Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-11-12
THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.

average attendance was upwards OF hundred
divines and elders. Among the former were
many distinguished, not only within the SYM
Odical limits, but throughout the country, for
their eminent Piety aud commanding elO-
quence.
The exercises Of the Synod were opened
with sermon by Rev. T. Z. PECK, d. d. Of
the Union Theological Seminary, on the SUBJ
ject of the duties of the ministry. The dis
course was characterised by great clearncss
of thought, and the views which it presented
we're enforced by most impressive fervOr of
manner.
Questions of grave import to tho interests
of the Church were discussed with striking
ability, and in tone of becoming christian
moderation. The subject which evoked the
most earnest consideration of the Synod, was
that of the ordination of cOlored men for the
work of the ministry. 1t had already at
tracted the attention of the General Assembly
and such action had been taken as was OBJ
jectiOnable to many of the churches in Vir-
ginia. The debate in the Synod occurred
upon n proposition to overture the General
Assembly to reconsider its determination, and
to admit to the Offices of the ministry, colored
men suitably prepared, and who had shown
by the unmistakab!e indications of Providence
their designation for the sacred calling of
teaching elders III the church.
After a fruitless effort to dispose OF the mat
ter by indefinite postponement, debate upon.
Its merits took place, which lasted for several
hours on Saturday. The opinion seemed to
be general that the question was not prac>
teal one now, nor was it one that would in
the future require any action on the part of
the church. But whilst this was the case, it
was thought that the conclusion reached by
the General Assembly was an erroneous one,
and needed correction. 1t was maintained
that as the Presbyteries alone controlled the
work Of the ordination of ministers, an at
to assume jurisdiction of the matter was ir-
regular and improper.
Resolutions expressive of this view and
overturing the General Assembly, which is
about to meet in Nashville, to refer the whole
subject to the Presbyteries, were finally
passed.
During the discussion a most powerful,
logical and stirring argument against the pro-
position to ordain colOred men for the minis
try, was made by Professor DABNEY. His
objection was predicated upon the conviction
which he had, that ecclesiastical, must neces-
ssrily beget social, equality. The relations,
he said, created by parity of powers and
privileges in the church, must inevitably lay
the foundation for the assertion Of claim on
the part of the inferior race to like position
in the social organization. At this, of course,
the very instincts of the Southern people re-
volt. lie conteAded that an agitation of the
subject at all at this time was most unfortu-
nate. Recent events had disclosed the fact
that the colored race, in the South at
least, was unit in its opposition to
those with whom it had heretofore lived
on terms of dependency and amity. He
thought it no time when this hostility had
been manifested, to adopt a line of policy
calculated still more to initiate the pretensions
of people toward whom the kindcst intcn-
tiOns had been exhibited, but who had shown
an utter want of aprOpcr appreciation of the
overturcs.
DR.. DABNEY was replied to by Maj. KIRK
PATRICK, in an address of two hours length,
marked by great ability and moderation. He
thought that the predictions of consequences
made by DR.. d. could never be fulfilled. He
combated the idea that any admission of the
negro to ministerial functions in the church
would necessarily result in social equality
After ordination the call to pastoral duties
must be made by the churches themselves,
and there was no probability that this would
be done except in cases where their own race
wOuld ask their services.
The church during the interesting debate
was thrOuged by spectators, who listened with
profound interest to the views presented by
the speakers.
Throughout the day on Sabbath, the
churches of the different denominations in
the town were thrown open for divine wor-
ship and were all filed with delighted and
profted auditors. The sermons delivered
were of high order of merit and made i'm
pressions which will doubtless remain for good
through the lifetime of many who were there
TO hear them.
Our town during the session OF the Synod
presented most animated appearance, and
we believe We express the general opinion,
when we say that the occasion was one of great
qualification TO beth guests and hosts We
feel proud of our community for the generous
and unstinted hospitality which, with most
Liberal hand they dispensed to the body of
noble christian gentlemen so recently in our
midst. 1t reminded us of the best days of
our dear old Commonwealth. and has inten-