The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-04-20
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
HAMppEN SIDNEY, VA. April Is.

HAMPDEN SIDNEY, VA, April To- 1870.
Mr.. Editor,-This has proved a most interest
ing time on "the Hill. The Presbytery of Yves
Hanover met in the College church, Wednesday
4 o'clock. P. NJ, and the Presbytery of Roanoke
met last night in the Seminary chapel. Thougl
each Presbytery met on its border, yet the place is
central to both together, and then it is place
hallowed by Christian associations and histories
! for nearly century-a centre Of Presbyterian in
terest and infuence-and place of attraction tC
the community in the surrounding country. Hence
it is not surprising that the attendance, both Of
members of Presbytery and of other persons, ha,
been quite large In West Hanover Presbytery
eleven ministers and thirteen elders, and in Roa
noke Presbytery fourteen ministers and thirteen ell
ders are in attendance. All seem to have beer
promptly provided with accommodations, conven
lent to the places of meeting The number o.
ministers and elders, and the collection of lorna
mental members and spectators, give lively ap
pearance to ''the Hill " 'Old times" of the
meetings of Presbytery seem brought back. And
withal very pleasant and harmonious sessions
interesting but not angry i'll natured debates at
tract to the meetings of Presbytery unusual mum,
bers when we consider that such occasions are moi
unusual affairs in this region.
In West Hanover Presbytery there was no open
ing sermon at the hour of meeting, as the Moder
ator of the last Presbytery was not present, and
the presiding Moderator was requested to preacl
a sermon at Z! o'clock, p. M, as the opening ser
mon This the Rev. j. NJ Wharey did to large
81 Hill, ounroo;o t;yo suJ;apoa in Tho Sap;nor,
chapel, on John vi: 1880. The sermon was every
way worthy of his rising reputation as one of our
soundest and most edifying preachers. In illus
trations, in clear presentation of truth and in its
earnest and solemn application, it was such mod
ell of good preaching as was peculiarly adapted foI
the instruction of that part of his audience looking
forward to the ministry, while its appeals and ex-
horaons to the neglectors of the bread of life,
it is hoped may be productive Of permanently good
results The Presbytery was engaged in routine
business pretty much all day. The number of re
ports on the state of religion of reciprocal duties
and of Sabbath Schools and the statistical reports
were quite encouraging in the exhibition of a
healthy and growing interest in the Church.
Rev. S. Taylor Martin, of Goochland, is Moder-
ator. DR.. Dabney, n mister and DR.. p. r. Berke-
ly, ruling elder, were appointed commissioners to
the Assembly
To day the Presbytery has been mostly engaged
in considering the new Book" of Form of Gov
eminent. The subject has not seemed to interest
the Presbytery very much. Several important
changes have been proposed and adopted; though
few in number yet of considerable importance
many affecting fundamental principles. But there
seems to be no great interest felt in the work mas
much as most of the Presbytery seems to feel that
it will not avail for much good, having all to be
done over, in another year.
Rev. A. B. Carrington last Moderator, preached
the opening sermon Of Roanoke Presbytery last
night in the Seminary chapel 1t was character
ised by very sound and forcibly expressed truths
set forth in calm and solemn manner, and while
the delivery was not characterised by any appear
ance of effort or even the ordinary amount of ges
ture, there was enough of the latter and that high
ly Inappropriate Indeed the preacher rather seemed
too much interested in his subject to be mindful OF
the externals connected with the delivery. His
subject was Rom. viii CT, and his exhibition Of
the fearful condition and character of the unre-
generate and the hopes and joy of the people Of
God, were clear, discriminating and impressive.
The Presbytery has to-day gone through its rou-
tine business pretty well, and entered at an even
ing session on the consideration of this The new
Book-making some progress Rev. W. Mat
thews, of Pittsylvania G. H., is Moderator,