Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-11-03
Synod of Virginia.

pJhOu VI NhStulhs
From the Lexington Gazette and Rock
ingham Register, we make up the following
summary of the proceedings of the Presby-
terrain Synod of Virginia:
The venerable body named above con-
vened in Harrisonburg, on the evening of the
2lst instant. The proceedings were intro
duced by sermon by the retiring Moderator,
Rev. j ames G.. Hammer, d. d., of Baltimore,
on the Mediatorial Supremacy and Glory Of
the Lord Jesus Christ
The discourse was characterized by great
fervour of sentiment and manner. DIR. Ham
ner had been the presiding officer ofthe Synod
at its meeting last fall hence by rule OF
the Church he presided at this until the or
gauzation of the body wa completed by the
election of a successor. -Four or five names
were put in nomination for the Chair; but
the choice Of the body fell on the Rev. j. Il.
Bocock, d. D., of Fincastle. The Rev. NJ.
L. Lacy and the Rev. James Wharey were
appointed temporary Clerks.
One hundred and thirty members were en-
rolled the first night, which number was in
creased to one hundred and fifty. five by the
arrival of other members. About one hun
dred of the members are Ministers. Mem
bers were there from the extremes of the
State, from West Virginia and from Nary
land. r.e.4.... D.. $50 ..al. -..,iz. ua
The venerable Dr. Mcfarland, of Augusta,
having resigned on account of advanced years
aud growing infrmities, the office OF Stated
Clerk, which he has held for over thirty years,
the choice of successor gave rise to quite an
animated contest. After two ballotings the
Rev. W. Dinwiddie of Albemarle, was de-
clared the choice of the Synod. AS the duties
of the Office involve good deal of trouble,
and the compensation is only SIS per annum
with no allowance for incidental expenses, the
position can only be desired on account of its
intrinsic honoeableness.
The question which has elected more inte-
rest than any other before the Synod is the
propriety of taking some steps looking to
division of the body. TWAS introduced by
the Rev. DR.. B. NJ. Smith, Of Prince Edward,
and was met at once by vigorous efforts to
eject it from the house without discussion.
The Synod, however thought it right to give
the subject hearing. After good deal of
preliminary diminishing, the debate opened
on Friday morning and continued throughout
the day with only slight Interruptions. The
principal advocates Of the division were the
Rev. Mr. McIlvaine, Rev. Mr.. See, Rev. DR..
Smith Rev Edward Martin, Rev. DR.. Brown,
and Rev. DR.. Armstrong the opponents Rev.
Mr. Richardson, Rev. DIR. Bocock, Rev. DIR.
Read, Rev Dr. Foote, Rev. DR.. r. B. White,
and Maj. T. j. Kirk patrick
The arguments urged in favour of the
division were mainly, the im?racticability Of
securing full representation from all parts of
50 extensive territory as that now covered
by the Synod, and the unwedy size of the
body, when respectable attendance is OBJ
tanned. The chief reasons advanced on the
other side, are the greater moral weight of a
large body, and the sacredness of the ties
which bind tngcther body so harmonious in
views and SO fraternal in spirit. A friend re-
marked in our hearing that it was discussion
in which Logic was on one side, and Sentl-
ment on the other. So far as one could judge
in the absence Of test vote, Sentiment seemed
likely to carry the day. The subject was
finally disposed of by laying it on the table
for the present, with the understanding that
it might be called up at the next meeting OF
the Synod. 1t is pleasant to know that if
any necessity for division exists, it arises
from the prosperity and growth of the Church
in the State, and not from any dissenslons,
sectional or other.
Another question of much interest pro-
duccd an animated discussion, viz: the pro-
prety OF transferring the control Of the Union
Theological Seminary to the General Assem-
bly, of the Southern Church. The subject
was disposed of by being laid on the table
The committee on Bills and Overtures made
report recommending the union of Kappa
hammock and Patapsco Prcsbyteries, which
was accepted. The name Of the new Pres
bytery is Chesapeake.
The next meeting of the Synod is appoint
cd to be held in Richmond in October, 1869.
The discussions in the Synod were char
acterized by everything that is commendablc
and pleasant in the intercourse of Christian
gentlemen not an unkind word was uttered,
not a feeling wounded.
SOME PorAroEs.-O triend Mr.. JouN