The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-10-07

Mr. Robinson children caught the earn
est spirit of their father on.religion, and
while very young manifested deep religi-
Gus feelings. From his letters to Mr.
Uendren, to whom he unb0somed himself
without reserve, we gather that his son
and three daughters became hopeful
ly Christians very early in life; and
that the children of Mr., Hart were
brought into the family of professed be-
levers while yet young. In one of his
letters to Mr.. Hendren, be says:
"The session met at my house last
week to examine our little daughters,
and admitted Betsy, but al my instance
advised the two younger to wait till
greater age and longer expe'ience should
have confirmed their religious principles.
This advice did not proceed from any APP
parent defec. in their xjls, - religion,
or their experience rssal those
views; but from -consiaes .ohs of pru-
lence arising from their extreme youth
accompanied with much natural levity.
Elinor is indeed about year older than
James was when he was admitted, but
Sally is year younger. As to their
views and exercises, they appeared equal
ly satisfactory as Betsy's; perhaps Sal
ly's were more so; but Betsy is three
years older than Elinor, and four than
Sally, and her religious principles have
stood the test of six years. Sally was
deeply affected by the exclusion. But
when the time came (for the communion)
l believe she lost nothing, in point of
happiness. She returned yesterday even
ing, with an overhowing of joy that |
have seldom witnessed in oid or young,
except in herself, before. Indeed, if l
may judge from appearances, | have not
for years witnessed day of such gene
raj joy among Christians.
1 wanted you, my friend, along, not
merely for your assistance, nor only that
you might have rejoiced with those that
did rejoice, but also that you might have
wept with those that wept. For the peo-
pie did not all rejoice, there were many
that wept."
Mr.. Hart had some trials in his fami-
ly mingled with his mercies. The wife
of his youth, Miss Leake, was, after a
few years, taken from him, leaving a son
and daughter. Having no relatives in
America, and his connexions not being
in situation to take charge of his fami-
ly for any time, he was united in second
marriage with Miss Buckley Her pru-
dence and discretion, in after gssrs, as a
wife, mother and stepnotne "a ~ jusci-
fed his choice. She bore him eight
children, three daughters and five sons.
All his children in due time made pro-
fession of religion. His eldest son, and
daughter, though always strictly moral,
and tender on the subject of salvation,
delayed profession of faith in Christ to
later period than his other children.
He selected one of his sons whose
talents he supposed might be improved,
for the ministry, and began with him a
course of liberal education. After prose
cutting his studies with success, for some
years, the son came to the conclusion
that the ministry was not his vocation;
and changed his course for life. He
maintained his Christian character, and
serued the Church as an Elder with great
acceptance.
After some time for consideration and
conference, Mr.. Hart selected another
son, the youngest but one, and gave him
liberal education. That son is now in
the ministry in the Presbyterian Church.
A son-in-law entered the ministry, and
if I rightly recollect four of his sons
were ordained Elders, and one son-in-
law.
Mr.. Robinson's only son prepared for
the ministry, but died before ordination !;
and one, if not two of his daughters
were married to ministers of the Gospel.
The earnest contest that went on in
Albemarle during the whole of the active
ministry of Mr.. Robinson, and all the
early life of the children of the families,
between faith and unbelief or distrust,
had its influence in working out decision
in belief and action, as well defined as
the unbelief was resolute. The contest
was we'll understood, was Vigorous with
some expressions of harshness and some
virulence. There could not be in Vir-
ginia, at that time, any persecution IN
volving pains of body and penalties of
property. The virulence appeared in
political contests and party management
in the disposition of public offices. The
Divinity of Christ was not the subject
of enquiry or discussion more than any
prominent article of the Christian faith.
But the public mind was agitated on the
question, was there any ReuelatiOm Of
God or from God, further than that