Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-11-06
The synod of Virginia.


DEAR SPECTATOR The Synod of Virginia
held its recent sessions in the Presbyterian
church of this prosperous and hospitable town.
The preliminary services were conducted by
Rev. G. r. Vaughan, D. D.. who preached
mastery sermon on Jude 8: Contend earn
estly for the faith once delivered 10 the saints"
He thinks now, If ever, Is the time for earnest
defence of everything worth living for in So
cial, ecclesiastical and political matters. A
more intensely conservative address has not
been heard in the recent history of the Synod,
and the impression made by the earnest and
eloquent divine is very marked. The prevail
Ing philosophy, on which the SO called progress
Of the age is based, he designated as the "P"i-
losophy of DEATH" and prepares the way for
the "bloody foot strokes" of the mysterious
horsemen seen on their march by John from
the outlook of Patmos.
Rev. VIM. T. Hall, D. D.. of Lynchburg, was
chosen Moderator and Revs. ]. II. Smith, A.
Cooke, and Elder j. F. Fiournoy, Temporary
Clerks.
The distinguished James P. Smith, of Fred
ericksburg. who shielded with his own person
the fallen Jackson, is permanent Clerk, and
has been in the service OF the Synod for many
years.
One hundred and fifty names were enrolled
at the opening.
The reports on the State of Religion present.
ed many items of encouragement. Several
churches have been greatly cheered by tokens
of special religious interest.
There has been marked progress in various
departments of religious effort. Some lew
churches deplore the ravages of intemperance,
and undue Indulgence in such social amuse-
meuts as are regarded inimical to true piety.
DR.. E. NJ. Richardson, Secretary of Ministe-
rial Education, reported a gratifying increase
of candidates. and the indications now are that
enough ministers will be ready at az early day
to meet the pressing needs of the denomina-
ton.
Rev. Mr.. Baker presented resolution
Temperance He enunciated the principle
that while it would not be well for the org
lied church to address the organized State,
still the unorganized members of the church
may petition the organized State for legisla-
tive aid in cases where moral persuasion is
plainly inadequate to meet the evils COM
planned of and all union OF church and State be
thus avoided. There is nothing about which
virginians seem more sensitive than the rela,
tons between the two.
Rev Dr. 2. NJ. Smith was greatly pleased at
the turn affairs have taken in reference to the
churchs interest in secular education. 1t
have regarded the education of youth incon-
sistent with the functions of the church in its
organized opacity.
The indications now are that most vigorous
efforts will be made to recover the lost pres
tige, which should never have been forfeited
for mistaken abstraction, the dream of an en-
1nent theorist, personally interested il pro
noting the patronage of a State University in
South Carolina.
Synod adjourned to hear DIR. Hoge's cele.
brated lecture on the Finality of the Bible. on
Wednesday evening. His text was: The law
Of the Lord is perfect" Psalm. 10.
It is saying great deal when it is believed
that this is the 'grandest effort OF this emil
nent pulpit orator. Its whole force depends
on the assumption that man has made no
moral progress material progress in arts and
sciences, but none whatever in morals The
man born in this period is better off NOR
ally than the pagan of prehistoric ttmss.
DR.. Hazen presented the Publication cause in
very business-like manner. 1t is evident
this important agency is about to assume its
place as one of marked usefulness in promo
ting the cause OF enlightened piety.
Home Missions elected much attention, DR..
Hopkins had prepared very elaborate report
that required one hours solid reading. All
who heard it felt they had full and accurate in
formation to aid in devising the ways and
means most needed to meet the demands of
the churches in regions requiring assistance.
Wytheville was chosen by large plurality
as the next place of meeting.
In four years will be the centennial OF the
Virginia Synod. 1t is sincerely hoped that this
ev Mt may be made ever memorable by the
Synod resolving itself into three Synods In
A.
might have met, just as large as the one that
did assemble at Charlottesville, and three
fold influence exerted
The narrative the State Of Religion, as
read by Prof. Alexander, presented many
tokens of religious prospe ity. In the discus
sion that arose over q clause referring to the
freedmen, it is manifest that if the ratification
of the races be left to the Preshyterians, it will
be the day after forevermora before such a con-
summation can be achieved or hoped for: vet
no neopie have kinder feelings for the colored
element, aud will do more 10 sid them in help
ing themselves.
The eligibility OF the Ruling Elder to the
Moderratorshp elected very spirited discus
sion, and shows that these officers are going to
be Ruling Elders in the near future, and prim-
tive Presby ianism will be revived
Nothing need be said of the unrivailed hos
pitality of the citizens of this interesting city
For all purposes of trade, social amenity, and
religious and educational privileges. the popu-
lation may be estimated at six thousand and
rapidly increasing. II is true that foods, finan-
ciai disasters, and political prescription have
been felt here as nowhere else in our State, yet
the soul of Jefferson sis marching on and the
people will rise above all mpediments to their
prosperity.
Hoping that he may live to see another Syn
cd at Charlottesville, your correspondent re-
mains as ever,
Truly. yours, s. C. RIBBLER