Sketches of Virginia : historical and biographical, Part 9

Author: Foote, William Henry, 1794-1869. 4n
Publication date: 1856
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott
Number of Pages: 614

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Mr. Millar then gave in a paper renouncing the authority of the

REV. SAMUEL BLACK-HUGH M'ADEN.

Synod. "The Synod therefore declare he is not a member of this body, and forbid all their Presbyteries and congregations to employ him."

Rev. SAMUEL BLACK, the eleventh in order, a probationer from Ireland, was received by New Castle Presbytery. His ordi- nation took place at the Forks of Brandywine, in 1737. He soon after removed to Virginia, and took his residence among the Scotch- Irish population that had seated themselves on Rockfish river, at the eastern base of the Blue Ridge, in Nelson County, as the State is now divided, and not far from Rockfish Gap. In every respect, his situation was well chosen; the people were enterprising, the soil good, the climate favorable, the position for trade showing its superiority every year as improvements advance, and the community a church-going people by habit. In the division of the Synod, he went with the Synod of Philadelphia, and was a member of the Pres- bytery of Donegal. On the reconstruction of Presbyteries, he was assigned to Hanover; but never met with them in session. An amiable man, of a retiring disposition, as infirmities came upon him he secluded himself more and more from public labors of the min- istry. Some difficulties arose, and some charges were brought against him by a portion of the congregations, as reasons why Presbytery should grant them another minister. The Presbytery proceeded with great caution and tenderness, and the difficulties were in part adjusted. Mr. Black retired from public services altogether, owing to these difficulties and his own sensitive feelings, sooner than he would have done in other circumstances. His family, as kind and retired as himself, never urged him to a more prominent stand, or more vigorous efforts in his old age. He was orthodox in doctrine, and correct in his views of religious action and Christian principles, as has been evidenced by the fact that a goodly number of pious people were found on Rockfish; and his successors in the ministry saw evidence that God had blessed the ministry of his word by him. No production of his pen remains; and no great act marked the even tenor of his way. His influence, like that of multitudes, will be known in its wider or narrower diffusion, at the great day. He died about the year 1771.

Rev. HUGH M'ADEN, the 12th in order, was received from New Castle Presbytery, July 18th, 1759. His memoir is found in the Sketches of North Carolina.

Rev. RICHARD SANKEY, (sometimes spelled Zankey), the 13th member, was ordained by Donegal Presbytery, in 1738. His admission to the sacred office was delayed by a circumstance recorded in the Minutes of Synod the year he took his seat. The Synod upon considering a remonstrance sent up for the purpose, say -- " That though they cannot but greatly condemn and censure

REV. RICHARD SANKEY.

Mr. Sankey's conduct, in acting the plagiary in transcribing notes out of printed authors, thereby to impose upon the Presbytery, giving them a false view of his ministerial powers ; and in sending the same notes to another candidate to enable him to impose upon his Presbytery in the same manner, as well as for his greatest imprudence in sending such heretical notes abroad, whereby most dangerous errors came to be vended; yet considering that Mr. Sankey was sharply admonished by his Presbytery, that his trials were sometime stopt, and his ordination a considerable time de- layed on account of this, his conduct, we shall now lay no further censure upon him, but judge the Presbytery was defective in not taking notice in their Minutes of his being such a plagiary, or cen- suring him on that account." In his after life he seems never to have expressed any inclination towards the sin of his youth; and probably justified the Prebytery and Synod in their treatment of his thoughtlessness, not to say his crime, in which they mingled leniency with the severity of their rebuke.

He was settled in the ministry near Carlisle. His congregation, like himself, were of Scotch-Irish extract. He signed the protest of 1741; and his people adhered to the old side, and belonged to the Synod of Philadelphia. The troubles of the Indian wars suc- ceeding the defeat of Braddock, particularly those connected with the Paxton boys, induced the congregation to seek a residence in the more peaceful frontiers of southern Virginia. They took their abode in the fertile regions on Buffalo Creek, in Prince Edward, and around the place now known as Walker's church, lying between Cumberland congregation and Cub Creek, and on one side closely adjoining Briery congregation.

And considering the distances people would then ride to church, the congregations of Cub Creek, Briery, Buffalo, Walker's church and Cumberland, occupied a large region of country. The Rev. William Calhoon in a letter to F. N. Watkins, says-" He was a very old man when I first knew him. From the time I knew him he was a small man, very bowlegged ; when his feet would be together, his knees would be six inches apart. His face was rather square, with high cheek bones. He wore a wig and bands. His manner in preaching was to lean on the pulpit, perhaps on account of his age, with his Bible open before him. After announcing his text and dividing his subject, he made remarks on each head, and occupied much of the time in fortifying the doctrine by other passages of Scripture to which he would turn and read, giving book, chapter, and verse. He was considered a superior Hebrew scholar; often carried his Hebrew Bible into the pulpit, and used it in his criticisms and quotations, using in the general the language of the common English Bible.

In the war of the revolution, though advanced in years, Mr. Sanky was decided for the liberties of his country. His name appears honorably on some of the papers prepared by his Presbytery of lasting interest in political and religious liberty. While able to ride he attended the meetings of the judicatories of the church ; and

REV. JAMES WADDELL-REV. JAMES HUNT.

in his old age there were instances of the Presbytery holding their meeting in his church to accommodate his infirmities, as in the case of the ordination of Mr. Mitchel. He held the office of a minister of the gospel more than half a century, some thirty of which he spent in Virginia, with an unblemished reputation. He closed his career in the year 1790. His congregations have flourished. Buf- falo enjoyed the labors of Matthew Lyle, and now is served by Mr. Cochran. Walker's Church has had a variety of ministers and of success. Among others, Mr. Roberts labored there for years, not without success.

Rev. JAMES WADDELL, D.D., together with his congregation, in the Northern Neck of Virginia, have their place in the first volume of Sketches of Virginia.

Rev. JAMES HUNT, the fifteenth member, was the son of the James Hunt, conspicuous in the scenes of a religious nature in Han- over County, previous to the visit of Mr. Robinson, and during the times of Davies. His preparation for College was made at the school under the direction of Mr. Todd, and patronized by Mr. Davies : his degree was conferred at the College of New Jersey, in 1759, the summer Mr. Davies removed from Virginia to become President of the College. His theological education was completed under the direction of New Brunswick Presbytery, by whom he was licensed and ordained. It is probable that he pursued the study of theology under the instruction of his beloved pastor, the President of the Col- lege, Mr. Davies. At Tinkling Spring, Oct. 7th, 1761, he produced his credentials, and was admitted member of Hanover Presbytery. He made a tour through North Carolina, preaching to great acceptance, and in April, 1762, at Goochland, the Presbytery put in his hands " A call from Roan and Anson Counties, North Carolina, to which he is to give an answer by our fall Presbytery, or sooner, if he sees fit; and if he does accept it, and declare his acceptance to the moderator," (Mr. Craighead), "he is empowered to install him. The two con- gregations engage to pay him £80 each per annum." These calls he declined. Visiting the counties of Lancaster and Northumber- land, in Virginia, where Messrs. Davies and Todd had been gather- ing members of the church, with the aid of Whitefield and others, he was encouraged by the prospects of usefulness to remain some time. Pleased with the people, who excelled in social manners, and they being interested in him as a gospel minister, preparations were making to have him settled as pastor. In the mean time, James Waddell, licensed by Hanover Presbytery, April, 1761, at the time Mr. Hunt joined Presbytery, and preaching with great favor in dif- ferent parts of the country, made, after repeated invitations, a visit to the Northern Neck. Col. Gordon and others preferring him to any candidate they were likely to obtain, and there being a prospect of securing his services with a larger field of usefulness, Mr. Hunt thought proper to withdraw from a people to whom he felt greatly

REV. DAVID RICE.

attached, and seek another location. Mr. Waddell was eventually settled as pastor.

At a meeting, Oct., 1762, at Providence, Louisa County, "Mr. Waddell accepts of a call from Lancaster and Northumberland Coun- ties, in which the Presbytery heartily concur ;" Mr. Wright's trial was completed, and he "is hereby suspended until we shall see suf- ficient reason to restore him ;" and "Mr. Hunt having requested a dismission from this Presbytery, as he expects to settle in Pennsylva- nia, Mr. Todd is directed to give him credentials when he shall apply." Mr. Hunt passed the great part of his ministerial life in Montgo- mery County, Maryland, in the neighborhood of Rockville. For many years he was at the head of a flourishing classical and mathema- tical school, extensively known, and deservingly held in high esteem. Among the numerous pupils may be named William Wirt, Esq., who attended his school about four years ; and laid the foundation for his literary excellence under the instruction, and in the library of Mr. Hunt. For two years young Wirt was a member of Mr. Hunt's family. This gentleman took special pains to encourage his pupil to efforts in composition, and for improvement in declamation ; and having high ideas of the importance of both of these exercises, he stimulated young Wirt to efforts in public speaking that gained him the prize at the annual examination and exhibition. His son, William Pitt Hunt, opened his office, at Montgomery Court House, to young Wirt to commence the study of law; and after some years he removed to Virginia, the place of his father's birth. His widow, a Miss Watkins, became the second wife of Moses Hoge, D.D., and has left a memory in the churches which is blessed.

The sixteenth member, DAVID RICE, was born in Hanover County, December 20th, 1733. His parents were plain farmers, in moderate circumstances, of Welch extraction. His mind was deeply impressed with religious things early in life. He witnessed the excitement produced by the readings of Morris and his companions, and the preaching of Robinson. Under the preaching of Mr. Davies he was hopefully converted. When about twenty years of age he became a pupil of the school conducted by Mr. Todd with the assist- ance of James Waddell. So anxious was he to procure an education, that, to meet the expenses, he raised a hogshead of tobacco with his own hands and commenced his studies. Afterwards he taught an English school; and sometimes both taught and studied, till his health began to give way. Then for a time a connexion gave him his board. His classical course was completed at Nassau Hall. President Davies made him the beneficiary of some funds sent annu- ally, from London, for the purpose of assisting in the education of young men of promise, in narrow circumstances. This supply ceasing on the death of Mr. Davies, Mr. Richard Stockton became his almoner, saying, "I have, in a literal sense, ventured my bread on the waters, having a ship at sea. If it founders, you must repay the sum I advance ; if it returns safe, I will venture in the figurativ ;

REV. DAVID RICE.

sense." The vessel returned safe, and Mr. Stockton declined the repayment offered some two years after. Mr. Rice was graduated the year Mr. Davies died, 1761. He pursued the study of Theology, in preparation for the ministry, under the direction of Mr. Todd, and was received as a candidate for the ministry at the Bird Meet- ing-House in Goochland, April 8th, 1762. He passed part of his trials in the June following, in Prince Edward, and part in the fol- lowing October at Providence, in Louisa ; and on the 9th of the following November, at Deep Creek, opened the Presbytery with a sermon on 2 Tim. 2: 19, "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." In the afternoon of the same day, at the house of Mr. Hollands, he was licensed to preach the gospel. In October, 1763, at Cub Creek - "Mr. Rice accepts a call from Mr. Davies' former congregation, in which the Presbytery cheerfully concur." On the 28th of December of the same year, he opened the Presbytery at Hanover lower meeting-house, with his trial sermon for ordination, on 2 Tim. 2: 3, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ:" and on the next day was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry, and set as pastor of the church in and about Hanover; Mr. Pattillo presiding. In less than three years circumstances, unfriendly to the welfare of the congregation, led to the following record of Presbytery, April 18th, 1766. Mr. Rice - "petitions the Presbytery for a dismission from his congregation in and about Hanover, on condition that the differences now subsisting in said congregation are not made up in the space of three or four months ; which the Presbytery grants." In October of the same year, at Cub Creek, Mr. Rice received a call - "from the congregations of Bedford, which he accepts, and in which the Presbytery concur." The difficulties in Hanover were not between Mr. Rice and the people, but between the peo- ple themselves, particularly some of the leading men. These not being settled, Mr. Rice thought it better to remove. In April, 1767, the records of Presbytery say- "that the parties had amicably composed themselves, and are restored to peace." Emigrations from Hanover to the frontiers were now frequent. Many of the

most pious and active persons were in a little time in other congre- gations ; and this people so signally blessed of God for a series of years became weak as other men. The emigrants, black and white, wherever they went carried the spirit of the gospel, as manifested by Davies, to the frontiers of Virginia and North Carolina. The churches of Christ were multiplied, while Hanover dwindled. . Whether the leading men were jealous of each other, or simply missed the guiding power of Davies; or whether Davies himself under the influence of the spirit of emigration that pervaded his flock, could have kept up its relative importance, are matters for sober reflection, but no certain decision. The church of Davies still exists in feebleness among the churches of Christ, having seen days of depression and some days of reviving.

In October, 1768, Mr. Rice stated to Presbytery -" that he was

REV. DAVID RICE.

entangled in a suit brought against him by Mr. Millar, in Augusta Court, for pretended slander in transmitting a minute of Presbytery which respected said Millar's trial and deposition ; which he, the said Rice did, as Clerk of Presbytery ; which suit considerably affected the Presbyterian interest in this colony. The Presbytery think it necessary that some of our members attend said Court, when this suit is to be determined, and represent the affair in a proper. light : and do, therefore, appoint Messrs. Todd and Brown to attend said Court for that purpose." Mr. Millar did not prosecute the suit.

In October, 1771, he was directed by Presbytery to supply Cub Creek one-fourth of his time. To this he assented -"unless the sale of land at that Creek, where he resided, and the purchase in Bedford prevented." On the 30th of October, 1777, he took advice of Presbytery whether he should continue in the relation which existed between him and Concord, and the Peaks, or give up one ; and if one, which ? Presbytery advised him to hold to the Peaks. He confined his labors to this large congregation for about five or six years. This period embraced the early childhood of his nephew John Holt Rice, a name dear to the Virginia church.

In 1782, Mr. Rice visited Kentucky. Allured by the reports of the fertility of the soil, he wished to have the advantage of his own observation, on the important question of making it the home of his young and increasing family, either as a family or as emigrants when they came to years of maturity. The contending claims of speculators and the unsettled state of the country, made no favor- able, impression upon his mind. He preached frequently while in the country, to the great acceptance of the scattered settlements. His first sermon was at Harrod's Station; Matt. 4th, 16 - "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." The people were more pleased with his ministry, than he was with the situation of affairs in respect to land-titles, and the safety of the homesteads sought in the midst of so much danger. May 20th. 1783, at Hall's meeting house, now New Monmouth, in Augusta county - "a call from the united congregations of Cane Run, Con- cord, and the Forks, in Lincoln county, was given in to be presented to Mr. Rice. On the next day Mr. Rice made a motion to be dis- missed from his congregation in Bedford -"Resolved, that he be dismissed accordingly" - Ordered, "That the call from Kentucky be presented to Mr. Rice." The call was presented and accepted. He speedily removed to the "dark and bloody ground." In Vir- ginia he had been forward in every good work. He was a trustee of Hampden Sidney College; was active in the measures to carry on the work of the Revolution; diligent in his calling as a minister of the gospel; and acceptable to the congregations in Virginia. Under his care the Peaks flourished and required his entire labor. He is called "Father Rice" in Kentucky, being the first Presbyte- rirn minister that settled in that State. The active part he took in every thing relating to the prosperity of the infant settlements of

REV. DAVID RICE.

Western Virginia - and the faithfulness and labors by which he merited the name of "Patriarch of the Kentucky Presbyterian Church," are recorded in Davidson's History of the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky. No history of Kentucky, whether of Church or State, can be complete without extended notice of the labors of David Rice. In fact, a Biography of this man would necessarily embrace the most interesting events in the literary, political, and religious movements of Kentucky, in its early days ; and with some of his published writings, would form a volume of permanent use- fulness.

Mr. Rice was married to Mary, daughter of Rev. Samuel Blair, the preceptor of Davies ; he reared a family of eleven children. Many of his descendants are in Virginia ; and some in the ministry. He lived to an advanced age. For the last three years of his life, he was prevented from preaching and writing, by the gradual decay of nature. His religious exercises were of a heavenly character. He died June 18th, 1816, in his 83d year. His last words were - " Oh, when shall I be free from sin and sorrow." The following sketch is from the pen of the mother of Mrs. Rice, and will find its way to the hearts of the numerous descendants of Mr. Blair and Mr. Rice, and many others that fear God and know a mother's de- sires for the salvation of her children.

October 8th, 1763.

MY DEAR CHILDREN - It is my concern for your souls' welfare, as well after my decease as whilst I am present with you, that I seem to be irresistibly urged to leave you a few sentences to peruse ; and if it should please a gracious God to bless them to you - as the reading of any thing of the like kind, that appeared to be honest and without show of ostentation, has been to me - my design, as far as I am judge of myself, will be fully answered. And now, O searcher of the hearts and trier of the intents and actions of thy creatures, if my design be any other than I here profess, discover to me the fraud before I proceed any farther.

- My design at this time shall not be to give you a narrative or diary of what I have experienced, of as I trust, the Lord's gra- cious dealings towards me, for that would be too great; and as I did not prosecute that begun work in my young days, I could not now recollect without adding or diminishing. What discour- ages me now, was that same reason when I first attempted, is, that I believe the Lord did not give me such enlargement of judg- ment that I should be useful to any but such as I am nearly con- nected with, who, I hope, will make no bad use of any thing that may not appear with such embellishments as the public would require. However, that now is for my design in these few lines.

When I was about the age of fifteen, or soon after, it pleased a gracious God to stop me in my career of youthful follies, and to make sweet religion to appear the most noble course a rational crea- ture could pursue. 6 And what first brought me. to reflect was :

REV. DAVID RICE.

that summer I was visited with one affliction after another ; first, the measles, and then the intermitting fever, and then the whooping cough-all to no great purpose, until by my being brought so low I apprehended myself in a decay, which put me to think I should set about reformation, a work which I thought only consisted in growing serious, and praying often, with other duties. When having an opportunity of hearing Messrs. Gilbert and John Tennent, they engaged me more, and strengthened me in my resolution to devote myself to religion. But the bed was too strait for me. I.was often allured into my former vain company to the wounding of con- science and the breach of resolutions ; was like a hell upon earth, and put often to think that the day of grace was over, and I might as well give up with all. However, it pleased a gracious God again to strengthen and encourage me to wrestle and cry for free mercy, and that in myself I could do nothing, nor keep the least resolution I could make. But soon after the way of salvation in and through Christ, was clearly and sweetly opened to me in such a point of light that it appeared to me I had not lived or breathed or known what pleasure was before then. I then got victory over sin and the devil. But oh ! how soon Satan came with another hideous tempta- tion, which was blasphemy. This, as I had never felt or heard of be- fore, filled me with such horror, that I was near being overcome with an unnatural sin. But as the distress was great, the deliverance was greater, which made me loathe myself, and almost life, and say with Job : "I would not live always.". I was then persuaded by my dear minister, John Tennent, to join in communion with the people of God in the precious ordinance of the Lord's Supper. Which, though I could scarcely be prevailed on to venture, and though with trembling, lest I should meet with a salutation of "Friend, how camest thou hither ?" I know not whether ever I had a greater dis-, covery of the dying love of a dear Redeemer. It appeared so clear to the eyes of my understanding that for a little while I saw nothing of the world besides. Then I went on my way rejoicing, singing in the Psalmist : " Return unto thy rest, O! my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." I thought then I should never sin more ; never indulge sloth or inactivity, or wandering thoughts, for sin had got such a dash it would no more have any access to my spirit : but sad experience soon made me wiser, and I was left, not many days after, to go mourning without the sun. So my chariot wheels moved slowly for many days. Though, blessed be God, a sense of religion, and my deep obligations still remained with me, and I was assiduous for the good of poor sinners ; taking such opportunities as fell in my way, and such of my acquaintance as I had access to. And in the way of my duty I suffered much re- viling, but was not suffered to be moved thereby, though young, and religion at that time an uncustomary thing, and not much of morality only among the aged.

And now, my dear children, let me enjoin this duty on you, to make conscience of your conversation and words. You may

REV. DAVID RICE.

be apt to excuse yourselves with, that you are young, and it does not become you to talk of religion, and that is the, minister's part. But if you have received the grace of God, have you re- ceived it in vain, or only for yourselves ? Has not the Lord deposed a trust in your hands-his glory and honor-and should you not every way strive to advance it? At that time I was much perplexed with my own heart : spiritual pride seemed as if it would undo me, for I concluded at some times as if it was the spring of all my actions. This I groaned under ; but sometimes was tempted to cast away all for my ignorance of divine life. And the depth of Satan made me conclude that there never was a child of God that had ever the least rising of such a horrid feeling, and . so much akin to the devil. But conversing with a humble, honest woman, I found that she was wrestling under the same, and so I got new courage to fight this Apollyon, and so from time to time I was helped. As I let down my watch, and grew cold and formal, and to backsliding from him, the Lord left me to such exercises as cost me broken bones before I was restored to a sense of his favor. As I informed you, I cannot recollect the particular exercises at such a distance ; if I can but say :

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Sketches of Virginia : historical and biographical, Part 9

Author: Foote, William Henry, 1794-1869. 4n Publication date: 1856 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott Number of Pages: 614

Author: Foote, William Henry, 1794-1869. 4n
Publication date: 1856
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott
Number of Pages: 614