Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-29
II e IRON.

The Hebron of our times is situated in a little
valley which in some respects may present tbs
Typographical appearance of the country around
Hebron in Palestine where Abraham built an
altar after his separation from Lot. The same
grove o. noble old oaks under which the Pres
byterians of colonial times erected browns
Meeting House" spread their wide ranches
aroun., the elegant brick sanctuary which was
cousecrated with the name of Heuron when it,
walls were reared upon the old Meeting HousF
grounds. AS in the Holy land, some of the
most noted scenes occurred with those who di-
rec ed the typical worship which had It's reai-
cation in the glOries OF the tabernacle and tenn
pie, so the Hebron under the shadow of
great mo lntains is redolene with its his
tory ot the pioneers who reared the cross ano
thu amer of the Redeemer In the wilderness
of Virginia. If we had an aboriginal tradition
the ancient monarchs of forest growth which
are still erect over the graves of the contempt
raries OF Blair and Craig, it mi ght associate
them with the era when under one of their
kind. the faithful friend of Jehovah pitched his
teat after he had by direction of God surveyed
the land of promise and sealed his fidelity to
the great trust reposed in him, by the purchase
of family tomb. t.
Last sabbath was thu brightest and love iest
day OF The spring time which has this ear been
slow 10 display its beauties and its gories. II
the mind mad failed to mediate upon lhe fact
the deeply solemn and impressive praF er OF
the pastor 3t the opening of the service at
Hebron would have awakened it TO renewed
thankfuiness for blessings which only come
from Heaven. With the pastor, there y as an
other Ia the sacred desk to whom all eyes were
turned and around whom associations cluster
ed In sweetest recollection. The young pastor
five oxUaS hpr 10 oor II
with the people of his early charge and to teach
again from that pulpit the same consecrated
truths which through wide ministry his ripper
years mad called him to proclaim.
In ali the writings of the Great Apostle per-
haps he nowhere grouped fuller summary OF
the work required of the christian than is to
be found in the fourth chapter of his second
letter to Timothy. A sermon which reviewed
practical christianity illustrated by that
great man from the time when he asked of the
Lord what he would have him to- do until he
realized that the period of his departure was at
hand and t1aJ crown of righteousness was
his reward. embraced scope of pulpit instruc
ton winch the Hebron cOngrega;i IN enjoyed
fIom their former pastor, Rev. T. l.. Preston,
D ID.
Tue closing paragraph OF his discourse touch
ed every heart with It's references He could
name many OF tina congrhg alton who in their
lives hal so perform I'd the christians work s
tn leave the brightest evidences that crowns OF
righteousness had been placed on their heads
in the mansions o Q .,lessed and to whom
he could point new generation as exemplars
in the christian race.
On the old and hallowed grounds before the
services in the church after the benediction,
and again under the old oaks as the balmy
breezes swept Town the valley. friends of other
days, and the young of the congregation were
grouped around this cherished and beloved
minister, greeting him with their affectionate
love. and slow to say farewell. p ..-