The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-10-06
For the Central Presbyterian.
Rev. John H. Rice, d. d.
In Richmond 1912-1923.
BY REV. P. B. PRICE.

The Year 1915-Travelling in Old
Times
A journey from Norfolk in May of
this year was attended with difficulties,
the account of which illustrates at once
the great change that has taken place in
the methods OF travel since that day, the
energy with which Mr.. Rice was wont to
overcome all obstacles in his way, and
the humor that occasionally appears in
his descriptions of persons and places.
He refers to The passage to York as
dismal-probably this part of the route
was pursued by water, in some kind of
sailing vessel passing over the waters of
Chesapeake bay, and then up the York
river to Yorktown. Thence he seems to
have come to Richmond in stage. This
part OF the way was comfortable, except
that he had reason to dread the fate APP
pretended by Horace-when the Sybil
as he said, might have foretold of him
" He need not fear the breaking down of
the stage, nor the running away of the
horses-a talkative man will be the death
OF him." But l survived the eternal
clack of . and in better health than
could be expected and after broiling in
the sun, and breathing night air, and
losing sleep, and worst of ally hearing
nonsense on religion, arrived at home
on Tuesday evening, and found Mrs.
Rice in much better health than when I
took by departure from Richmond.
Sectarian
The feelings between the Presbyterian
and Episcopalian congregations at this
time have already been referred to. The
fears OF Mr.. Rice as to any serious diff
Guilty was never, believe, realized. The
influence Of the wise and good men in
charge Of the two congregations respec-
lively, probably restrained the zeal of
indiscreet friends. The following ex.
tract from Mr.. Rice's letter, after his re-
turn from Norfolk, reveals the state of
things at this critical juncture "The
people here had good deal Of preach
ing while | was gone, much of which they
thought to be evangelical. My congre-
cation pretty generally attended. They
disliked the abundant parade and form
but liked the preaching. They were
pleased too, with most things in the
ministers but disapproved OF the keen
spirit OF proselytism manifested by them.
This is ardent and active beyond all
doubt, and you will very probably see a
sample of it before long. This spirit
will produce irritation and offence, which
| fear will ripen into controversy. May
God avert this.
Rev. John Buchanan.
The amiable temper and catholic spirit
of this gentleman was very pleasantly
exhibited towards Mr.. and Mrs. Rice.
After the coming of Bishop Moore he
seems gradually to have retired from
active service in the ministry, to which
course he was probably, also, constrained
by ill-health. His affection for Mr.. Blair.
which, under the former order of things. !
had so much contributed TO the picture
of fraternity presented by the intimacy
OF the Two Parsons, was never inter |
he seems to have taken
great delight in acts OF kindness to the |
Presbyterians The ways OF the 1.-TWO
Parsons had been superseded in both
their churches, by RinistratioDs more
animated, jealous, and active; but their
brotherly love could not be surpassed
and the influence of their mild and pa.
cihc example doubtless prevailed as
most salutary restraining power when
greater diligence increased the tempta-
tions to sectarian encroaohments. Among
the traditions Of the 1.-TWO Parsons" is
the familiar one concerning the marriage
fees: Mr.. Buchanan was a bachelor and
in easy circumstances; be therefore al
ways sent to Mr. Blair, who had a family
and limited income, the money that he
received for performing ceremonies Of
marriage Mr. Blair, with a similar kind
feeling, admitted to his classical school,
free Of charge, the son Of Methodist
minister, and this minister sent his son,