Year: 1879

MeSSrs. EditorS,-It has occurred to
me that an occasional jotting from this
far off country may not be unpleasing to
your Virginia readers. The Synod of
Missouri (Southern) has Just held It's ses-
sion here, and there were some things
about it that were quite noticeable to one
coming from the old States. l confess
that the first thought had on casting
my eyes over the body, was, What an
unclerical looking set of Presbyterian
clergymen Instead of the snowy era
vat and soft black cloth to which we are
accustomed, majority Of the members
looked as if they might be a company Of
merchants or farmers met for business.
Our ministerial brethren soon showed
however that they had met for business.
The rapidity with which they discussed
and acted on the questions brought be-
fore them was wonderful. Your Synodi-
cal report Will give all necessary infor-
nation with regard to these questions.
did not hear a speech at all, except from
the able Secretaries Of our Church Com
mittees. Dr. Hazen and Dr. Richardson
made fine impression and awakened a
new interest in the causes OF Publication
and Education. DR.. Richardson was en-
tertained by an Episcopal lady who had
asked for the handS0DeSt member Of
Synod On being questioned as to wheth-
er she was satisfied, she said, "they had
sent her the longest if not the handsOm-
est, and she knew he must be the most
agreeable one of them all. DR.. Hazen's S
polished, genial manner made him quite
as much favorite, All regretted the
absence Of our venerable Secretary Of
Missions. Rev. Ben. Helm ably present
ed the cause, and we hope his vivid pic
lures of the condition of China, that be-
nighted but hopeful field may never fade
from the minds of those who heard him.


On Saturday night minister arose to
preach. dressed, if not in homespun, IN
something very like it) who we venture
to say surprised and amazed his audience
He discussed what are called the grand
old doctrines of the Presbyterian Church.
with such force, clearness, and Yigor as to
almost make his audience start to their
feet. His subject was the day of Pente-
cost. When he closed, the people turned
to one another and drew long breath
I confess it reminded me of the preaching
we were accustomed to in former and
better days AS the preacher will never
see these lines probably, and would not
be moved by them if he did, l will give
his name, Rev. Thomas Watson, of Dar-
denne Prairie. He is preaching for the
same church in which he was licensed
and ordained thirty-siI years ago, and
has not only had no other, but has never
desired to have any other charge. His
congregation is composed of old Kentucky
families of eminence in the old State, and
they have so thrived on the strong food
of their old shepherd that they rebel if
ever stranger is seen in the pul pit
There is a gentle as well as stern side to
his character too. He writes poetry, sets
it to music of his own composing, and
then plays it sweetly on the piano with
out knowing one note from another. But
must forbear.


| will only add that Drs. Parrish, Ruth
erford, and Brank, preached to delighted
audiences, as also did others, and on the
whole the Synod was most enjoyable
one. The only drawback on my sat
isfaction was its small size, and its
great need of an earnest evangelist
to travel through the destitute parts
of the State. We fear our Southern
Synod is not keeping pace with the North
ern and that for lack Of funds. Cannot
one be sent out from our old State?


A VIRGINIA PILGRIM.