The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-11-26
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The Rev. Dr.. Sargent, recently Of the
baltimore Conference Methodist Episcopal
Church TnorthernI, was received into this
Conference at the beginning Of its present
session. He brings with him fine creder.
tials and an unsullied reputation. Polished
and gentlemanly In his manners, sociable
IN his disposition, he makes most favora-
bic impression upon those with whom he
is associated. Kindness and bcnignity are
indellibly imprinted upon his countenance.
Charity is distilled, like the dew, from his
lips. Though somewhat advanced in years,
the elasticity of his step gives us ground to
hope in his case for much activity and sue.
cess In the work to which he has devoted
his life. He is every way worthy of the
high esteem In which he is held by the
charge over which he has exercised pas
toral oversight for the past few months in
the CITY Of Richmond. The Rev. DIR. Dun
can is also present. Wherever he goes he
draws around him large circle Of devoted
friends and warm admirers. His cheerful
disposition, his polished brow, his round
full voice, his. eloquence, his graceful ora
tory. are all too well known to the people
Of Richmond and other parts of the State
to need here any description. The Rev.
DR.. William A. Smith, so long and Gre
ditably filling the presidential CHAIR or
Randolph Macon College, is entitled to be
mentioned among the first ministers IN the
connection, of Southern Methodism. In
wonderful grasp of thought and cogency OF
reasoning he has few superiors upon the
continent. Not possessed, perhaps, of the
same attractive manner sometimes eXhl-
bited in the pulpit, he yet, in strong, ori.
ginal style, grapples with a subject, and
imparts to others the clearness Of his own
conceptions. Over threescore years of age,
the yigor of his intellect is unimpaired,
and his health strong and robust. 1t Is q
source of regret to all of his friends and
acauaintances that at the close of the pre-
sent session of this Conference, with which
he has been connected for more than forty
wears, he leaves us for St. Louis, Missouri.
Suitable resolutions expressive of the
high appreciation in which he is held as a
Christian minister, and of grateful remem-
brance of his services in the pulpit and
the cause Of education, will be adopted by
the Conference before its adjournment.
The Rev. DR.. Lee, now stationed in Nor
folk, and at whose church the session OF
Conference is held, has long occupied an
honored position in this body. The gene:
raj contour of his features, somewhat tinged
with sadness, gives us but poor concep-
ton of the genial good nature and rich
vein of mirth continually exhibited in his
demeanor and conversation. He has never
fully recovered his strength since the at
tack of paralysis with which he was
afflicted when the session of Conference
was last held in this place. Admired for
his talents, loved for his .piety and zeal,
may he long live to serve the church of his
early choice. The courtesy which he has
manifested in his intercourse with the
preachers now in attendance upon the ses-
sion of Conference has tended, if possible,
to endear him yet more to their hearts.
There are others deserving of mention in
the list of personnels, but for the present
let this suffice. 1"'