The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-11-27
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.


To note the mere routine Of a journey to
Nashville would be to no profit tor either the
writer or the reader Only few items shall
be set down, and these without tedious remark.
Leaving Richmond on the 10th instant, L
spent the first night in Salem, Va. The hrst
night | ever passed in that pleasant village
embosomed in one of the most beautiful little
valleys in the land. was in 1885, The next
day was the Sabbath, and l preached to a
small congregation worshipping in room oc-
cupied, if / remember, as school room. The
church now has spacious edifce, recently en-
larged and improved, and the labors OF be-
loved pastor, brother Banton, are much en-
couraged by large additions, so that the mem
bership of this well ordered and efficient church
is, believe, about $50. In 1886 the cause OF
Presbyterianism from Salem to the Tennessee
line was, in general, but feeby sustained. A
great change has been wrought; and though
there remaineth yet very much land to be
possessed" there is probably no part OF the
Synod of Virginia where, on the whole, so
much progress has been made, or where the
prospect is now so promising.
On Saturday afternoon my halt for the pur-
pose of spending the Sabbath, was at little
village about forty miles South of Knoxville,
Tennessee, with the inviting name OF Sweet
Water. Here the little church, in conjunction
with the one at Madison, nine miles distant,
has recently settled the Rev. William w.
Morrison, late of Lake City, Florida, as their
pastor. The whole valley OF the Holston Ii
one of unsurpassed agricultural and mineral
wealth, and must rapidly improve. The peo-
pie are of the old Scotch Irish stock to very
great extent, and the prospects Of our Church
are exceedingly encouraging. 1t is known
how terribly this country has been torn by po-
litical, ecclesiastical and social discussion
But it is a remarkable fact, and one exceed
ingly gratifying, that very large portion Of
the people who were Northern in their politi-
cal afinities, now greatly prefer Southern &C.
clesiastical connections. They abhor radical
ism, and prefer to have Southern, not North
ern ministers of the gospel. Yankee church
politics do not suit this country, and the
preachers of that stripe are leaving. 1t is due
TO the truth of history to say that quite a
number of them have run off because their
characters had run down. They are now pro
badly so well found out, even by their North
ern brethren, that they are not likely to -four
ish again so conspicuously in their General
Assemblies and newspapers, as during the few
years just past. Let me say that there is an
excellent field for two or three active, working
men in this Presbytery of Knoxville, and they
ought to be there without delay.
On Monday, the 18th, received in Hunts
vile, Alabama, just such a cordial welcome
from the household of our venerable brother,
DR.. Ross, as so many others have experienced,
and it was my pleasure to receive thirty one
years ago, when he lived in Tennessee
Huntsville, city of about FIVE thousand in.
habitants, is too well known for its beautiful
situation, refined society, and other attractions,
to justify any enlarged notice. Having spent
part of day in driving and walking through
and around it, my admiration of its advantages
for delightful home, stands at high point
in the scale. The pastor of the Presbyterian
church, Dr. Ross, is at work with all the en-
thusiasm of young man in building up, and re-
pairing the desolations of war. Sad havoc was
made, and his church, like so many others
has been sorely tried; but the Lord has mo-
forsaken them. Let it De hoped that one who
through all the ordeal of the war, has stooG
with an unfaltering heart, true to his princi
pies under the menace Of unreasonable anc
wicked men, may yet live to find the work o.
the Lord prospecting in his hands more thar
ever, and that the wise measures he and h5i
people have taken in building noble house
for God, and providing for schools which shall
be nurseries of true religion, may give hin
fruit which shall make his last years the mos
useful and happy of his life