The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-06-07
Central prfsbpterlaa,
REV. WILLIAM BROWN, D. D., Editor.
Richmond, Va, Wednesday, June Z, 1871.
REV. ]. H. BOCOCK, D. d.

Our correspondent "F. j. in sending an ac-
count of the recent meeting of the Presbytery Of
Montgomery at Buchanan, of which he was the
Clerk, sent also as part of his communication the
statement found below. The writer has not I'M
frequently appeared in our columns under these
initial letters of his name He is an elder in the
Salem church, and writes under feelings of tender
sympathy for the afflicted brother referred to, and
for his deeply afflicted family. If it were possible
by any word of ours to make that feeling wide.
spread and thoroughly efectua in the most prac-
teal way, it would be freely uttered BUTT is not
possible to add anything to the force of the state
ment given by "F. j." He says:
son the second day of the meeting, the Pres
bytery adopted the following resolutions in refer
ence to DR.. Bocock, who is now residing in Buch-
anan.
Resolved That this Presbytery deeply sympa.
thses with Rev. John H. Bocock, D. D., in his
protracted sickness. which has so long prevented
him from meeting with his brethren and from
preaching the blessed Gospel of the Son of God
to those who delighted in his ministrations, and
believing that it will be pleasant to him to receive
from the Presbytery some mark of Christian re-
gard, be it further resolved, that when the Presby
terry adjourn this evening, it adjourn to meet at
o'clock to morrow morning in the house of DR..
Bocock, and engage in religious exercises to be
conducted by the Moderator
"At the time appointed, all the members of the
Presbytery met at DR.. Bocock's house, and more
interesting or affecting scene never witnessed
by the writer. There were features of sadness
about it that are utterly ndescribabe and were it
the case of private individual but little known
to the readers of the Central Presbyterian would
hesitate about the propriety of making any public
allusion to it. But Dr. Bocock is SO widely known,
and has SO many admiring friends all over the
State, that feel justified in taking this notice Of
a scene that had so many circumstances to awaken
the deepest interest and sympathy. 1t was sad,
beyond expression, to see such wreck OF a once
noble and cultivated intellect, and such physical
prostration. When he came into the room, and
was greeted by one after another Of his brethren,
he was totally overcome with emotion, and his
nervous system so excited that it was not easy to
determine whether or not he fully understood all
that was said to him. When the Saviour's inter.
cessory prayer was read, he seemed to understand
and appreciate those portions that referred to the
union on earth and in heaven between Christ and
his believing people, Aud when we sung one of
his favorite hymns" Father, | long, | faint to
see'- it seemed to afford him great satisfaction.
Mrs. Bocock stated that he often asked her to read
to him the enclosed sweet lines, entitled 1.-The
Watcher at the Gate, which | will thank you
to place in your poets corner of the same paper
that contains this communication. 1t has rare
poetic merit, aud beautifully expresses the Chris
tan pilgrim longing for release from the tolls
and sorrows of earth.
| have said more on this subject than to some
may seem proper But DR.. Bocock's is no ordi-
nary case, and calls for something more substantial
than mere sympathy. He is without any means of
support for himself and his family, and as his dear
wife said to me- they are living like Elijah, upon
the Providence of God-thus far she was thank
full to say, having had their moderate wants sup
piled, but with nothing to look forward to in the
future that promised to better their condition.
No one would more willingly turn to good account
her fine education and wonderful energy towards
the support of her family, consisting of three sons
and one daughter, whose tender age makes them
wholly dependent on mothers care. But DR..
Bocock's condition requires every moment of her
time and attention. thus absolutely preventing her
from doing anythi0g but watch over him; which
she does with the most tender and assiduous care"
L. j.
*The request will be complied with next week,
though they have been repeatedly published before.
The piece is one deserving perpetual remembrance.