The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-07-05
LIFE OF THE REV. GEO. JuNK1N, D. d.

This copious historical biography" of 500 PIP.
IL mo-, is written by the Rev. D. " Junkin, d. d.
We have read it with much interest, and the more
from having had personal acquaintance with the
subject Of it during the ten years in which his
home was in Virginia OF thorough Scotch Irish
ancestry, aud careful Presbyterian training stu.
deut of Theology under the renowned Dr. j. NJ
Mason; a man of uncommon talent and industry,
who spent long and laboriouS life in promoting
what he believed to be sound theology and sound
learning; contending earnestly for what he believed
to be true and important-the life of such man
deserves to be written, 1t was delicate work to
be undertaken by brother yet we think it must
be admitted, by every impartial reader, that in
this case it has been fairly skilfuly and thoroughly
performed The public life of DIR. Junkin was
nearly all connected with the work of education.
his energy and sacrifices were freely expended.
After short service as President of the Miami
University in Ohio, he again became President Of
La Fayette, and in l849, removed to Lexington,
Va, when he became President Of Washington
College, and where he continued in faithful service
till the opening Of the late war.
His life was also connected with stirring eccle-
siastical questions. In the controversies in the
Presbyterian Church between the Old and New
Schools, he was most decided Old School man.
Indeed it may be doubted whether he was ever un
decided about anything of Importance. No one
ever expected to find him on the fence. Right or
wrong, he was sure to be on one side or the other
L., ri,
to the side he believed to be the right one. The
history of this conflict is given at much length,
but we think it is not too long. The author writes
the account Of those times with spirit of moder-
alton and fairness which entitle him to commeuda-
ton, and this part of the work especially is of
historical value. To have attempted biography
of DE- Juukin without it, would have been to leave
which he was engaged
This volume confirms all the opinions previously
formed concerning the subject of it. His best
friends knew that he had decided faults was liza
Bile to strong prejudices, was impulsive, and not
unfrequently misled by these influences into i'm
practicable measures But he was a man of thor
ough honesty, placable, and without guile, gener-
Gus and of tender sympathy towards the suffering.
1t would be hard to name a man in the history of
the country who ever felt warmer interest in
young men struggling to obtain an education. The
help he so noby gave to many such they will thank
fully own while they live. They will find special
interest in this memoir.
There are in this biography, as might be ex-
pected. opinions expressed both by the writer and
the subject Of it, from which we emphatically dis
sent. This difference, however, should not allow
US to withhold froR good men who earnestly la
bored to serve their generation by the will Of
God, " that tribute Of sincere commentator which
they deserve.
The volume is received from the publishers
Lppincott & Co., of Philadelphia