USA > Virginia > Sketches of Virginia : historical and biographical > Part 48
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In August, Dr. Rice received the papers from the donor, Jonathan P. Little, confirming the donation, and under date of Sept. 1st, writes - "Surely, my dear sir, it was God who put it into your heart to remember us in this way, and at this very time, and to him we will give the glory. My friend Mr. Taylor gave me intimation of this matter at a time when the difficulties of establishing this semi- nary seemed to be increasing, and many of its warmest friends were desponding. I began to feel as though I were alone in this great work. But when it was found that the Lord had put it in the heart of a brother in a remote place to found a scholarship in the semi- nary, it gave an impulse which has been generally felt; our languid friends were aroused, and more has actually been done in six weeks than in the previous twelve months. On the whole I can confidently say that I have never known the giving the same sum in any in- stance productive of so much good in so short a time."
Under the same date he wrote to Mr. Knowles Taylor, under the influence of this donation, and of Dr. Alexander's visit - " The truth is, while all acknowledged the necessity of our institution to supply the wants of the Southern country, most thought that it was an impracticable scheme. So few they said here cared for these things, that it is hopeless to undertake by them to raise so great a structure as a theological seminary ; and it is in vain to expect that Northern people will do this work while engaged in so many others. And really I began to fear that I should have to labor at the founda- . tion all my life. But now I have good hope that this temple of the Lord will go up in my day." He then goes on and details Mr. Roy's, agency, the object of which was to get ultimately enough funds to establish two professorships, and erect the seminary build- ings -"I hope our Presbytery will, raise enough to establish one professorship. I have the pleasure to add that I have just returned from a trip to North Carolina, the object of which was to convince the brethren of that State of the importance and necessity of build- ing up a Southern institution. In this it pleased the Lord to make me successful beyond my expectations, and that I have good hopes
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REV. JOHN H. RICE, D. D.
of seeing the Presbyterians of that State taking hold of this great object in company with us. I bless the Lord, and take courage. And now if I can just engage the brethren to the North to take hold of this thing with a strong hand, and help us, the work will go on prosperously."
The Presbytery on the 1st of October, 1825, continued Mr. Roy's agency. He had secured $14,000 in Charlotte and Prince Edward. The committee appointed to attend the Synod of North Carolina reported to Presbytery on the 28th of the month that they had been kindly received by the Synod at their meeting in Greens- borough, and that a committee had been appointed by the Synod with full powers to confer with a similar committee of this Presbytery, and adjust the principles on which the Seminary shall be conducted. The committee of North Carolina were Messrs. McPheeters, Wither- spoon and Graham ; that appointed by Presbytery of Hanover, Messrs. Dr. Rice, Paxton and Taylor.
Application was made in May, 1826, by a committee, Dr. Rice, and Messrs. W. J. Armstrong, and Wm. Maxwell, elder, respecting the transfer of the seminary funds to the trustees of the Assembly for safe-keeping, and also to ask that body " to extend its patronage to our seminary," offering "such negative control" as may be necessary to secure the exercise of proper Presbyterian principles. Rev. Dr. Alexander, Dr. Laurie, Dr. Janeway, Mr. Sabine and Mr. Gil- dersleeve were the committee appointed by the Assembly on this request. On May 31st, the thirteenth day of the session, they made report of the following resolutions, which were adopted :
" Resolved, 1st. That the General Assembly will agree to take the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover under their care and control. The plan of the seminary has been examined by the committee, who are of opinion that it is such as merits the approba- tion of the General Assembly.
" 2d. That the General Assembly will receive by their trustees, and manage the permanent funds of the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover, which may be put into their hands ; which funds shall be kept entirely distinct from all others belonging to the General Assembly. But the General Assembly will not be responsible for any loss or diminution of said funds, which may oc- cur from the change of stocks, or from any other unavoidable cause.
" 3d. That the General Assembly will agree to permit the Pres- bytery of Hanover to draw annually, or quarter yearly, the avails of their funds, and will give direction to their trustees to pay any warrants for the same, which may be drawn by the President of the Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover, or by any other person named by the Presbytery.
"4th. That the General Assembly do also agree, that they will permit the Presbytery of Hanover to draw out, in part or in whole, the funds deposited in the hands of the Trustees of the General Assembly : Provided, however, That the proposal to withdraw shall lie before the Presbytery at least one year previously to its being
400
RESOLUTIONS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
acted upon. The General Assembly shall also be at liberty to resign all charge and superintendence of the said Theological Seminary, whenever they shall judge the interests of the Presbyterian Church to require it ; in which case, the General Assembly will direct their trustees to return to the Presbytery of Hanover all their funds which may have been deposited in the hands of said trustees, or convey them in trust to such' individuals as may be named trustees by the Presbytery of Hanover. · 1
" 5th. That the General Assembly shall have the right to exer- cise a general 'control over the Theological Seminary of the Pres- bytery of Hanover; that is, they shall have a negative on all appointments to the offices of professors and trustees in said Semi- nary, and on all general laws or rules adopted by the Presbytery . for its government.
" 6th. That therefore the Presbytery of Hanover shall annually send up to the General Assembly a detailed report of all their trans- actions, relating to said Theological Seminary ; on which report, a vote of approbation or disapprobation shall be taken by the General Assembly ; and all appointments or enactments of said Presbytery, or of the Board of Trustees acting under their authority, which may be rejected by the General Assembly, shall be null and void. . But the authority of the General Assembly over the seminary shall' be merely negative; they shall not originate any measure, or give any special directions for the government of the institution.
"7th. That if it shall appear to the General Assembly that doc- trines contrary to the standards of the Presbyterian Church are inculcated in the said seminary, or that in any other respect it is so managed as to be 'injurious to the interests of truth, piety and good order, the General Assembly may appoint visitors to examine into the state of the said seminary, and to make a full report to them thereon.
"8th. That if the General Assembly shall be convinced that any professor in said seminary inculcates doctrines repugnant to the Word of God, and to our Confession of Faith, they shall require the Presbytery of Hanover to dismiss such professor, and to appoint another in his place; and if said Presbytery neglect or refuse to comply with such requisition, the General Assembly will withdraw their patronage and superintendence from the seminary, and will take such other steps as may be necessary in the case.
"9th. That if the Presbytery of Hanover accede to these terms, then the Theological Seminary at Hampden Sidney College shall be denominated the Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, under the care of the Presbytery of Hanover, and the aforesaid articles and conditions shall go into effect."
These resolutions of the Assembly were laid before the Presby- tery of Hanover in October. Before acting decisively on them, another project was laid before Presbytery by Dr. Rice, and Messrs. Benjamin H. Rice and William S. Reid. were appointed a committee to wait on the Synod of Virginia, at its approaching meeting. From
401
PLAN OF UNION.
a paper presented by these gentlemen to the Synod, it appears that the Hanover Presbytery "have erected a building which cost be- tween seven and eight thousand dollars, have procured a library of the value of about seven thousand five hundred dollars, and a sub- scription amounting to about twenty-five thousand dollars, and there will probably be twelve or fourteen students at the institution the next term. The Presbytery of Hanover proposes then, that the Synod of Virginia should take the institution under her care pre- cisely as it stands, with its principles and its present engagements; and in case the proposed connexion with the General Assembly and the Synod of North Carolina be carried into effect, that thereafter the seminary shall be, and be denominated, The Union Seminary of the General Assembly, under the care of the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina."
" After discussion, the Synod of Virginia, believing it to be emi- nently desirable that the Theological Seminary heretofore confided to the care of the Hanover Presbytery, should be enlarged and esta- blished on a more liberal foundation, and placed, with the counte- nance and favor of the General Assembly, under the immediate care and management of the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina, agreeably to the arrangements that are now in progress for the pur- pose, so as to make it a proper institution for the education of pious youth, candidates for the gospel ministry, for the supply of all the churchès within the bounds of these Synods and elsewhere, in the southern and western parts of our country, Resolved, unanimously, That the said proposition of the Hanover Presbytery be, and the same is, hereby accepted, and that Synod will cordially unite with the Presbytery of Hanover and the Synod. of North Carolina, in any further measures which shall be necessary and proper to com- plete the said arrangement, and to secure to the Union Seminary, as far as possible, the entire undivided aid and patronage of all the churches within their bounds."
On the 3d of November, 1826, Dr. Rice and Rev. Jesse H. Turner met the Synod of North Carolina, in Fayetteville, and laid before that venerable body the articles of agreement prepared by the joint committee, with the reasons therefor at length, and the proceedings of the Synod of Virginia, in agreeing to take the place of the Pres- bytery of Hanover, in relation to the seminary, and urged upon the Synod the final adoption of the plan of union. The subject was under discussion two days, and was argued with great ability. The leader of the opposition was Dr. Joseph Caldwell, President of the University of North Carolina, whose history is interwoven with the rise and fame of that institution. He had projected a theolo- gical seminary to be located in North Carolina, and was moving on in the matter as fast as the duties of his office permitted. Dr. Rice had gotten the advantage, by being wholly devoted to the subject, and having put his machinery in successful operation in a place much beloved by many Carolinians. Dr. Caldwell had much expe- rience and influence with men ; able in debate, and sustained by the 26
402
DISCUSSION ON SEMINARY.
local attachments of his brethren, he entered into the discussion manfully, and contended for a seminary in the old North State, as the Virginians had one in Prince Edward, and as the South Caro- lina brethren had projected one in, their mountains; that North Carolina had men and money for the' enterprise, were the Synod aroused to the importance of the work, and he called on them to awake to their responsibilities.
Dr. Rice argued that the work of founding and cherishing a Semi- nary was too great for one Synod, in the present position of Chris- tian effort and self-denial : that the Presbytery of Hanover had, in her own bounds and elsewhere, raised funds to build a house, to pro- cure a library, and had subscriptions for the support of Professors, in all, to more than fifty thousand dollars; and that, while little more could be raised in Virginia now, this sum was not more than half enough to complete the proper arrangement of buildings, fill the library, and support competent Professors : that all that could be raised immediately in North Carolina would not make up this deficiency-and that instead of two Seminaries, the two Synods would find a difficulty in founding and sustaining one. In the second place, he argued-that one Synod, in the present state of things, did not embrace a sufficiently large Presbyterian population, to afford a sufficient number of students. The great expense of a Seminary is justified only by a goodly number of students, except when only a small number can possibly be obtained ; and in the South a great area must be traversed to gather these students. And as Carolina had, hitherto, been united with Virginia in the expenses and bene- fits of the theological school in Prince Edward, he besought the Synod to continue that union, and make it closer by becoming a con- stituent part of its government and support.
The discussion closed on Saturday evening, under great excite- ment. The Synod had never. heard such a debate. The whole sub- ject of Theological Seminaries lay before the brethren in all its extent ; and the Synod was called on to decide upon its course, for an indefinite length of time, and for incalculable interests. In the midst of their beloved Carolina, the brethren contemplated the whole church, and compared the advantages of one well endowed Seminary with those of two or more with limited endowments and opportuni- ties of instruction. The records of Synod say, that-" after a very full discussion, and a prayer for divine direction, the following reso- lution, with but two dissenting voices, was adopted, viz. : Resolved -That the Synod will agree to support the Theological Seminary in Prince Edward County, Virginia ; and that the articles reported by the committee on that subject, be, and they hereby are adopted." All private local feelings were merged in the general cause. Dr. Rice, on his return to Virginia, writes to Dr. Alexander - "Dr. Caldwell, who has more influence than any other man in the State. had set his heart very much on having a Seminary in North Caro- lina. He is a very able opponent. The subject was debated for days, at length the Doctor yielded. Mr. Roy can tell you all
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REV. MATTHEW LYLE.
about it : but I mention the subject for the sake of observing that when Dr. Caldwell found that the majority was against him, and felt that he was totally defeated, instead of showing offended pride, he yielded with all the grace of a gentleman and a Christian. He certainly raised himself very much in my estimation and affection."
The Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, at their next meeting, May, 1827, approved and ratified the arrangements made by the Presbytery and the Synods, and recommended that the permanent funds be continued, in whole, or in part, in the State in which they had been raised, in such manner as may be safe and proper.
REV. MATTHEW LYLE.
Before the consummation of the union by the Assembly, one of the co-laborers in building up the Seminary was removed by death, Mat- thew Lyle, who had been more than thirty-two years pastor of Briery and Buffalo, expired March 22d, 1827; son of James Lyle and Hannah Alexander, an aunt of Dr. A. Alexander, and born in the year 1767, he was reared in the Congregation of Timber Ridge, Rockbridge County. The circumstances of his early youth and education were similar to those of his cousin Alexander, first at the fireside, then the old field-school, and then the College under Gra- ham. He was one of the theological class or school organized by Mr. Graham, after the great revival in his charge in 1789. Though five years older than his cousin, he was not so far advanced in his studies preparatory to the ministry. At Hall's Meeting House, now New Monmouth, April 29th, 1791, he, together with Thomas Poage of Augusta, a youth eminent for piety, but of short continuance on earth, and Benjamin Grigsby, that gathered the church in Norfolk, were proposed to Presbytery, as candidates for the ministry, of good moral character, in full communion with the church, and of a liberal education. "Presbytery having received of them a detail of their evidences of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and repentance toward God, and their call and motives to the gospel ministry, together with a specimen of their ability to solve cases of conscience, maturely considered the same, and agreed to receive them as candidates." Parts of trial were then assigned to all. At Augusta Church, Sept., 1791, Mr. Lyle read a homily on the subject-Can they who have attained to a living faith and evangelical repentance, finally fall from a state of grace ; and also an Exegesis on the question-An originale peccatum detur ? With his companions he was examined in the lan- guages by Messrs. W. Wilson and Montgomery. Messrs. Scott, Crawford, and Erwin examined them on the sciences. April, 1792, in Lexington, Mr. Lyle delivered a popular sermon, 1st John 3 : 8, latter clause ; and read a lecture on John 2d : 1st to 12th verse in- clusive. Together with Messrs. Poage and Grigsby, he was examined on divinity, criticism, moral philosophy, and geography. On Satur- day morning, the 28th, the three candidates were licensed to preach the gospel. This was a joyful time to the church in Lexington;
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REV. MATTHEW LYLE.
four young men, fruits of the revival, were now licensed to preach the gospel, and two more were at this time received on trial.
Mr. Alexander, licensed in the preceding fall, had passed the winter in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties. At this meeting of Presbytery, he and Messrs. Lyle and Grigsby were recommended to the Commission as missionaries. In the fall succeeding, a call from Providence, in Abingdon Presbytery, was sent in for Mr. Lyle ; but owing to some informality, it was not approved by Presbytery. At the Cove, in Albemarle, October, 1794, Mr. Lyle presented his credentials, and was received under the care of Hanover Presbytery. A call was at the same time presented by the united congregations of Briery and Buffalo, among whom he had been preaching as a missionary of Synod, asking for his labors as pastor. On the 2d Friday of February, (13th day) 1795, the Presbytery met at Buf- falo - Messrs. Alexander, M'Robert, Mahon and Lacy, with Elders John Morton and William Womac-and having heard Mr. Lyle preach from 2d Cor. 4 : 13th, proceeded to his ordination and instal- lation. Mr. Alexander preached from Titus 2d : 13, and Mr. Lacy presided and gave the charge. To these two congregations Mr. Lyle continued to preach till his Master called him away. For a time Mr. Alexander was united with him, and Dr. Hoge also for a number of years.
Mr. Lyle taught a school part of the time for the education and maintenance of his family. He was a firm friend of the College ; and took an active part in establishing a Theological School, and building up the Seminary, the prosperity of which cheered him in his last days. His life was fully occupied in the duties of his station. He was happy in his domestic relations, happy in his pas- toral office, happy in his Presbytery, and blessed in his communion with his God. The troubles that came upon him God gave him grace so to bear that few knew them to be troubles. Without any startling events in his life, which was too even and happy to have any, his history was interwoven with that of the Seminary and his Presbytery. In all the good that was doing he had a part. With- out seeking prominence, he rejoiced in the work of his master in any form. Firm in principle and in friendship, he had many friends. Orthodox in his preaching, classic in his style, and earnest in the ministry, he left in his congregations evidences of his labors that remain. Dr. Rice was with him in his last hours, and thus writes to Dr. Alexander -"Mr. Lyle's, March 22d, 1827. - I am here in a scene of affliction. You will be afflicted, too, when you learn that this is a fatherless family, and that Mrs. Lyle is a widow. It pleased an all-wise Providence this day to remove our excellent friend and brother from this world, as we assuredly believe, to a better. He died this evening a little after sunset. His disease was a disorder of the stomach and liver. During a considerable part of the last summer he appeared to be in rather infirm health, and I persuaded him most earnestly to cease preaching, and go to the springs, but could not succeed. As the winter came on, his health declined still
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REV. MATTHEW LYLE.
more ; but nothing could persuade him to quit his work, or disuse his favorite beverage, coffee. But it is useless to pursue the detail of causes which conspired to produce the event which we now deplore. Mr. Lyle's last hours were not such as to permit him to communicate anything of his feelings or views. His voice failed him, so that it was with great difficulty that he could say anything. And although never delirious, yet he was for some time in a comatose state; and generally the brain seemed to perform its functions very laboriously. This was so much the case, that his afflicted wife and children have to refer to his life for evidence of his being prepared for death. We are all thankful that here we have evidence enough. You know there never was a man of more absolute sincerity, never one who was more what he professed to be. And though he gave no dying testimony, his living one was sufficient for the purpose.
" Mrs. Lyle affords the greatest pattern of calm, firm, steady resignation, that I have ever seen. She says that more than a thou- sand times she has prayed that God might order her lot for her ; and as he has done this, she has no right to murmur or repine, and does hope that he will not leave her comfortless. Her fortitude seems to sustain the whole family; and there really seems to be something of the presence of God about the house. She is no common woman. Mr. Lyle's children, that are grown, are all very respectable. I fully expect that God will make the children great blessings to their mother. I do not know any particulars of the worldly circumstances of the family. . But there are, you know, ten children, of whom seven yet live with their mother, and several are yet to be educated. I wish to make arrangements to have Mr. Lyle's pulpit supplied during the year, so as to continue his salary from the congregation until Christmas ; or at any rate as long as the people will rest sat- isfied without a pastor. I hope this can be done; and I have no doubt it will be a convenience to the family. The people in general. were greatly attached to Mr. Lyle, and they appear sincerely to deplore his loss. It will be felt through this whole section of the church, for his influence was great. This has turned my thoughts and feelings very strongly to you. May it please, the head of the church to spare you for many years to come, and to give you health to labor in building up his kingdom of righteousness."
To return to Dr. Rice. He commenced an article in the Evangelical and Literary Magazine for November, 1824, thus-" In the whole conduct of our work from the beginning to the present time, we have endeavored to study the things that make for peace. It has been our wish and effort to keep out of sight the divisions of Christians, to put down the spirit of jealousy, and promote fraternal love. We know. well what is the standing reproach of Christianity, and it has long been our prayer that it may be wiped away. We know that men in many respects truly excellent, have been prevented from entering the Church of Christ by the stumbling-blocks cast in their way by Christians, and it has long been our earnest wish that they might be removed. In a country, too, where the best efforts of all sincere
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REV. JOHN H. RICE, D. D.
Christians will not furnish a competent supply of religious instruc- tion, we do desire that all who agree in fundamental doctrines may unite, as far as possible, in diffusing the influences of the gospel. We have no taste for angry polemics. Controversies which gender wrath and strife are our utter aversion. Every man, and of course every Christian minister, has a right to state his honest convictions. to all who may choose to hear him, and none ought to complain. But if in doing this, he makes severe reflections on others, he thereby throws the fire-brand of discord into society, awakens angry feelings, and kindles a spirit of contention which does more harm than even error respecting mere matters of form and outward observance can easily do. We are, verily, persuaded that a few more such sermons as these two, would do greater injury to the cause of Christianity in the Southern country, than twenty of the ablest preachers can do of good in their whole ministerial life. We say this not in anger, but in sorrow."
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