. The
deliberations of the Association were char
acterized by an elevated spirit of christian
charity and brotherly love, and produced an
impression 80 favorable to the unity and
oneness Of purpose of the Baptist Church,
that it cannot fail to exert a most happy and
beneficial influence throughout the State
There was not dissentious sentiment ex-
pressed or idea entertained throughout, the
interesting and prolonged sessions. but there
was ever prevalent commemorate ambition
to exemplify that element oftrue christiani-
ty which enables, wherever it exists, breth-
rem to dwelltogether in unity. and emulate
each other in the glorious work Of throwing
broadcast the bread Of eternal life.
The Sessions Of the Baptist Association in
Staunton will be long remembered as sea-
son Of unaffected pleasure and enjoyment.
and the period whence dates new friendships
and acquaintance, which in after gears will
be reverted to as well-springs and cases in
the great Saharah Of life.
Among the many pleasant incidents Of the
occasion, was the invitation from the Deaf
and Dumb and Blind Institution for the
Association, as a body, to visit that noble
charity, and witness an exhibition of the at
tainments Of its pupils Surprise and de-
light seemed to be predominant expressions
on the countenanceo of the immense concourse
Of ladies and gentlemen, from all sections of
the State, who availed themselves of the in
vitation. The wonderful proficiency in edu-
cstional attainments exhibited by the Blind,
and the Deaf Mutes, seemed to convey the
idea that the generous provisions Of our be-
loved State had supplied the absence Of these
senses, and caused the blind to see, the deaf
to hear, and the dumb to speak. Many,
very many could only manifest their delight
full astonishment by EXPLANATIONS of surprise
and eager enquiries into the system ofteach-
ing which brought about such marvellous
results. When the entertaining and novel
exercises closed, there was bright, laugh
ing, gladstone smile mantling every cheek,
and radiant glow Of gratitude bursting
from every heart, that He who tempers the
winds to the shorn lamb, had put it into the
hearts of the children Of men to build up
this grand asylum for the stricken of our
race.
An invitation was also extended to the
Association to visit the Lunatic Asylum,
another institution which is an honor and
pride to our State, but the pressing business
for which the body assembled to transact,
would not allow them to attend as at the
other Institution. Many, however. visited
the Hospital, and of course could not but ad-
mire the complete system which distinguish
es this Institution over all others of its kind
in the United States. It is not only pride
to the State, but an enduring monument to
the skill and efficiency Of its accomplished
Superintendent.