The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-05-29

Is WOrJny son Oh n9Ole sire. DOJn IaJner
and son occupy elevated positions in our
church. In earnest and prayerful considera-
ton on this subject, I was led to the con-
clusion that the interests OF the church de-
handed that we should not place a minister
in this position. apprehended that the du-
ties of the secretary might easily be per
formed by layman but after conference
with the committee | rather surrendered my
conviction, and think it probable that min
lister should be elected Admitting this, it
behooves us to consider how chat position can
be most effectively filed without detriment
to the church. We need all the ministers we
have; and while Mr.. McIlwaine is minister
dearly beloved by his people an infirmity I'M
der which he is suffering, viii necessarily, in
a short time, compeelsim to suspend the Ia
affection of the throat, which greatly hinders
his usefulness in the pulpit This matter was
carefully considered in the committee-room,
where suitable and iudicious Investigations
can be made, better than in the broader held
of the floor of the Assembly. / know it is
not in order to refer to action in committee,
but as it has been referred to, it is proper to
state that the committee were unanimous In
their recommendation, with one exception.
hope the Assembly will not take DIR. Still
man from field where he cannot be spared.
From all the inform alton [ can gather, espe-
cially from my coleague in the committee
from Alabama, l wcslld regard Il &c calam-
ity to That section remove DR.. Stillman.
Dr. armstrong; came to this Assembly with
out having given ought to this subject and
without consulting with others When the Assem-
bly, appointed me chairman of the committee, whose
business it was to make this nomination. it became
my duty to take the matter up. | should otherwise
have been reluctant to do So When DR.. Stillman's
name was mentioned, l felt at once disposed to
nominate him. But there was an earnest protest
| on the part of the members from Alabama. He has
great executive ability and fitness for the Office but
at the same time, he is pre-eminently preacher
and man of the pulpit. There was such feeling
on the part of the members from his Synod, that
could notbut sympathize with them. Under our
Presbyterian system q am glad that we have got
rid of the old congregational system of agencies
il is matter of comparatively little Importance
whether of our secretaries be popular speaker
or not. He must be one capable of presenting his
views with clearness IN our Synods and Assemblies,
but he need not possess pre- eminent pulpit Abilities
What we want is man who shall have these two
characteristics: First, pre-eminent executive
abilty-ability tocomprehend and transact business,
should be pre-eminrnt in the estimation of his
brethren for integrity. l the word integrity in
a very wide sense; for do not mean simply one
who will account for every dollar and cent mean
that he shall be a managing mana wise worker.
firmly believe that DR.. Stman is all this; but Il
want to give the Assembly just my reasons for
making this nomination. know that this is true of
Richard McIlwaine He has been tried, and will
venture to say that there is not in the Southern min
istry man of greater executive ability. He is
man of indomitabe energy. He has taken hold OF
some enterprise at the solicitation of some OF his
brethren for example, maintaining Hampden Sid
ney College, and doubt whether there is another
man ir the Synod of Virginia that could have done
what Mr.. McIlwaine did, And can say from in
innate knowledge of him for years, and from the
general estimation in which he is held in our Synod,
that he is pre-eminently man above board, aman
of integrity in the widest sense of its term.
Another point which influenced me: have never
SAID word to him upon the subject of his nomina-
ton; for it was only night before last that my
mind settled down upon him; and l am not there
fore authorized to speak for him. Yet will ven
ture, from my knowledge of him, to say that il
elected he will probably accept the Office. He is
just one of those men who, from the very bottom
of his heart, feels that he belongs to the Church
If we were to call him to go to India tomorrow he
would go.
1t is said that we ought to select man from the
Southwest l thought so at first; but let me sug-
gest in all kindness to- the Southwestern brethren,
that of our two Secretaries one taken from the
Southwest and the other fIom South Carolina {;
none from the Northeast, the strongest portion of
the Church. The Southwest have already all that
they can reasonably ask.
DR.. SonderSon-I deprecate any contest be-
tween the names which have been presented.
exceedingly regret that after the protracted and
mature elaboration of the two large committees,
that another name has been mentioned. AS the
proceedings in committee have been freely alluded
to- may say we freely canvassed the merits of the
brethren whatever may be said of the one may be
said of the other. What determined the minds of
the committee was that DR.. Stillmsn is one of the
very small class of popular preachers, and of the
still smaller class of those who have pre-eminent
gifts as extemporary preachers expect, as long
as l live to protest against withdrawing our first
class preachers from the active work of the minis
try-from prayer and the word of God, to serve, in
effect, tables. Another reason against this nomi-
nation is, the Importance of the position which he
now occupies. Tuscaloosa, to which Church he
was called about eighteen months ago, is destined
to become one of the most important points in the
Southwest. 1t is an educational centre. The Uni
Versity of Alabama is there and in prosperous
state 1t is the seat of two ourishing female col
leges, and of third important female institution.
DR.. Stillman has freely conferred with me; spent
night with him on my way here. His heart is in
the work of the ministry, and it would be painful
transition to him to be called to this position. Only
sense of duty would induce him to accept Now,
brother McIlwaine will probably soon be laid aside
from the active duties of the ministry He has also
the advantage of Dr. Stillman, in being fifteen
years his junior He is in his prime.
protest against the mention of locality in respect
to this Office We are one as church we are one in
heart | would ask this Assembly to suppress any
thing like sectional feeling.
There is another point. What we want is not so
much the men as the money for the success of this
great enterprise Mr. McIlwaine is from a region
from which more than half the contributions to both
these Committees are secured and his personal in
huence in this great Synod of Virginia would contri-
butte to an increase of iberaty in the very heart of
| the Church Or. Shllmans withdrawal would be an
| irreparabe bereavement to our Synod 1t has been
said that he gould have preaching to do than
he would be able to do ; but after working hard all
the week. 10 preach occasionally for little churches
here and there and to help neighboring ministers,
would to all ntens and purposes silence his eloquent
tongue.
Req M1 McKag-The Assembly can Judge, from
the eloquent manner in which my brother has just
spoken to 4ses- pressure the committee sub
| jeeted. N swn feelings remained unchanged that
DIR. Stillman vas the best mans l do not wish to
disturb the unanimity of the Committee; but L am
unwilling Is assent that the nomination of the other
brother pracludes my supporting DIR. Stlman 1t
has been ater of very serious concern with me as
to how 1 shqld vote; and 1 feel constrained to re-
cord that vote FOR DR.. Stllman. member of the
Commitee which has been represented as uniting in
the nomination, felt called upon to make this ex-
PLANTATION.
With reference to removing eminent ministers,
perhaps, in the majority of cases. it is not desirable
but we readily conceive of cases where, If we
could Che results it is the best thing that can be
done. man may remain in place, and build up
strong personal influence which, when he is removed
results unfayouIably to the Church. We want for
secretary tli6 very best that can be got-a man
of large experience, of high standing, and command
ing the confidence of the whole Church. feel most
strongly that DR.. Stillman is the man who will most
l..Linc Of this N1hnn hnrn-