USA > North Carolina > Sketches of North Carolina, historical and biographical : illustrative of the principles of a portion of her early settlers > Part 44
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2d. Resolved, That his public services in this place, many years ago, as a minister of the gospel, and an instructor of the rising generation, shall long be remembered with emotions of gratitude and affection.
3d. Resolved, That David Anderson, Dr. B. Robinson, J. W. Wright, C. P. Mallett, and E. L. Winslow, be a committee to devise suitable means for the erection of such memorial of his character and labors as may perpetuate the memory of his worth, and of his labors for the good of immortal souls.
4th. Resolved, That these resolutions be published, and a copy of them forwarded to the family of the deceased.
" DAVID ANDERSON, Chairman, " JOHN McRAE, Secretary."
These resolutions, called out by his death some thirty-five years after his services in Fayetteville, show conclusively the stability of the population in that congregation, and the deep impression his
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labors made upon the public mind during the years he was pastor and teacher in that community.
His labors in Poplar Tent were much blessed. The congregation enjoyed repeated refreshings from on high, under his ministry, beside that great and general awakening which pervaded the coun- try at large from the years 1802 onward for five or six years, a part of which time he resided at Fayetteville, and part at Poplar Tent. A Revival, or refreshing from the Lord, was cause of joy- fulness to him, wherever, and whenever it came ; he would labor with his favored brethren, and receive most kindly their assistance when his part of the vineyard was blessed.
Desirous of excellence himself, panting after it, he scorned the arts of detraction, and held sacred the reputation of good men, most particularly his brethren in the ministry, rejoicing in their prosperity and good name, and extended usefulness and popularity. He never seemed to feel that the advancement of others was any hindrance to his own progression in excellence or usefulness.
A clear and faithful exhibition of the doctrines of grace charac- terized his pulpit ministrations. Generally persuasive, but when aroused by the importance of the subject, he became commanding and overpowering. His dignified person became majestic, and his warm heart kindled to a flame, that warmed and kindled the con- gregation. The character, love, sufferings and death of Jesus Christ were favorite subjects, and lost none of their exhaustless interest with him or his congregation.
As he advanced in years, his manners, always courteous, became more dignified and bland ; a stranger would have thought he had adorned the drawing-rooms of our cities in the beginning of the 19th century, a gentleman of the old school of Nathaniel Macon. His kind manners expressed a kinder heart, that grew more tender as he advanced in years. It was impossible that a young minister should be introduced to him without loving him ; or love him long without reverencing him and catching from him a spirit to desire excellence for its own sake and for Christ.
A guileless affectionate simplicity attracted all to him in his ad- vancing infirmities ; and his departure seemed less and less welcome to his people the nearer and more certain its approach. His habits of neatness in his person and dress continued through life. He had so fixed the habit of dressing himself becomingly that very seldom was he found unprepared to welcome a visitor ; and yet the greatest simplicity always appeared in his garments and the manner in which he was attired. It is said of him in his more active days, as a plea-
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sant example of his attention to his family, that returning from a judicatory of the church, he lodged about seventeen miles from home. Rising at the dawn of day to reach home for his breakfast, he was observed to be particular in adjusting his dress, and under some dis- advantage to be shaving himself with care; one of his fellow- lodgers observed, " you need not delay to be so particular, as you are only going home;" with a polite bow the Dr. replied, " for that very reason I am particular."
For many years Dr. Robinson carried on a classical school in Poplar Tent, at which were trained many of the leading men of the present generation in and around Poplar Tent. It may be said to have been in its glory after Dr. Wilson, of Rocky River, found it necessary to decline teaching, and Dr. Robinson found it necessary to provide a place of instruction for the youth of the surrounding country. The dignity, precision and kindness with which he presided over his school are referred to with much affection by his pupils. A teacher himself, he favored every attempt to promote sacred learn- ing ; and when about the year 1820 an effort was made to establish a college in Western Carolina, he took an active part in the enter- prise, and mourned over its failure. When Davidson College was instituted he took a prominent part ; and was President of the Board for many years.
A pleasant anecdote of the Dr.'s personal courage is told by Dr. Morrison, of his early life. While residing in Duplin he had occa- sion to travel to Presbytery alone. Stopping in a little village for refreshment, at what appeared the most respectable tavern, it was promised him. While waiting for it a company assembled around the bar, and began using profane language. Mr. Robinson remark- ed very politely that such language was very painful to him, as he thought it wrong. After a short pause the drinking and profanity were renewed with more indecency than before, the land- lord taking a conspicuous part. Mr. Robinson appealed to him, as the keeper of the house at which he had called, expecting civil treat- ment, and to the honor of his house as the stranger's safeguard from insult. With increased profanity, and in a violent rage, the land- lord rushed towards him with his clenched fist, swearing that " the house was his own, and his tongue was his own, and he would do as he pleased." Mr. Robinson arose and stretched himself to his full height, and fastening a stern look upon him, replied, " your house may be your own ;- and your tongue is your own ;- but take care how you use your fist." The landlord cowered and asked pardon for his insult ; the crowd shrunk away; and after obtaining his refresh-
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ment the Dr. went on his way, earnestly entreated by the landlord not to expose his impropriety to the disgrace and injury of his tavern.
Another, illustrating the Dr.'s manner in his intercourse with his fellow men. While residing in Duplin, a gentleman who had been educated in Scotland, but had his residence in that county, invited him to go home with him. The evening passed pleasantly ; the gentleman was fluent in discussing the discipline of the church, the confession of doctrines, the Solemn League and Covenant. At supper, the gentleman politely requested Mr. Robinson to ask a blessing ; and before retiring to rest assembled his family for worship. The next morning the family again met for worship; as they were standing around the breakfast table Mr. Robinson in his graceful manner referred to the gentleman to ask the blessing. He com- menced, and after pronouncing a few words became discomposed, and turning to Mr. Robinson said, " Will you please finish, sir." After breakfast, he, deeply affected, addressed Mr. Robinson, “ You now see what I have come to. I was born of pious parents ; taught religion in my youth, and observed its forms in my native country ; but here, sir, I have neglected its duties ; and now cannot even ask God to bless the food of my own table." After suitable discourse Mr. Robinson left him; the impression remained upon his mind, giving him no rest till, as he hoped, he was led to Christ in true conversion. He became a member of the church, and as far as known, lived consistently with its obligations.
His infirmities rendering it impossible for him to perform the duties of his office in his extensive charge, his congregation reluc- tantly received his resignation, in order to look out for a pastor, the Dr. declining any official connection with the church, or any man- agement of its affairs. He continued to preach occasionally for his brethren, with whom his visits were always delightful, till his asthmatic cough confined him to his house.
He never possessed any great fondness for the pen, and had no manuscripts to review in his old age. His infirmities prevented him from reading to any extent ; and he was deprived of his excel- lent wife, Mary Baldwin, the mother of his children, in 1836, hav- ing lived in affection with her for more than forty years, having been united in marriage to her April 9th, 1795; and yet he never appeared lonesome or repining while he was waiting upon God for his departure.
Having desired, for some years before his death, to enjoy a meet- ing of the North Carolina Synod at Poplar Tent, the brethren held
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their sessions in October, 1842, at that church, and near his dwel- ling. Under the influence of a more than usually severe attack of his cough, he was unable to attend a single session of the Synod, being confined to his room, and mostly to his bed. The Synod sent a committee with resolutions of condolence and respect, to express their sympathy with their venerable brother, who, through a long period of years, was never known to be absent from a judicatory of the church of which he was a member, in this respect rivalling the venerable Dr. Hall of Iredell, who attended all the sessions of the Synod of the Carolinas but one. The compliment was unexpected by the Dr., and deeply affected him. With unpretended humility and kindness he wept when the committee read to him the resolu- tions of Synod ; overcome with varied emotions, his readiness at reply forsook him. The sighs that for a few moments shook his frame, touched the hearts of the committee as they stood around his bed; and they wept with him; and sighed as they beheld the wreck of human strength and excellence. A leader was departing, not in a chariot of fire, but in the exercise of an humble faith.
His life was protracted in great feebleness till the fourteenth of December, 1843, when he fell asleep in Christ. His body was laid beside the remains of his wife, in the burying ground near Poplar Tent church, and amidst his hearers, with whom he will rise at the coming of Christ.
In looking over the inscriptions upon the graves around their pastor, you find the names of many of the first settlers, such as Harris, Alexander, Black, Parks, Young, Weddington, Flinn, Ross, Means, Crawford, and Gilmer. One can but feel regret that the graves of the Rev. Hezekiah James Balch, and his spirited elder, David Reese, cannot be pointed out ; men that represented this con- ·gregation in the convention. Their names will never pass from the records of history ; but a visit to their tombs might be useful to coming generations, and the future worshippers in Poplar Tent might be excited to deeds worthy of their ancestors, by a visit to this yard. They ought to dwell upon the past to be prepared to act worthy of the present and the future.
When Mr. Robinson taught in Fayetteville, he had an assistant, William B. Maroney. This man had been very thoughtless and wild, and opposed to religious things. His own excesses were made the cause of his alarm and awakening. After indulging a hope in Christ, he wished to preach the gospel. In his forty-third year, 1803, his case was laid before Synod. He ultimately was ad-
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mitted to the ministry, and labored faithfully and successfully in Bethesda. His monument has this short epitaph :- Rev. William B. Maroney, late minister of the gospel at this place, was born A.D., 1760, Died August 1st, 1816.
He is reported as ordained in 1811; the time of his licensure is not known, the records of Orange having been lost by fire.
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CHAPTER XXXI.
EXTRACTS FROM RECORDS OF THE SYNOD OF THE CAROLINAS FROM 1802 TO 1812.
SESSION XV.
Bethany Church, Oct. 9th, 1802.
SYNOD was opened by Rev. Leonard Prather, with a sermon from Amos iv., 12th, and Rev. William C. Davis was chosen modera- tor. The Presbytery of Orange reported they had received the Rev. Leonard Prather from the Methodist Church, and that they had suspended the Rev. M. Thompson : Presbytery of Concord, that they had dismissed Rev. John Andrews to the Presbytery of West Lexington. Mr. John Matthews, missionary to the Natches, and Mr. Thomas Hall, missionary in the Carolinas and Georgia, read reports of their missionary labors, and for their diligence re- ceived the thanks of Synod. The Synod (after an interval of some years) appointed a Commission of Synod to attend to the missionary business, and appointed Hugh Shaw, licentiate of Orange, a missionary to the Natches; and as Mr. Matthews ex- pressed a desire to return, a commission was ordered for him. The Presbytery of Orange was directed also to ordain him for the mis- sion, should he go.
The case from Sinking Spring, Greenville Presbytery, came up again, and after long investigation, was put over till next session ; it was an intricate but entirely local matter. "This Synod enjoin it on each Presbytery of which it is composed, to establish within its respective bounds, one or more grammar schools, except where such schools are already established; and that each member of the several Presbyteries make it their business to select and en- courage youths of promising piety and talents, and such as may be expected to turn their attention to the ministry of the gospel." -
" Overtured : Whether it be proper for this Synod to confer on any one who may be well recommended, a written and formal permission to act in the character of an exhorter ? Synod judged it would be improper, as our book of discipline does not authorize Synod to grant such permission."
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The Presbytery of Abingdon petitioned Synod to give their con- sent to an application to the next General Assembly, to annex said Presbytery to the Synod of Virginia. " Resolved, that the prayer of said overture be granted ;" in consideration of the difficulties in attending Synod. “ As Dr. McCorkle, from a growing indis- position of body, is incapable of transcribing our records with conveniency, ordered that the Rev. John Brown be appointed, and he hereby is appointed, the stated clerk of this Synod."
SESSION XVI.
Buffalo Church, Oct. 6th, 1803.
Synod was opened by Rev. James Hall with a sermon from John vi., 27, and Mr. John Robinson was chosen moderator. The Presbytery of Orange have added by ordination Daniel Brown, Andrew Flinn, Malcolm McNair, Ezekiel B. Currie, and John Matthews ; and the Presbytery of Hopewell, Edward Pharr.
The commission of Synod reported that they had commissioned eight missionaries within the bounds of Synod, one of whom, Wm. C. Davis, was to visit the Catawba Indians. Reports were heard from part of these missionaries. "Ordered that the Rev. Wm. C. Davis act as a stated missionary to the Catawba Indians until our next stated session of Synod ; that he superintend the school in that nation, now taught by Mr. Foster, and that he obtain the assistance of Rev. James Wallis as far as may be convenient. Ordered, that the several Presbyteries under our care be directed to pay particular attention to the subscription business for the sup- port of the missionaries, especially as we now have promising prospect of teaching the Catawba Indians to read and pay some attention to the gospel.
" A petition from the Presbytery of Hopewell was handed in and read, praying the direction of Synod in the case of John Forbes, who made application to that Presbytery to be received as a candidate for the gospel ministry. The Synod advise the Pres- bytery of Hopewell to direct their conduct towards Mr. Forbes agrecably to the directions of the book of discipline ; and recom- mend to the Presbytery of Orange to act in the same manner to- wards Mr. Bloodworth and Mr. Maroney, in behalf of whom they made similar applications."
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SESSION XVII.
Bullock's Creek church, Oct. 4th, 1804.
Synod was opened by Rev. Samuel Caldwell by a sermon from Proverbs xiv., 12, and Rev. Humphrey Hunter was chosen moderator.
The First Presbytery of South Carolina report Duncan Brown and John Couser, added by ordination ; the Second Presbytery, James Gilleland, jr. ; the First Presbytery of South Carolina re- ported the death of David E. Dunlap ; and the Second Presbytery of South Carolina, the dismission of Francis Cummins to Hope- well Presbytery.
By request of members the Presbytery of Greenville was dis- solved ; and the Rev. George Newton and Samuel Davies were directed to apply to the Presbytery of Concord for admission ; Hezekiah Balch and John Cossan, to the Presbytery of Union ; and Stephen Bovelle to the Presbytery of West Lexington, in Ken- tucky, or any other Presbytery in whose bounds his lot might fall.
A commission of Synod was appointed for this year, to attend to whatever missionary business is left unfinished by Synod. Rev. Daniel Brown and Malcolm McNair were appointed missionaries to the Natches for six months or more ; and Mr. Mur- phy, licentiate, was appointed for the lower part of South Carolina.
" Overtured-Is it consistent with the government of the Pres- byterian church to admit other denominations, as churches, to com- mune with us, and to receive their preachers without distinction as ministers of the Gospel ?" " Answered in the negative ; except through the General Assembly."
" Overtured-Is a minister's regular acceptance of a call from a congregation absolutely necessary to constitute him the regular pas- tor of that congregation ?" " Answered in the affirmative."
" Overtured-How is a fellow Presbyter who preaches these disorganizing doctrines, viz. : that forms of religion ought for the most part to be dispensed with ; that tokens are unnecessary ; and that it makes no difference whether a man is regularly licensed by any judicatory, and invites such to preach in his pulpit-to be dealt with by his brethren in the ministry ?" " Answer-Synod direct our members to our form of government and discipline of our church. The Synod also express their disapprobation of those things alluded to in the overture ; and declare their strict adherence to the Confession of Faith and Discipline of our Church ; and earnestly recommend to all their members, the propriety, and abso-
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lute necessity, of supporting, so far as their influence may extend, the Confession of Faith and Discipline of our Church."
SESSION XVIII.
Bethesda church, Oct. 3d, 1805.
Synod was opened by Rev. John M. Wilson with a sermon from Deut. xxxii., 29, and Rev. James Wallis was chosen modera- tor. The first Presbytery of South Carolina reported Murdock Murphy as ordained ; the second Presbytery of South Carolina reported Benjamin R. Montgomery, and that they had dismissed Robert Wilson, William Williamson, and James Gilleland, sen., to settle in the State of Ohio ; the Presbytery of Concord re- ported the death of Lewis F. Wilson.
The commission appointed last year laid before Synod the mi- nutes and the reports of missionaries. From this it appeared that the school among the Catawbas had been continued at considera- ble expense ; at first the Indians were much interested in the instructions and exhortations of the teacher, but after a while grew weary ; that there had been but little preaching among them. The prospect not flattering. Mr. Smylie made a favorable report of his mission to the Mississippi territory, and presented a letter from a congregation addressed to Synod, asking for further aid.
A commission of Synod was appointed to attend to the mission- ary concerns of the Synod, to hold their first meeting in New Providence, the first Tuesday of November next.
Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell was directed to write to the Presby- teries of Orange and Union on the subject of their not being re- presented in Synod for some time; the Presbytery of Orange since 1802, and the Presbytery of Union since 1799.
Synod being informed that certain persons within their bounds had petitioned the Assembly to receive them into connection by the name of the Presbytery of Charleston, without being in con- nection with the Synod of the Carolinas, proceeded to draw up a remonstrance to the Assembly against their being received in such circumstances, as unconstitutional, and reflecting on the Synod.
SESSION XIX.
Olney, October 2, 1806.
Synod was opened by Rev. Humphrey Hunter, with a sermon
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from 2 Tim. iii., 16 ; and Rev. James Stephenson chosen mode- rator. The First Presbytery of South Carolina reported George Reid ; Orange, James Smylie, as a missionary to the Natches.
The Overture handed in last session respecting a stated clerk, was taken up, and after consideration, "the Synod determined to adopt the measure proposed ; on which the Rev. John B. Davies was chosen to act as stated clerk for Synod. He was directed to transcribe the minutes of our preceding session in a proper book, for which service the Synod determined to allow him the sum of three"dollars for each annual session, and the sum of ten dollars yearly from the present term for performing the services specified in the above mentioned overture." (In consequence of this order Mr. Davies transcribed the minutes of the preceding sessions in a large folio, and continued to be the clerk of Synod while it existed. The records, in his handwriting from 1788 to 1813, the time the Synod of the Carolinas existed, cover 422 folio pages, were cor- rectly kept, and written in an uncommonly plain hand.)
Overtured,-That Synod petition the Assembly for a division to form two Synods, one to be known by the name of North Ca- rolina and the other South Carolina.
The commission of Synod reported that they had done nothing ; a part of them had received a report of a missionary that should have been presented to the preceding Synod.
The Synod appointed three missionaries, Dr. James Hall, Wm. H. Barr, a licentiate of Orange, and Mr. Thomas J. Hall, to itine- rate within their bounds.
A letter was addressed to the Presbyteries urging a fuller attend- ance on Synod, accompanied by a resolution to call absentees to a strict account ; and that a letter of citation be addressed to them. Instances were given of great punctuality, such as being present at twenty meetings of Synod out of twenty-one (Dr. James Hall is the person referred to, who commenced attending the Synod of New York and Philadelphia).
" Overtured,-That this Synod give their opinion respecting the propriety of ministers of the gospel accepting and holding civil offices, which divert their attention from their ministerial duty, and bring reproach on the sacred ministry ; and as this Synod do highly disapprove of such conduct, Resolved, That those Presbyteries where such instances are to be found, adopt the most effectual measures to induce such ministers to lay aside such offices, and devote themselves wholly to their ministerial duties. And if the Presbyteries should meet with any difficulties in dealing with such
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members, they are required to apply to the General Assembly for . instructions in such case."
" Resolved, That Synod publish 1000 copies of the following pamphlets, viz. : the Rev. John Andrews's pamphlet, entitled A Brief Essay on Natural and Moral Inability, and two pamphlets written by the Rev. John P. Campbell in reply to Mr. Stone."
SESSION XX.
Rocky River, Oct. 1st, 1807.
Synod was opened by Rev. James W. Stephenson with a ser- mon from Micah ii., 3, last clause ; and Moses Waddel was chosen moderator. Added to Presbytery of Concord, Thomas J. Hall and Andrew S. Morrison ; second Presbytery of South Carolina, Daniel Gray ; Presbytery of Union, Isaac Anderson, Charles Coffin, Matthew Donnell, and Joseph D. Lapsley.
A memorial from the Second Presbytery of South Carolina was read, complaining that the First Presbytery of South Carolina does not discipline a member of theirs, Wm. C. Davis, for preaching erroneous doctrine, though known by Presbytery to hold and preach such doctrine. " To give a complete list of the doctrines we have in view, even as far as they are known to us, we think would be quite unnecessary in this communication. It may, however, be proper to mention, that Mr. Davis affirms and industriously propagates, that what has been termed the passive obedience of Christ is all that the law of God can, or does require, in order to the justification of the believer; and that his active obedience is not imputed. He also affirms and teaches that faith precedes regeneration, and is not a holy exercise, nor has any-
thing holy in its nature. * * * * Now, although neither we nor the Presbytery to which he belongs can prevent Mr. Davis from believing whatever he may think proper, yet we deem it somewhat more than indecorous that any member in our communion should be allowed intentionally to teach doctrines manifestly contrary to that system we are supposed to believe and preach."
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