The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-11-20

even "Arabia'S desert rangers" And who
ever wishes to hear an interesting story OF
the keen relish with which we enjoyed one
evening the fragrant sugar,tree molasSes, and
other good things at the spacious and hos
pitable mansion of old Captain Harvey, be-
low the falls of Kanawha, can hear it best
told the first time he may have the pleasure
of meeting with the Rev. Samuel W. Wat
kins, of Rockingham county, who was one
of that memorable party. But, coming back
where we started, it is time to dismiss this
part of our reflections, not however without
some sorrowful pang8 that the days of horse
back and saddle-bagS are passing away,
whose enjoyment can never, in some respects,
be replaced by the days of railroads and car
pet-bsgs. At any rate, we do not think
New Providence can expect to have another
meeting of the Synod of Virginia.
1t is noteworthy that this first meeting
was opened with sermon by the Rev. John
Brown, the first pastor of the church. He
was then Ga years old, and becoming infrm.
He was closing long and useful ministry,
and not long after removed to Kentucky
where he died. His wife was daughter of
John Preston, of Staunton, Va, the pious
ancestor of the Prestons' of Virginia and
Kentucky, and to whose memory they have
erected a suitable monument, in the grave
yard of Thinking Spring, where he lies buried.
She was a woman of superior endowmentS.
Many Of their descendants have risen to high
distinction.
1t may also be remarked that the Synod
has met fourteen times in Winchester-Often-
er than in any other place For some time
it met there year after year; owing no doubt
to the fact that the old Redstone Presbytery
of Western Pennsylvania was then part Of
this Synod, and Winchester was the most
convenient point. Staunton and Lexington
come next, at each of which there have been
eleven meetings. But let US notice
2. The ModeratOr8 first on the list
is William Graham, name that suggests far
more than it is possible here to record. The
first Rector of Washington College-the first
minister of Lexington, one of the best of
preachers, profound theologian, and great
educator in his day. We shall never forget
the exciting circumstances under which we
listened to the sketch of this eminent man,
as it came from the lips of DR.. Alexander,
on his last visit to Lexington, himself a
pupil more eminent than even his venerated
instructor.
But we must pass by the great names pre-
sented in this list, without even a remark
special to each. A sketch of their lives
would be substantially sketch of the history
of the Synod-for they have been, in gene
raj, its leading ministers. The hope is en-
tertained of being able to enter upon this
agreeable work more fully at another time.
1t will be observed that formerly quite a
number of persons were repeatedly chosen
as Moderator. The honor was conferred
upon DR.. Specie as often as FIVE times with
in the period of twenty-five years. Have
we gained anything by departure from this
old custom? With due Difference it is sub
mitted that we have lost by the modern
usage. The Episcopal and Methodist con-
vOcations are presided over by persons thor
oughly trained to that business; and the
Baptists, who claim to be SO prominently
democratic in church government, limit their
choice to very few, selected with special
reference to their fitness for this service.
The question is one which is worthy of very
serious consideration whether the Office of
Moderator in our Synods is not too much
squandered. Is it not given at too great a
sacrifice when bestowed merely out of regard
to the general standing and worth of the in
cumbent, and when, as too often happens, he
is 8ingularly destitute of nearly every quail
fcation to preside over SO large body, ex-
cept that of being very good man? Who
has not seen this deficiency painfully mani
fest, time and again, and both the business
INSTRUCTED, and the reputation and dignity
of the body impaired thereby?
8. The vazue Of these meetings. A vol
ume of good things is suggested as the mind
recurs to them. What mighty sermons have
been preached, what fervent prayers offered,
what delightful Christian communion, what
social enjoyments! Many meetings of the
Synod have been attended by memorable
outpourings of the Holy Spirit, the blessed
influence of which was carried home by the
members, and thus the good work extended
far and wide. If any one will look over the
records of its proceedings, he will be i'm
pressed with the fact that in these meetings
moss of the greatest measures for the, work of
the Church have been matured. The DELHI
erations of the body have, with very few
exceptions, been conducted in spirit of
harmony and love which has probably not
been equalled in any other Synod in the
land. If any one wishes to see an emphatic
testimony on this point, he may find it in
the letter of DR.. Alexander containing his
"reminiscences of DR.. John H. Rice. 1t is
we'll to think of the value of these annual
meetings, especially now when the inquiry
is sometimes started about abollshing them.
Far off be that day