The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-08-25

hdiNdIu OOlleSe, hdSs., are exceedingly |
interesting, and show the deepest inter-
est in the spiritual welfare of that young
man and the most patient and painstaking
effort to instruct him in the doctrines of
religion. His labor in this behalf, as we
shall see, appeared not to be in vain.
These letters also disclose Mr.. Rice Is
eager thirst for knowledge and his desire
for books in several departments of learn
ing. Among the works which he wishes
his young friend to procure for him are
Polybius, Xenophon's works, Paussnias,
Herodotus, Thucydides, Schleusners
Lexicon of the Greek Testament, the
Cambridge Griesbach, and several other
learned works, to aid him in the study Of
the sacred writings in Hebrew, Syriac,
Greek, and Latin.
He is particular in his inquiries as to
the mode of teaching at Harvard. do
they enter more fully in the struc ure of
the Greek language than your former
teacher, and direct your attention to more
particulars? Are they very attentive to
pronunciation and prosody? Do you see
many evidences of profound literature
about college?"
His advice as to plan of study and
reading for the young student is as fol-
lows: Make yourself perfect in the Ian
guages. Read carefully every Latin and
Greek classic that you can especially re-
volve by day and by night the volumes
of Sallust, Livy, Tacitus, Virgil, and
Horace, and of Herodotus, Thucydides,
and Homer. Read also the Septuagint
and Josephus. But above ali the Greek
Testament, not merely for the sake of
learning Greek, but religion and morali-
ty. Let me recommend to your diligent
study very small volume by Sharpe on
the use of the definite article IN the
Greek Testament / wish you also to
carefully read on Sabbath days and at
other leisure times Miners History of
the Church of Christ. You cannot fail to
Obtain advantage from it. His opinion,
however, in relation to the external forms
of the Church, are to be received with
caution. Did I recommend to you mag
azine published in Boston, called the
Christian Observer /? 1t is the best
periodical work that lam acquainted with,
and, excepting an undue attachment to
Episcopacy, it is one of the most unex-
ceptionable works that I ever knew.
Above everything, my dear friend, seek
to be wise unto salvation. shall fire.
quently direct your attention to such
works as think most suitable to assist
you in forming right religious motives
and calculated to inspire spirit of vital
piety,"
The Year 1913.
February 25th he writes: ct have
little flock here, but they are greatly
scattered. They expect and they need
much attent5 from My house is
crowded - a. Ind Nv time very
much occupied in visiting. When the
labors OF the day are over l feel great
degree of languor, and an almost invinci.
BILE repugnance to do anything, even what
is necessary to be done. I have every
reason, thus far, to be satisfied with my
removal to this place. My labors have
been successful beyond my most sanguine
hopes. We have about sixty now on our
register, and 1 expect at the next Sacra-
ment considerable increase. Of the
piety of most of our members 1 have a
very high opinion. Some of them, I think
are the most eminent Christians that
know, quite warm and jealous. A daugh-
ter old Judge Henry, Mrs. M, is one of
this number"
March 9th "Several who now rejoice
in the hope of heaven were, at the time
of my coming, very thoughtless of their
eternal interests, and very ignorant of
the way of salvation. Religion is GER
tainly gaining ground among us, but the
more its influence extends the greater the
opposition will be made to it. There are
many, fear, who would not believe
though one should rise from the dead"
In March, of this year, the residence Of
his friend, Mrs. Randolp phi was burned.
He writes to her: Gas long as we have a
house it shall be always open to you. Re
gard me as a friend-a brother. You
could do me no higher favor than to per-
NIT me at this time, as far as it is in my
power, to minister to your comfort.
Nancy has precisely the same feelings
that have. Let me, then, take my horse
and gig to Farmville. Come down to us
and sojourn with us for a time. Mrs
M. R. joins with us in this request. We
all unite in this, that you must not say
nay. shall, then, expect to hear by
the next post what time it will suit
you for me to 90 up for you. Only be so
good as to remember that l must have
week notice, that l may arrange my APP
pointments beforehand. P. B P.
For the Central Presbyterian.
Preparation for Another World.