USA > Virginia > Sketches of Virginia : historical and biographical > Part 32
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The records of Lexington Presbytery from December 1792 to June 1800, cannot be found; and the time of his being received a candidate, and the various parts of trial required of him previously to his licensure-are unknown. Mr. Stuart says, "my physician gave it as his opinion, that unless I quit speaking, I would soon fall into confirmed consumption. He advised me to spend the winter in the South, which I did, the winter of 1796. In the spring, April 1797, I returned to Rockbridge; and on my return I had called at your grandmother's, which was a kind of resting place to the clergy." Having met Mr. Baxter the next morning on his way there, he turned back -"I spent the day and night with him, and he started the next morning with me, and we travelled together to Lexington. At that time I am assured he had been teaching east of the Blue Ridge, and had not obtained license." Private memoranda in his family say, he was licensed at New Monmouth, April 1797. Im- mediately after being licensed, he made a tour through parts of Maryland and Virginia, taking collections for the advantage of New London Academy.
The earliest presbyterial record respecting him, is dated October 20th 1797, at Pisgah, Bedford County, at a meeting of Hanover Presbytery. "A letter was received from Mr. George A. Baxter formerly a licentiate under the care of Lexington Presbytery, con- taining a dismission from Presbytery, and expressing his desire to put linnself under our care; which request being agreed to, he was accordingly received as a probationer under our particular charge." At this meeting Mr. Samuel Ramsey, mentioned by Mr. Stuart, accepied a call from the Church in Grassy Valley, Tennessee; and Dr. Alexander's plan for the appropriation of the charitable fund of Presbytery was adopted. The only other notice of him on the records
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REV. GEORGE A. BAXTER, D. D.
of Hanover is dated May 9th 1799, at the Cove meeting-house, Albemarle, and is a dismission to put himself under the care of Lex- ington Presbytery. Mr. Baxter confined himself to his Academy, preaching as occasion required, but not encouraging any call from a church, or vacancy, in the bounds of Hanover.
Having found his way to -"the resting place of the clergy" - Widow Fleming's residence in Botetourt, he continued his visits for special reasons, other than the hospitality of this family of stand- ing and wealth. Dr. Hall in his journeyings to and from Philadel- phia, as commissioner from Orange Presbytery, used to rest with the family in his simple character of minister of the gospel, and always found a welcome. Cary Allen in his journeyings to and from Ken- tucky as a missionary, rested here as a missionary, and was welcome to all the refreshment the family could give. "His agreeable enter- tainment resulted in his asking, and, in 1794, obtaining the hand of the eldest daughter. After the death of Mr. Allen, this lady became the wife of Mr. Ramsey mentioned by Mr. Stuart. Mr. Baxter obtained the object he went for, and on the 27th of January, 1798, was married to Miss Anne Fleming. With her he lived about forty-five years.
Col. William Fleming to whose daughter Mr. Baxter was united, ' was a Scotchman emigrating to Virginia in early life. Of the no- bility of Scotland, he received an education becoming the rank of the family, and sought in America a more ample field for his exer- tions, than his native land could afford. Of fine manners, vigorous constitution, and enterprising spirit, and delighting and excelling in the sports common among the young men of Virginia, fond of so- ciety, and not unmindful of the fair, and not averse to those occa- sional indulgences at the plentiful board, that marked the age among the politer classes in the " ancient dominion," he became a favorite with the Governor. Rambling through the western domain of Vir- ginia, he was enamoured with the mountain scenery and the produc- tive valleys, and took his residence in Botetourt County, on the waters of the James. Getting possession of fine tracts of land, for which his friendship with the governor afforded great facilities, he became wealthy. His enterprise and social manners made him popular. He led a regiment in the expedition to Point Pleasant ; and in the bloody battle received a wound, the effects of which fol- lowed him to his grave, and hastened his death.
In the fall of 1798, the New London Academy could boast of a greater number of students than Liberty Hall; and Mr. Baxter had a greater reputation as a teacher than any person in the great Valley. The trustees of Liberty Hall, Oct. 19th, 1798, offered to him the professorship of Mathematics, with which was connected Natural Philosophy and Astronomy. Mr. Edward Graham with tutors had carried on the instruction of the students during the interregnum succeeding the resignation of President Graham. Mr. Baxter accepted the invitation and removed to Lexington. He was accompanied by Mr. Blain and ten students, and found Mr. Graham
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with seven students prepared to welcome him. The trustees had not provided a house for any of their teachers, but offered Mr. Baxter the use of the steward's house till it should be wanted for the use of the steward. On the records of the Academy he is called tutor.
On the 16th of October, 1799, he delivered in the Presbyterian church in Lexington, by request of the trustees of the Academy, an oration on the death of William Graham, the rector. He was - "requested to furnish the Board with a copy of this oration that it might be filed with the papers of the Academy." This oration can no where be found. As a specimen of the writings of Mr. Baxter at that time it would gratify the public, and be a memorial of his teacher and friend. On the same day he was elected rector of the Academy, and entered upon his office. He was on the same day requested to draw up a code of laws for the government of the stu- dents of the Academy. With the rectorship of the Academy, Mr. Baxter accepted the invitation of the church of New Monmouth, which included Lexington, to hold the pastoral office. The pro- ceedings of the Presbytery are among the lost records. In the double capacity as Rector and President of the institution, and pastor of the church, he served his generation about thirty years. He found, in his public ministrations an ample reward for all his efforts to correct his enunciation. His impediment was not noticed. His voice was clear and his pronunciation distinct. Speaking was no labor to him. Preaching was pleasant as a spiritual and mental exercise, and as a physical act : in his late years few of his hearers had any knowledge of his early impediment. They all knew that he had never given any signs of exhaustion ; and the occasional stoppage in his speech they attributed to deep emotion. He was frequently heard to say the exercise of preaching refreshed him, and that he was better prepared for a fatiguing exercise after offi- ciating in the sanctuary than at its commencement.
CHAPTER XXI.
MESSRS. ALEXANDER AND RICE A SECOND TIME ASSOCIATED AT - HAMPDEN SIDNEY.
THE Presbytery of Hanover met at Hampden Sidney, April 8th, 1801. Mr. Alexander was free from his pastoral charges, having resigned the care of Cub Creek in 1797, on entering upon the duties of President ; of Briery in the fall of '98, on account of the increased labor of his position; and at this time he carried into effect his contemplated resignation of the Presidency. At this meeting of Presbytery, Mr. Speece was licensed; libraries for min-
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REV. MESSRS. ALEXANDER AND RICE.
isters and congregations were recommended ; Mr. Amos Thompson of Winchester Presbytery, took his seat as corresponding member ; a regular assessment for the expenses of Commissioners to the Assembly was, for the first time, laid on the churches; and Mr. Alexander and Wm. Calhoon were chosen Commissioners to the Assembly.
Mr. Alexander asked for credentials, as he proposed visiting dis- tant parts of the country. The church of Briery put in a call for his ministerial services one-half his time. He enquired if an imme- diate answer was necessary. It was replied the congregation would wait a time for his consideration. The committee of trustees appointed to obtain another President, also determined to wait the issue of his visit. He set out upon his journey uncommitted.
When he left the college, he tells us he was not settled in mind whether he would go the upper road as it was called, along the foot of the mountains, or the lower road more commonly travelled, and on which he had been invited to stop and assist Mr. Todd at a com- munion season. He does not tell what decided his doubtfulness ; but Mrs. Legrand (Mrs. Read) would have suggested that it, was a living reason, in a very pretty form of flesh and blood. "Are you not afraid, if you stay away so long, that some of the young min- isters visiting Mr. Waddell's, will get away Miss Janetta ?" , " I shall conclude then -she was never intended for me." He took the upper road and tarried some days at Dr. Waddell's; and when he went on he left his plighted vows with Miss Janetta. The mother moulded the destiny of Waddell; and the daughter, of Alexander.
In the Assembly of 1801 he became acquainted with Dr. Edwards, the mover of the famous plan of Union, Dr. M'Millan, venerated in Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Green, for years a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Miller, with whom he was after- wards associated in office. Reports of extensive revivals in the West were laid before the Assembly; and the Synod of Virginia had credit for sending six missionaries west of the Alleghenies. He received the appointment of delegate to the General Association of Connecticut, with Dr. M'Knight, of New York, and Dr. Linn, of Philadelphia.
This journey through New England left footprints not yet worn away. His sketches afford the finest picture of New England as it was, that can be found. Its graphic power is equalled only by Davies' journal in England, and the notes of his friend Rice, as he recorded his views of New England, in subsequent years.
On his return to Virginia in the fall, he became the second time a member of the family of Major Read. Negotiations were at once commenced by the committee of the trustees of the college, which resulted in propositions more agreeable to him, than any offers made him on his journey. On the 18th of January, 1802, at Prince Edward Court-House, the trustees "appoint Mr. Alexander Presi- dent of the College, in conformity with the agreement made with him by committee." The terms made his salary dependent on the
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success of the college, and limited it, at the maximum, to about six hundred dollars, with the use of the president's house. The dwell- ing was put in readiness for the new president to commence house- keeping ; and on the fifth of April, he became son-in-law of James Waddell. The two most eloquent preachers of their day were thus united by domestic bonds. The elder had passed his days of use- fulness, and speedily ended his course ; the younger, not yet in his meridian, surpassed all the expectations of his early friends. With similarity to make them congenial, and individuality to make each pleasing to the other, their excellencies commended them to the - church. Waddell was tall and spare, Alexander short and firmly ยท built, both active and manly in their bearing, without the least appearance of ostentation. Both possessed a clear penetrating voice ; Waddell's perhaps the most musical, Alexander's the most piercing. Both talked their sermons with inimitable simplicity and earnestness. The younger, the more excitable, and more vehement in that excitement ; the elder preserved his composure, though the very fires of Vesuvius raged within. Both possessed graphic sar- casm. Alexander seldom indulged it; Waddell would not unfre- quently inflame his audience with his scorching invectives. The affections of both were strong ; but Alexander was the most lovely. Waddell was always in all things more stately-he could not help it : he had most dignity ; but, if equal in age, could not have inspired more reverence. Blessed in their domestic relations, Alex- ander was most intensely beloved. In their sermons, the power that subdued was more visible in Waddell than in Alexander. The swing of Waddell's long finger was more often seen than the motion of Alexander's hand. Waddell could write with - the keen terse- ness of Junius ; Alexander would not, if he could. In the sentences of Waddell, the words would sometimes be seen; in Alexander's, never.
On the 15th of the same month, a call from the Cumberland congregation was presented to the Presbytery, at Bethel Meeting- House, in Bedford, for Mr. Alexander, for one-half his time. A letter was received from Mr. Alexander, declaring his acceptance of the same, and also of the one committed to his consideration the previous spring, by the congregation of Briery. By the arrange- ments completed by Presbytery, Mr. Alexander was president of college, and co-pastor with Mr. Lacy, of Cumberland congregation, which embraced the college, and with Lyle in Briery. The entire absence of jealousy in the hearts of these two pastors, at the over- shadowing influence of the young president, is to be admired. For about four years, Mr. Alexander occupied the president's house, and the co-pastorship continued in perfect harmony ; and for a part of the time, Mr. Rice was co-laborer in the college.
The interest felt by Mr. Rice in the pupils of his charge, may be learned from a letter of March 5th, 1802, addressed to Mrs. Morton : "I am not much in the habit of writing to you lately, but it is not because I do not love you as much as I ever did ; indeed, my affec-
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LETTER TO MRS. MORTON.
tion for you increases. I suppose you can conjecture the reason ; but I did not begin to write, that I might talk of this subject: I have one more interesting to your feelings. Think now what event, of everything in the world, would give you most pleasure ; think of that for which you would, with the fullest heart, return thanks to Heaven, and you will know what I am about to write on. I have good news, which will delight your soul. I am delighted myself; how then will the heart of a fond mother,-but I am going too fast ; my feelings are very apt to hurry me away. This evening, William came into my room, and, after some indifferent conversation, he informed me that he was at a loss for a subject for a composition to read before the society to-morrow. I told him it would be well to write on the advantages of a religious education. He might show, I told him, the great benefit of having pious friends, and advise his friend, (for I recommended an epistolary form,) to make a wise improvement of the great privileges he enjoyed. This touched a string which touched his heart. God seemed to have put it into my mind to say this, that a way might be made for what followed.
He immediately replied that it was truly a great advantage ; but remarked that very many who had enjoyed it were worse than others. I observed that the remark was just, and proceeded to account for it in this way, that those who were so highly favored very frequently had serious impressions made upon their minds, which they gradually wore off till their hearts became hardened, and they were given up of God to work all manner of iniquity with greediness ; and this was the most awful situation in which a soul could be placed on this side of everlasting destruction. He then observed he frequently had felt such impressions, but they had left him he hardly knew how. I told him then that I felt extremely anxious for him ; that I had ob- served him looking serious lately, and that I was much pleased with it. 'I know of no event, said I, that would give me such pleasure as to see you a Christian.
He then opened his heart to me, and said that since he first came to college, he had felt serious impressions. I believe, continued he, that God gave them to me that I might be preserved from the bad courses of the students. When I was with you in Powhatan, I felt more seriously than I had ever done before, but I soon forgot it. However, since last Sunday I feel more on these subjects than I did then. While I am alone I can think of nothing else; it even interrupts my studies ; indeed, says he, I am apt to forget while I mix with the boys, but then it constantly returns. He then com- plained of his inconsistency ; and said he had felt more to-day than he ever did in his life, though perhaps he had never been wilder, or played more with the boys. I have, said he, felt ashamed to talk about religion ; but I believe that is not a good way, and I came this evening on purpose to talk with you, that I might have something more to bind me, and keep me from doing what l ought not. I know, says he, that my heart is so bad that I shall wish I had not done so, but I am determined while I feel as I do to try every way, in my
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RICE'S LETTER TO MRS. MORTON.
power, to be religious, but O, I am so afraid that before to-morrow night I shall forget all this.
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In reply, I informed him that he gave me very great pleasure by talking thus. It will be well for you said I to converse frequently on this subject with those who feel the powers of religion in their hearts. Solomon says, that he that walketh with wise men shall be wise, and by wisdom he means religion. Whenever you are disposed to talk on the subject, I shall be highly pleased to converse with you. And let me observe to you that this is a gracious season, and O improve it as such. You know not but that it may be the last. I know that college is a very unfavorable place for religious exercises ; that indeed is the principal objection I have to it myself ; I had much rather see you placed in a private family, with a pious teacher, but you are at college ; and while here you will be exposed to many temptations and hindrances ; but we are all subject to difficulties, and when they come in your way you must remember your soul is at stake, that your eternal welfare depends on your conduct now ; for now is the accepted time, and now the day of salvation. God, the infinitely great God, has been graciously pleased to say, I love them that love me, and those who seek me early shall find me: This is a gracious promise which should encourage you to go on to seek the Lord. And as for the difficulties you complain of, there is only one resource ; go to God for assistance, he will give it to those who ask him. We are indeed poor helpless creatures, we can do nothing our- selves ; but he is able and willing to help us. If you are always thus fearful of losing your serious impressions, you will be in no danger on that score; the danger is lest you should grow indifferent about them ; and O beg of God that he would not take his spirit from you. I trust the Lord has begun a good work in your heart, and will carry it on to perfection ; and be assured that when I pray for myself, I shall pray for you too.
This is only a specimen of our conversation. I could not detail it all in the compass of three or four sheets. We talked for a con- siderable time, and for the greater part of it he was melted in tears. You know not how much better I love him. Among other things which I suggested to his mind, I 'mentioned the anxiety of his dear parents,-O, says he, I know nothing would please them half so well. When I mentioned the Saviour, he said, I have tried to depend upon him alone. When I told him that if he obtained religion he would have a treasure which he would not exchange for the whole world, Ah, says he, I would not take the world for it now. I could go on much further, but I must stop." I know that you would enjoy much by knowing what passed between us, and I therefore resolved to send you this little account. May God grant that not only your William, but your Mary, your Johnny, and your Fisher, may be made par- takers of Christ's purchase ; and in the great day may you, and your dear Major, say here we are Lord, and all whom thou hast given us. And may I too be of the number ; pray to God that I may.
Your most affectionate,
J. H. RICE.
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REV. JOHN H. RICE.
This letter, though directed to you, is for the Major, and for Nancy too. I know that you all will be equally glad." .The William mentioned is still living (1855), an elder in the church of his fathers.
Mr. Rice had three fine and perfectly distinct models of preaching before him. Mr. Alexander, whose simplicity of manner and --- thought, clearness of arrangement and expression, force of sentiment and directness of reasoning, sometimes metaphysically and some- times by collocation of facts and apparently simple truths, sweetness of manner and ardor of soul, and entire losing of himself in his subject, all taken together as united in a handsome, active person, formed, in the eye of Mr. Rice, a surpassing model of excellence, Mr. Lyle, whose pure thoughts and classic language, clear enuncia- tion of the great gospel truths, entire soundness in the doctrines of faith, pleasant and frequently impressive manner, the correct- ness and often great strength of his positions, and varied ; exhi- bition of the doctrines of grace in a form to instruct and interest the common mind, presented another model as symmetrical and as hard to imitate as that of his beloved co-pastor; and Lacy, with a more commanding person than either, a musical voice, simple-hearted and guileless as a child, that loved to preach for the very benevo- lence of the truth he announced, and which flowed in and out from his own heart and the hearts of his hearers while he announced the truths, a child of impulse, a slumbering giant that roused himself to the height of any position a preacher is called to, with no ambition to surpass his brethren in anything, and not knowing that he did till they told him of it, and one that looked for his happiness in his domestic relations and his God. Alexander, in the buoyancy of his . spirits, would sometimes seem to leap, to run, to fly and come back again and split the rocks and rive the gnarled oaks ; Lyle moved on with the solemn march and measured tread of the heavy-armed soldier, with the heart of compassion for the widow and orphan, and of a lion for the foe, and never turned back in kindness or in war ; Lacy would sometimes talk like a child, it would seem as if he was going to babble, then, by some sudden inspiration, would sound the alarm, the rallying cry, longer, louder, sweeter, stronger, more melodious, tears and exultations, sighs and gladness in the tones, more strong as they were sweet, and sweeter as they were more strong, filling the whole atmosphere and thrilling to the very horizon ; and as he sat down people would sigh - oh why does he stop ! And the excellencies of these men both animated and dis- couraged him. To be as useful as they were his heart panted ; but, alas, there were great difficulties in the way, such as deterred him for a time, and made him think of the medical profession. "He was not fluent in speech. By some peculiar disarrangement of his vocal - powers, he frequently found great difficulty in the utterance of words, and was often brought to a disagreeable pause. By prolonged effort this vicious habit of lungs was improved, but never entirely over- come. Through life it was occasionally apparent in his public services, sometimes affecting himself and the audience disagreeably,
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REV. JOHN H. RICE.
and at others adding greatly to the solemnity, particularly when his mind and heart were struggling under a tide of emotion. Once, in the city of New York, he was violently affected suddenly, in the midst of an impassioned address, of great feeling. One or two that knew the cause were alarmed for the consequence, seeing his violent struggles for breath. The mass of the audience leaned forward in profound silence till he finished the sentence, thinking nothing else than that it was a natural pause from the struggling emotions of the speaker's heart. As they passed from the house, one and another was saying, did you ever hear such a pause ? did you ever see such an effect ? In man's weakness God is strong. That he engaged in the study of theology, that he struggled with his impediments and overcame them, and that he entered the ministry, the church will thank God for ever.
While engaged in the duties of the college, and in preparations for the ministry, he maintained his high stand in the esteem and affec- tions of the family at' Willington. The attachment he had formed for the eldest daughter had, to his surprise and joy, become mutual. The mother, in feeble health, counting death near, gave him, on a visit to the family, in a private interview, an account of her situa- tion, and her hopes and fears as respected the world to come and this mortal life, and solemnly charged him to be a friend to her young children after her departure, and, as far as possible, lead them in the way of salvation. With some fears lest the daughter's deli- cate health should not be equal to the duties of a wife, to a minister in narrow circumstances, the parents had given their consent to the marriage, which was probably hastened by the delicate health of the mother. On the 9th of July, 1802, John H. Rice and Ann Smith Morton were united in bonds to be separated only by death. Through life he alluded to this union as the source of his greatest earthly enjoyments, and the spring of much of his usefulness. Immediately after the marriage, Mr. Rice commenced housekeeping near the college, in a small tenement provided by Major Morton. This house, much enlarged, is now the residence of Mrs. Rice (1855) and her sister, Mrs. Wharey, the widow of a clergyman. About this time Mr. Rice was ordained elder of Cumberland church. In a letter he expresses his estimation of his friends in Prince Edward and Powhatan : - "In no other circumstances do I more plainly see the hand of God than in bestowing upon me so many honest-hearted friends as I have. They are all among the excellent of the earth. Their regard is worth having, because they esteem only what is good. May the Lord make me worthy of them."
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