USA > Virginia > Sketches of Virginia : historical and biographical > Part 16
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" The Rev. James Mitchel," the letter resumes, "made a public profession of religion and became a communicant in the Church, in his 17th year, though his mind underwent a saving change consider- ably earlier. He was licensed to preach the gospel in 1781, (October) for I have often heard him say, that while the Presbytery was in session taking measures for his licensure, a courier came by the Church and made proclamation of the surrender of. Cornwallis." His preparations for the ministry were commenced after his youth had passed. About his Christian exercises and desires for the min- istry, little is known; one circumstance is remembered. At a sacra- mental meeting at Cub Creek old meeting house, he was in attend- ance as a preacher. After a prayer-meeting in the Church, first one and then another was attracted by the voice of earnest prayer, in the woods. The loud tones precluded the idea of secrecy. Father Mitchel was found on his knees, with his arms around the body of a small decaying old persimmon tree dead at the top, the tears rolling down his cheeks. When he arose, a little surprised to find any one near, he remarked, "there, under that tree I found peace in believ- ing in the Lord Jesus ; and I can't visit this Church without coming to that tree." It is probable that his experience of the love of Christ, was under the preaching of Mr. Henry, who was at that time the pastor. Of the circumstances of his classical education, little is known; and as little of his studies in preparation for the ministry, except for a time he was tutor in Hampden Sidney Col- lege. During the war he made a short tour of military duty. Though a man of courage, the two months' service satisfied him of the undesirableness' of camp life, unless under the greatest neces- sity. At a meeting of the Presbytery at Tinkling Spring, April 27th, 1780, immediately after Mr. John Montgomery had been or- dained evangelist to meet the exigencies of the vacancies, Mr. Mitchel was proposed as candidate; and after the usual enquiries, "and having had a specimen of his ability in composition," he was
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received for further trials for licensure. An infantes illorum qui negligunt institutiones Christi vulgo baptizantur - was given him for an exegesis ; and 1st John 4. 13, for a sermon " to be delivered at our next." At Falling Spring, in October, the sermon met the approbation of the Presbytery ; and the exegesis was put over ; and a lecture on Heb. 6. 1-9, appointed for the next meeting. The records of "that next meeting" in the spring of 1781, are lost. At Concord, in October 1781, his trial sermons from Colossians 1. 14, delivered at the opening of Presbytery, gave entire satisfaction. His examinations were all sustained, and he together with Samuel Shannon was licensed to preach the gospel. Messrs. Moses Hoge, Adam Rankin, and John M'Cue exhibited parts of trial at the same meeting; all of whom finally entered the ministry ; also a day of thanksgiving for the surrender of Cornwallis was appointed.
Mr. Mitchel was advised by Presbytery to take a tour to the. Western territories. At New Providence, October 23d, 1782, a supplication, from the united congregations of Concord and Little Fallings, for Mr. Mitchel's services, was considered; and Messrs. J. B. Smith and David Rice were appointed to inquire into the pro- vision made for Mr. Mitchel's support ; and an appointment for a year was made dependent upon its being satisfactory. "This year," continues the letter from Rev. J. D. Mitchel, "he was married to Francis, daughter of Rev. David Rice, her mother Mary Rice, origi- nally Mary Blair, was daughter of that distinguished scholar and man of God, the Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fogg's Manor, the theologi- cal teacher of Samuel Davies and John Rodgers. After marriage, Mr. Mitchel removed to Kentucky, where he preached the gospel and supported his family by teaching school." His stay in Ken- tucky was short, for in October, 1783, supplications coming up to Presbytery for supplies from the Peaks, in Bedford, from which Mr. Rice had been dismissed, in the spring, to remove to Kentucky, and from Hat Creek and Cub Creek, the Presbytery agreed to send Mr. Mitchel to the latter churches, and appointed a day in the succeed- ing February for his ordination at Cub Creek. On account of inclement weather, this appointment failed. The Presbytery then fixed upon the 1st Tuesday of August, 1784, and Hampden Sidney as the place for the ordination. On the day appointed, only two members of Presbytery assembled, Messrs. Smith and Irvin; inese adjourned to meet the next day at Buffalo, to accommodate Mr .. Sankey, who, on account of infirmities, could not go far from home. The services were performed on the 4th of August. Mr. Mitchel , continued to preach to the congregations of Cub Creek and Hat Creek about these years. By appointment of Presbytery, he met Messrs. David Rice and Adam Rankin at Cane River, in Kentucky, November, 1785. The object of their meeting was not accomplished. However, a conference of churches was held which led to the forma- tion of 'Transylvania Presbytery. In March, 1786, the congrega- tion of the Peaks put in a call for Mr. Mitchel ; and the Presbytery gave him leave to supply the congregation for the summer, and keep
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REV. JAMES MITCHEL.
the call under consideration. In the May succeeding, the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in preparation for forming a General Assembly of the Church, divided the Presbytery of Hanover, con- stituting the Blue Ridge the dividing line. That portion east of the Ridge, retained the name of Hanover ; that on the western side was named Lexington. At the first meeting of Hanover as thus consti- tuted, Mr. Mitchel is set down as pastor of the Peaks. By mistake his acceptance of the call is not recorded till April 27th, 1787. There is no record of installation services. In the spring of 1787, Hampden' Sidney College conferred on him the degree of A. B. Why so long out of course, is not known. With the congregation covering an indefinite space of country around the Peaks, he passed his long ministerial life. Sometimes he had a colleague, and some- times he labored alone. Old age, with its weaknesses, at last com- pelled him to resign the oversight of the people, with whom he yet remained, and labored on according to his strength, till he had passed fifty-five years in their midst. A length of time unparalleled in the history of Virginia churches.
Soon after the removal of Mr. Mitchel to Bedford, that great awakening to the realities of gospel truth commenced in Charlotte, making its first appearance among the Baptists, and in a few years by the agency of Smith, Pattillo, Lacy, and Mitchel, spreading over a large portion of Hanover Presbytery, and a part of Orange in North Carolina. Then, by the aid of additional laborers, that came into the field, fruits of the revival, and Graham from the Liberty Hall Academy, the blessed influences were extended over the greater part of the Valley of the Shenandoah and the mountains; around and beyond the head waters of the James. The young men gathered in from this revival, Alexander, Calhoon, Hill, Grigsby, Marshall, Stewart, Houston, Baxter, and Turner, the Lyles and others fixed the standard of orthodoxy, and the tone of piety in the Synod of Virginia, and throughout much of the West, for generations. The usual sacramental meeting was held at the Peaks, embracing the Friday and Saturday previous to the communion Sabbath, and the Monday preceding - and when necessary the following days-all occupied in acts of worship in connection with the Lord's Supper. Mr. Lacy attended one of those meetings. James Turner, the leader of the Beefsteak Club, came out' openly on the Lord's side ;- and many others followed the example. It was in the congregation of Mr. Mitchel, the protracted meeting was held by Mr. Graham, -on his return from Prince Edward, assisted by J. B. Smith and young Legrand, of which Dr. Alexander speaks - when he says he had some private conversation with the pastor, which was of great importance to him. And from that meeting the young company went home rejoicing in the Lord, and singing praises in the moun- tains, carrying along with them, in the mercy of God, a happy influ- ence to Rockbridge. It was in this congregation, the meeting was held by the ministers of different denominations, as related by Lacy, to find out the common bond of Christians, and the common ground
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REV. JAMES MITCHEL.
of fellowship. To this congregation Baxter came to be refreshed, when the reviving influences were felt in the beginning of the 19th century. Mr. Mitchel was connected, in the minds of all the active clergymen and laymen of the last quarter of the 18th, and first quarter of the 19th century, with revivals of religion ; and considered as skilful in cases of conscience and of Christian experience. In Bedford was held the first meeting of the Commission of the Vir- ginia Synod, April 2d, 1790; an organization blessed with great success in sending effective missionaries to new settlements, and to the Indians on the frontiers. Mr. Mitchell was a member.
As the Baptists were the first agents in the revival in Charlotte, in 1787, and onwards, and were co-laborers there and every where else east of the Ridge, during its whole influence, the manner and subjects of Baptism were, sooner or later, everywhere, discussed. Mr. Mitchel gave many hours of reflection to these subjects, and wrote out his thoughts, and prepared a treatise for the press. The ministers acquainted with its contents pronounced it admirably well fitted for the times. This treatise never saw the light. The author's means were narrow, and Boards of Publication unknown. It can- not now be found. Mr. Mitchel was heard to say about it, that he had revised it and put it into the hands of a friend to read, and to dispose of as he thought best, believing him fully competent to de- cide, and of pecuniary ability to publish. The name of this friend he did not give. As the workings of the mind of a simple-hearted man, on a subject involving matters of conscience and his commu- nion with God, the production would be interesting at least as a part of his mental and spiritual history.
When past his fiftieth year he suffered from nervous derangement and mental spiritual depression. He was not confined to his house, for he said on his death-bed he had been sick but half a day in his life ; but his depression rendered him unhappy. He began to think himself unfit to preach the gospel of Christ. He somewhat reluc- tantly set out with some young friends to attend the Synod at Win- chester. Stopping to spend the night in New Market, Shenandoah County, he was with much urgency prevailed on to preach in the evening, at short notice. He took for his text the words addressed to our sinning father - "Adam, where art thou ?" His heads of discourse were - 1st. All men had a place like Adam in which they ought to be; 2nd. All men like Adam were found out of their place and where they ought not to be; 3d. All men, unless they took warning, would soon find themselves in a place they would not want to be. As he proceeded he became greatly excited in feeling, and vehement in delivery. The effect was great. He went on his way the next day rejoicing. Many years afterwards, at an ecclesiastical meeting, a gentleman approached Mr. Mitchel with expressions of gladness-" Do you remember preaching in New Market of a night, ? years ago, on the words - Adam, where art thou ? - I do very well replied the old gentleman. Well sir, that sermon found me a poor ungodly sinner, and by the blessing of God effectually aroused me ;
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I had no peace till I found it in Christ the Lord." The speaker was an elder in the Church and a member of the judicatory. Tra- dition also says, an old man whose christian name was Adam, an unbeliever, had gone into the meeting. His attention was aroused, and as Mr. Mitchel often cried out, "Adam, where art thou now ?" the old man felt as if the strange preacher was after him, hunting him up in all his hiding-places. He was out of his place he knew ; and, alas, would soon be in that dreadful fire from which he could not escape. He could not rest till he bowed. to the Lord Christ.
Mr. Mitchel was fond of missionary excursions, of weeks and months at a time, in the south-western counties of Virginia. For these he was admirably prepared. Active, cheerful, vehement in his public addresses, and perfectly fearless, he commanded the at- tention and impressed the hearts of the somewhat scattered popula- tion of those mountains. His rides to Presbytery and Synod, and to assist his brethren in communion seasons, were made by him op- portunities of preaching the gospel in families and neighborhoods, often greatly blessed to the hearers. He was a preacher always, and every where, endeavoring to do his Master's will to the best of his abilities. His sermons were rich in experience, and often over- flowing from the treasury of God. Never dull, in his pulpit services, often lifting up his voice like a trumpet, with most energetic gestures; never assuming, he maintained his self-respect and the respect of others. Strictly orthodox, and equally kind, he was jealous of all innovations in the practices, as well as the doctrines, of the Church; for he believed that modes and forms had much to do with the purity of doctrine. When the members of Hanover Presbytery began to omit the use of tokens at the Lord's table, he was alarmed. He thought the practice of giving to each communicant, a day or two, or the morning, before the Lord's Supper, a printed card, or a small medal, to be delivered to the elders at the table, had a happy effect, as it prevented persons coming to communion without the approba- tion of the officers of the Church; and also gave the opportunity of speaking to each communicant particularly ; and should there be any kind of necessity, of making enquiries or administering counsel, and warning, which, in scattered congregations, is of importance. When he discovered that the leading members of Presbytery were laying them aside as unnecessary and cumbersome, and that the omission was likely to become general, he appeared before his brethren in Synod and administered a grave rebuke with the author- ity' of a father. The Rices, Speece, Baxter, Calhoon, Hill and others, listened with the reverence becoming the place and the old man. To avoid every thing that might wound his feelings in a de- bate, the subject was put over for consideration, and in the progress of business was not' called up in time for discussion before adjourn- ment. No other man could have administered a reproof of equal severity to the Virginia Synod, and have escaped a suitable reply, from the readiness of Calhoon, the humor of Speece, the gravity of Rice and Baxter, and the spirit of Hill.
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REV. JAMES MITCHEL.
Mr. Mitchel was the father of thirteen children, two sons and eleven daughters. Of these, one son and four daughters died be- fore him, all giving decided evidence of preparation for the king- dom of heaven. His widow, twenty years his junior, confined by bodily weakness, to her bed -" the most devoted and happiest of Christians," still lives possessing mental vigor and a retentive memory.
The Rev. J. G. Shepperson, who was with him the last days of his life, thus wrote : - "Few men ever understood more thoroughly than he, the system of doctrine contained in our excellent Confes- sion of Faith and Catechisms, or loved it more cordially, or knew better the evidence by which its varied parts are sustained. While firm and decided in his own views, he was no bigot. The writer has never known a man who gave stronger evidence of love to the Re- . deemer's image wherever found. His deep sense of his own depravity, helplessness and guilt as a sinner, his adoring views of the grace, power, faithfulness, and suitableness of the Lord Jesus as a Saviour from sin and condemnation, his simple obedience to whatever he believed God had commanded, his unwavering confidence in his heavenly father, and joyful submission to his will, when prospects seemed darkest, and when his affections were most severe, could escape the attention of none who knew him; and proved beyond all doubt that he was a man who walked with God; and had made extraordinary attainments in meetness to dwell with him in his upper sanctuary. He was dead to the world; for things seen and tem- poral, it was manifest he cared little or nothing except as connected, with things unseen and eternal. It was impossible to be with him five minutes, without being convinced that his affections were set on things above, and his speech eminently fit to minister grace to the hearers. The writer enjoyed the high privilege of being with this eminent servant of God almost the whole of the last three weeks of his earthly pilgrimage. And what he witnessed, it is alike im- possible for him ever to forget, or adequately to describe. Though the aged Christian was now in his first sickness, as well as his last, not a word, not a look betrayed any emotion incompatible with entire patience, full contentment, and joyful submission to his heavenly father's will. When a hope was expressed that he should recover, his reply was, "I am in the hands of God, that is just where I want to be." Frequently he would speak of his friends who had gone before, especially his children, who had died in the Lord, and express his joyful hope of meeting them in heaven ; and his early asso- ciates in the ministry, especially Drury Lacy, and Dr. Moses Hoge. One morning a little more than a week before his death, at the close of a conversation on some of the topics already mentioned, he remained silent for some minutes. Then looking around on the members of his family, who were present, he spoke as nearly as can now be remembered - " I do now affectionately commit to my cove- nant God, my wife, my children, my grand-children, and all con- nected with me, and all my descendants to the latest generation ;"
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REV. SAMUEL HOUSTON.
after which he appeared to resume the exercise of silent prayer in which he was previously engaged. To the last moment of his life, the placid expression of his countenance, and the few words he was able occasionally to utter evinced that his joy was uninterrupted and increasing. One of the last sentences he was heard to speak was -"I want to live just so long, as my living will be for the glory of God, but no longer." On waking from a gentle slumber, on the afternoon of his dying day, his breath grew shorter, his countenance was lighted up with a more joyful expression. In a few moments he calmly folded his arms, closed his eyes and resigned his spirit into the hands of his beloved Lord. Thus went to his rest James Mitchel, on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 1841, aged ninety-four years and one month.
His last sermon was preached at the house of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Mitchel, on the last Sabbath of December, 1840, from the same text taken by his venerable colleague for his last sermon nearly thirteen years before, Luke's Gospel 2d : 13, 14, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitute of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Three of his sons-in-law, and one grand-son are Presbyterian ministers.
Rev. Samuel Houston.
Mr. Houston was born on Hay's Creek, in the congregation of New Providence. In his letter to Mr. Morrison, he gives a few pleasant facts respecting his ancestry. His parents' names were John Houston and Sally Todd. His father was for many years an elder in New Providence. In his old age he removed to Tennessee, and died at about fourscore years. While an infant, Mr. Samuel Houston was exceedingly feeble; on more than one occasion he was laid down supposed to be dying. "As he increased in years he became vigorous ; and through a long life enjoyed almost uninter- rupted health. In his manhood he was tall, erect, square shouldered, spare and active; particular in his dress, and dignified in his de- portment. After he became a minister, he seemed never to forget that he was a minister of the Lord Jesus, and that all parts of his office were honorable. All duties devolving on him by custom, or by the voice of his brethren, he cheerfully performed to the utmost of his ability. From his deference to those of greater acquirements, or more ample endowments of mind, or more maturity of age, and his unobtrusiveness upon the' public, strangers might have concluded that he was a timid man. And when called to act, and his line of duty led him to face opposition, in whatever form it might come, his imperturbability might, by a casual observer, have been consi- dered want of feeling. But his kindness and benevolence in the relations of life demonstrated the depth of feeling in his heart ; and' his acquaintances knew him to be pure in his principles, warm in his affections, and unflinching in his bravery. A man was sure
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of a firm friend, if he could convince Samuel Houston it was his duty to stand by him. His whole appearance and bearing were those of an honest man.
His classical education was completed during the troubles and confusions of the American Revolution, and about the time of the removal of Liberty Hall Academy to the neighborhood of Lexing- ton. In 1781 a call came for militia to assist Greene against Corn- wallis. The memorable battle of the Cowpens had been fought, and Morgan, under protection of Greene's retreating army, had escaped with the prisoners to Virginia. Cornwallis had encamped at Hills- borough, and Greene was waiting near the Virginia line for reinforce- ments to drive his pursuer, Cornwallis, back to South Carolina, or overcome him in battle. Samuel Houston was called to go as a pri- vate from the congregation of New Providence, in his 23d year. Arrested in his studies preparatory to the ministry, he went cheer- fully, with others, to try the labors and exposures of the camp. After his death there was found among his papers a manuscript of foolscap, folded down to sixteen leaves a sheet, on which were memoranda of his campaign, covering about the one half of a sheet of the large size, then in use. He notices all that appeared to him worthy of special mention, and as remembrancers of all that occur- red. No better description of a militia force in its weakness and efficiency has been left us from the experience of the Revolution. The beginning is abrupt ; no mention being made of the draft, or the officers in command, or the object of the expedition.
February 26th, '81.
Monday, Feb. 26th. - We marched from Lexington to Grigsby's, and encamped.
Tuesday, 27th. - Marched fifteen miles, and encamped at Pur- gatory. I saw the cave.
Wednesday, 28th. - Marched from Purgatory to Lunies' Creek, twelve miles.
Thursday, March 1st. - Marched from Lunies' Creek to a mile beyond Howard's; total seventeen miles. Drew liquor in the morning. I paid fifteen dollars for beer to Mrs. Brackinridge.
Friday, 2d. - Marched from near Howard's past Rag Hall, governed by President Slovenly ; three or four of our men got ยท drunk in the evening. Our march continued fifteen miles; en- camped at Little Otter, Bedford.
Saturday, 3d. - Marched from Little Otter to within two miles of New London ; nineteen miles.
Sabbath, 4th. - Marched two miles beyond New London to Mr. Ward's ; in which march we pressed a hog, which was served with- out scraping. On this day I kept guard No, 16. The day's march was twenty miles.
Monday, 5th. - Marched from Major Ward's ; crossed Staunton river into Pittsylvania. I was on the fatigue to drive steers, but
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happly they had broken out of the pasture. Our march was eight miles, and encamped.
Tuesday, 5th. - Marched from Ward's about fourteen miles. We were searched, and Mr. Ward's goods found with James Berry and John Harris, who were whipped. The same were condemned to ten lashes for disobeying the officer of the day on Monday.
Wednesday, 7th. - Marched from near Shelton's to Col. Wil- liams' mill, about twelve miles ; crossed Bannister, into which James McElroy fell; John Harris deserted, and James Berry was taken and sent to prison.
Thursday, 8th. - Marched from Col. Williams' to near three miles from Dan river. Some of the boys set the woods on fire, which the Major put out. Our day's journey nineteen miles.
Friday, 9th. - Marched from beyond Dan to the borders of N. C., six miles ; we crossed Dan, where Gilmore's wagon had nearly sunk by the chain of the flat breaking. At this river some mean cowards threatened to return. This morning, Lyle, Hays and Lusk went to Gen. Green and returned. The same day deserted at Dan, Geo. Culwell.
Saturday, 10th. - Marched from near three miles of Dan to head quarters, which we entered at twelve o'clock at night. In the even- ing we encamped six miles from H. Q. Soon after we decamped. Thirty miles.
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