The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-05-03


can be accomplished in only one way-that
is by uniting the interests of the Southern
churches in erecting and sustaining it. Had
not the enterprise been delayed too long,
South Carolina and Georgia might easily
have been brought into the plan; they, how
ever, have committed themselves to the pub
lie and must 90 on. But | have it from the
best authority that they are sorry tor It,
Well as the case was, | took map and
carefully examined the whole cCuntry-thls
l had often done before, but did it again ;
and saw that the present location was about
half way between Pennsylvania and South
Carolina, and about half way between the
Atlantic and the Western States in point
about as central as any that could be fixed
on; and in the midst of respectable Pres
byterian population, to which we might look
for considerable aid in all little emergencies.
This was my great reason for wishing the
Seminary located permanently in this vicin-
ity, That had any selfish reason or local
preiudices, I utterly deny.
2. As soon as successful efforts had been
made, sufficient to prove that Seminary
could be built up, proposed to Hanover
Presbytery to offer it to the Virginia and
North Carolina Synods. The history and
result of that enterprise is well known.
3. My ultimate plan was to propose to
take in Maryland, South Carolina and Geor-
gia, with the expectation that half the Direc-
tors would belong to Virginia and Maryland,
and half to the States South of us. Mary
land agreed to the measure-our Southern
brethren reluctantly refused.
4. In this state of things, l knew nothing
so good as the plan proposed, and little did
1 think that any one would ever imagine that
we were giving up old friends for meso ones.
How could think so? On the plan first
adopted by the Synod of Virginia, our
friends in the Valley never expected to have
more than half the number of Virginia Di-
Lrectors located among themselves. Hanover
Presbytery and Winchester below the Ridge
would always have the other half. Then the
Valley brethren, instead of having one fourth
of the power in their hands, will now have
one-third, because they will have nine Direc-
tors of their own appointment always in the
Board, and the Seminary will be precisely
as much as theirs-as though it were located
in the bounds of their Synod. How an ad-
dition of power is to operate as analienation
of old friends, l am at loss to perceive.
5. But West Hanover Presbglery waS'not
annexed to the Synod of Virginia for two
reasons. 1. Because it was believed that the
leading brethren in the Valley did not wish
for it. 2 Because it was apprehended that
the Synod would almost nevcr travel over to
the East side of the Ridge, and after awhile
hiswould generate complaints, and strength
en- old local feelings. believe DR.. Specie
thought so. Brother Mcfarland indeed ex
pected that the measures of last Synod would
create offence in the Valley; but, although
he is often very clear, l could not see the
force of his reasons on that occasion.
As for my own part, did believe, as |
now believe, that the whole plan was friendly
and kind in it's design, and will be so in its
effects, should it be carried into execution.
1t takes great sum of money to endow and
sustain Theological Seminary. If We have
not one here, in its foundations as broad,
and in it's whole structure and apparatus as
imposing as that at Princeton or AndOver,
all the leading youth of the South will go
North for education, and many of the best
of them will never return. Well, the plan
now complained of gives the Valley nine Di-
rect6rs instead of six, and brings in the Dis
trict of Columbia and Baltimore, the third
city in the United States, into connection
with the Seminary; that is, it gives to the
Valley very efficient aid in raising money
and increases the strength of their vote in
proportion. Is this unfriendly?
But am so desirous that the Presbyte-
rian church should cooperate in the South,
that 1 will do anything to unite all parts OF
it. VIII it do to make the Seminary, by Act
of the General Assembly, neutral grOund-sO
that it shall not be in the possession of any
Presbytery, and when we have three profes-
sors, let one belong to each of the three
Synods? Or will it do to to let West Aano-
yer be annexed to the Synod of Virginia in,
stead of the Synod of the Chesapeake?
If the Valley brethren will nominate DR..
Specie, Mr.. Rufner or any other man in
whom they confde as third Professor, | have
no doubt every man in West Hanover will
vote for him. If he should be elected, l will
board him if he has no family and if he has
l will surrender my house to him, and live
in log cottage. In word l hereby pledge
myself to do anything that will unite the
Presbyterians to sustain their own Seminary
and build up their own church. And if put
ting another person in my place will have
that effect, 1 will give in my resignation tt
the Board at its next meeting, and retire
from the Institution. l repeat it, l will Dc
anything pledge myself to this promise.
P. S. Mrs. Rice has hastily copied letter
for another brother, and intends to send it tt
you. What your views are on this subject,