The death of Moses Hoge, President of Hampden Sidney College, and Professor of Theology of Synod of Virginia, opened the way for the removal of Dr. Rice from his most interesting sphere of labor in Richmond. Dr. Hoge was present at the Assembly of 1820, in which Dr. Rice won golden opinions; and writing from this Assembly, Dr. Rice says with pardonable partiality for his Virginia friends: “But there are many men of powerful talents in the church now. And I think we are growing in intellectual strength. Drs. Hoge and Alexander are beyond all doubt the two foremost amongst us.” The sickness that confined Dr. Hoge in Philadelphia after the sessions of the Assembly, ended in his death July 5th. A successor was desirable immediately in both offices thus made vacant. The College had no difficulty in finding a President. To understand the position of the Synod, and the question of removal presented to Dr. Rice, some of the acts of Dr. Hoge must be taken into consideration; and also the doings of Dr. Alexander in Philadelphia and Princeton.

Dr. Hoge succeeded Dr. Alexander in the Presidency of Hampden Sidney College. Dr. Alexander removed in Nov. 1806, and Dr. Hoge entered on his office Oct. 1807. The principal inducement influencing Dr. Hoge to accept the presidency was the prospect held out to him, by the brethren in the vicinity of the college, of a theological school in connexion with the college. In April, 1808, the Presbytery of Hanover by their committee, Rev. Messrs. J. H. Rice, C. Speece, and James Daniel, elder, entered into an agreement with the Trustees of Hampden Sidney College, by which said Trustees hold the funds and library belonging to the Presbytery, and apply them on certain given conditions. The 3d article was — “When the funds given by the said Presbytery shall be sufficient to employ a teacher of theology for the instruction of such poor and pious youth, then such teacher shall be such person as shall be recommended by the Presbytery, and approved of by the Trustees of College.” The Trustees construed the office of their President, as embracing the work of teacher of theology, according to the examples of their former Presidents; and of course they considered Mr. Hoge a proper person to receive any proceeds of the funds and be employed by Presbytery in directing the studies of candidates for the ministry. The Presbytery at its meeting in October recognized this arrangement of the Trustees, and Mr. Hoge became the acknowledged teacher of theology. Hampden Sidney became more closely associated than ever in the minds and hearts of the church with the preparation of young men for the gospel ministry. Mr. Hoge was a tower of strength to the College and Theological school, in his meekness, and purity, and benevolence, and ability, and devotion to the work of the gospel. He had been engaged in the Valley in bringing forward young men to the ministry. Mr. John Boggs of Berkeley, was instructed by him, and passed a long life in the ministry: Wm. S. Reid that filled so important a post in the College, commenced his preparations for the ministry with Mr. Hoge in the Valley; and a number of others received more or less of their preparatory instruction under his care before his removal to the College. Dr. Alexander bore decisive testimony to Mr. Hoge’s powers of discrimination, and his clear views of theological truth, by deciding in his favor, against his beloved teacher on a controverted subject of theology — that in conversion there is a direct agency of the Holy Spirit; Graham stood lofty in his mental independence, Hoge meek in his wisdom; Alexander, beloved by both, loved them for their excellencies, and rejoiced that Mr. Hoge was his successor in the College.

Mr. Rice was chosen Trustee of the College, 1807, at the meeting, June 6th, in which Mr. Hoge was chosen President. The Trustees at that meeting were, Samuel W. Venable, Paul Carrington, Clement Carrington, Francis Watkins, Goodridge Wilson, Joseph Venable, James Morton, (Major,) Isaac Read, Matthew Lyle, (Rev.,) Jacob Morton, Richard N. Venable, and Drury Lacy, (Rev.) Mr. Rice, experienced in the affairs of the College, gave his hearty assistance to Mr. Hoge, who was putting forth all his energies to make the College, according to the beautiful ideal he had formed, in and for his native Valley of the Shenandoah. Messrs. Lyle, Lacy, Rice, and J. Venable, were a committee, in 1808, to arrange the college classes, studies, after the most approved plan. They entered upon the business with the President, and in 1812, reported the whole plan, as arranged, and introduced, embracing a very liberal course of studies in comparison with any American college in operation. Before he was chosen professor by the Synod, and while the College was rising in excellence and usefulness, Dr. Hoge was exerting himself to aid in their preparation for the ministry, such men as John B. Hoge, Andrew Shannon, James C. Willson, John D. Ewing, Jesse II. Turner, and Charles H. Kennon, Samuel D. Hoge, Wm. S. Lacy, and Samuel McNutt, John Kirkpatrick, and Walter S. Pharr, all men favorably known in the churches in Virginia for a series of years; all but one of whom, Mr. Lacy, have gone to meet their Lord.

Mr. Alexander was Moderator of the General Assembly, in 1807, the Spring succeeding his removal to Philadelphia. He opened the Assembly of 1808, with a sermon from 1 Cor. 14th, 12, last clause —“ Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” In the sermon was this sentence—"In my opinion, we shall not have a regular and sufficient supply of well qualified ministers of the gospel, until every Presbytery, or at least every Synod, shall have under its direction a seminary established for the single purpose of educating youth for the ministry, in which the course of education from its commencement shall be directed to this object; for it is much to be doubted whether the system of education pursued in our colleges and universities is the best adapted to prepare a young man for the work of the ministry.” The sermon brought the subject of Mr. Alexander’s thoughts and labors directly before the church at large. And while the Presbytery of Hanover were making arrangements with the Trustees of Hampden Sidney College, to advance their enterprise of a theological school, already in operation under Mr. Hoge, the Presbytery of Philadelphia were preparing a memorial to the Assembly. In the Spring of 1809, the memorial was presented, and committed to Dr. Dwight of Connecticut, and the Rev. Messrs. Irvin, Hosack, Romeyn, Anderson, Lyle, Burch, Lacy, and Elders Bayard, Slay-maker, and Harrison. Their report commended the general subject of theological seminaries, and proposed three plans to the Assembly, 1st. One great central seminary; 2d, Two, to accommodate North and South; 3d, Seminaries by Synods. The whole subject was sent down to the Presbytery for their consideration and answer.

In 1810, by the answers sent up, it was seen that the majority of the Presbyteries were in favor of education in seminaries or theological schools; but that an equal number of Presbyteries were for the first and third plan. The Assembly determined, that, as some of the Presbyteries had acted in a misconception, in voting for the third plan in preference to the first, it was proper to consider the advocates of the first plan to be most numerous; accordingly that plan was adopted, and a Theological Seminary was established under the care and management of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. On Tuesday, June 2d, 1812, Mr. A. Alexander was unanimously chosen Professor of Theology in the Seminary, lately established and located in Princeton. He removed to that place in July, and was inaugurated on the 12th of August. He commenced his instructions with three students. And in less than six years from the time he left Virginia, was under the patronage of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, giving form and activity to the plans and purposes, he had talked over with his brethren at Hampden Sidney College, when they resolved to have a theological school and a library. After the election of Mr. Alexander, Rev. Samuel Miller, of New York, said in the Assembly—“I hope the brother will not decline, though he may be reluctant to accept. Had I been selected by the voice of the church, however great the sacrifice, I should not dare decline.” The next year he was unexpectedly called to leave his pleasant situation in New York, and become, associated with Mr. Alexander, the Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government. Students came from every quarter of the church.

The establishing the Seminary was a popular event. In an incredibly short period private teaching in theology yielded to public instruction, without discontent, or envy, or fear of obscurity. The choice of Mr. Alexander for the Professor was peculiarly happy. Probably no man could have been found, in middle age, whose acquaintance was so general in the Presbyterian Church, particularly in the Southern and Western States. Very many of the converts of the revival of 1788 and onwards, and of the revivals which followed in Virginia, had joined the emigrating companies that sought for new homes beyond the Alleghanies. These all knew him ; and very many loved him. The anticipations indulged in by Graham and Smith of his future usefulness, were well known, and participated in by multitudes in the sections of the church, from which students were expected and desired. His training had been such as to qualify him in an eminent degree to prepare young men for the active life of a minister in the new settlements. Mr. Miller was better known in New York, and throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and Philadelphia, and part of Pennsylvania, and was admirably fitted for a co-laborer in the seminary. The two carried an acquaintance, and an attachment over the whole church, which, were perpetually increasing with each successive class of students. Very often might the young men, coming to Princeton, be heard to say to Mr. Alexander and Mr. Miller, “Your old friend ............ sends kind remembrance; he advised me to come here.” “I have been reading with ............, and he said I would do better here for a time.”

The Presbyteries of the Virginia Synod declared for Synodical Schools. The Synod, as a body, without designing in any way to impede the progress of the school founded by the Assembly, acted upon the determination of the Presbyteries, and after the delay of two years, at the meeting in Goochland, in October, 1812, resolved that Lexington, the place designated in 1791, “should be the permanent seat, and Hampden Sidney the temporary seat of the institution; and that a professor or professors pro tem. be appointed during the continuance at Hampden Sidney.” The Synod then, about two months after the inauguration of Mr. Alexander at Princeton, proceeded to choose a Professor of Theology, and unanimously elected Moses Hoge, the President of Hampden Sidney, and acting teacher of theology for the College and Hanover Presbytery. The slowness with which funds were raised was attributed in part to the uncertainty of the location; and in 1813, at Lexington, it was resolved that the Seminary remain at Hampden Sidney until Synod shall determine its best interests require a removal; and that the funds shall not be so vested as to render a removal inconvenient. The subject came up again in 1815, and the greatest interest in raising funds being expressed by those in favor of the location in Prince Edward, it was resolved — “That Hampden Sidney College be the site of the Theological Seminary; but the Synod reserve to themselves the power of removing the institution, should such removal become necessary.”

Mr. Rice removed to Richmond in May, and Mr. Alexander to Princeton in July, and Mr. Hoge was chosen the Synod’s Professor of Theology in October of the same year, 1812. The position of each was highly responsible, the labors of all arduous, but the situation of Mr. Hoge the most perplexing. The three men held each other in the highest respect and love, and never for a moment indulged thoughts of rivalry, while each aspired at the highest excellence of which he was capable. Looking over their finished life, it is not easy to determine which had the fullest measure of the grace of self-denial; while in particular eras or seasons of their life we see prominent examples, first in one and then in another. But Hoge, in his meek, wise, unconquerable perseverance, Rice in his vast constructive benevolence, and Alexander in gaining and preserving unbounded attachment for combined excellence, were characterized as completely as in their shape and features, when under excitement they stood before you, each in person the exemplar of his mind. Mr. Hoge knew well the difficulties and peculiar perplexities of his situation, and while he estimated, did not undervalue or give them undue preponderance. He appreciated the powers of Alexander, and the advantages of his situation in being called to the performance of the duties of but one office, with an ample support, to be regularly paid at moderate intervals, and many pastors and churches throughout this land, some of them wealthy, pressing on earnestly to the completion of the enterprise; and being in the very prime and vigor of his manhood. He considered himself, -now sixty years of age, called to the performance of the duties of two offices, one the Presidency of a college, with the duty of a professor added, and the other an office similar to that of Alexander in Princeton, in 1812, and to divide the duties and responsibilities of which the Assembly called Mr. Miller from New York, a man in the very prime of his life. And as the emoluments of both his offices were not sufficient-to meet the necessary expenses of his family and his position, the resources of his wife and the small salary from the congregation he served, were supplying the deficiency. He knew he was beloved by his brethren in the ministry, and the churches generally, and he loved them in return. His difficulties arose from his position; and so heavily did they press upon his mind, that in March, 1813, he signified to the trustees his intention to resign the Presidency. This was made matter of record. But his intended course, whether to continue in the professorship, or to resign that also, and being invited by the church in Bethel, Augusta, return to the pastoral office, must remain unknown.

Mr. Rice deeply sympathized with him, though himself burdened with difficulties, that rendered his remaining in Richmond doubtful; and convinced that his leaving college at this juncture would be unpropitious, encouraged him to remain. Loving Alexander as a man, and wishing him success in his professorship, for his own sake and for the church at large, Mr. Rice could not admit the thought of abandoning the school in Virginia — the only school in the Southern country. There were some students that must be taught here in the truth, or taught at no school. The Virginia brethren were careful not to take any position of even apparent hostility to Princeton, while they felt the great necessity of a Southern school for Southern churches. Mr. Hoge did not carry his intention to resign into effect, but labored at his post with redoubled diligence, and prematurely wasted the resources of a strong constitution. The trustees of college were active in procuring able teachers for the classes. There was one difficulty. Having been educated at the college when it had few instructors, they could not readily admit there was any necessity for a greater number of teachers, under any name, whether of professors or tutors. To doubt the completeness and efficiency of the instruction of this college, was a heresy of which they could not be guilty. Hoge must first convince them of the necessity of a greater number of efficient teachers, and then the ways and means of sustaining these laborers must be provided; and the Synod itself was weakened by a not dissimilar difficulty. Their best preachers had been trained under Smith and Graham, and Alexander — all situated like Hoge. The movement at Princeton, in having two professors, was an innovation, the propriety of which few saw clearly, except Hoge and Rice, and their intimate friends; and a less number felt the necessity or propriety, as applied to their own case. A school they would have, and a good one, but were not prepared at once to encounter responsibilities like those assumed by the active friends of Princeton. Burr and Blair, and Tennent and Dwight, and Livingston and Witherspoon had been successful, and their difficulties were similar to those encountered by Hoge; and Hoge himself had introduced some excellent men into the ministry, and was now every year sending forth some laborer into the harvest. He was beloved and useful, and doing well, and what more could he want ? He did want a great deal, and his friend Rice and some others felt kindly for him; but how to make the church at large appreciate these wants and afford the supply, was a great question, that, in answering, exhausted the lives of two men, jewels of worth, Hoge and Rice.

The Synod was slowly awaking to her duty and real interest. The salary of the Professor of Theology, from the permanent and contingent funds of the church, was six hundred dollars, in the year 1815; the next year it was eight hundred dollars. In 1817, the Synod resolved, that, “in order to promote the best and dearest interests of our church and country, it is expedient and desirable to establish a new professorship in our Theological Seminary, to be denominated the Professorship of Biblical Criticism and Ecclesiastical Polity, as soon as adequate funds can be raised for the purpose.” Seven students of theology were this year in attendance upon the instruction of Dr. Hoge. The application to the Legislature for an act of incorporation for the theological school having been rejected, in 1816, and there being no prospect of a change in the sentiments of the Legislature, an arrangement was made with the trustees of college, by which the funds of Synod were held by them in trust, for the use of the Theological Seminary, as the funds of Hanover Presbytery were and had been. These funds of Synod, in 1818, amounted to four thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine dollars and sixteen cents, with subscriptions for upwards of four thousand dollars more. Mr. Ebenezer Stott, a Scotch gentleman of Petersburg, made a donation of one thousand dollars. Twelve students were this year in attendance on the theological instructions of Dr. Hoge.

The trustees of the college over which Dr. Hoge was presiding, became at last convinced of their error. Mr. Rice took an active part in the exertions to increase the funds of college, enlarge the corps of teachers, and raise the standard of scholarship. Petitions were sent to the Legislature for aid; but aiding colleges was not then a popular movement with political men. The trustees enlarged the course of study, and "to keep pace with other colleges better endowed, made the best arrangements for their professors, with tutors, and were asking the friends of education for endowments to sustain their efforts. Mr. Hoge was remarkably happy in his assistant instructors throughout his whole presidency. He asked them at the throne of grace, and God sent him more and better ones than the trustees were able to sustain. Charles H. Kennon was for a time vice-president, a man of great ability, whose early death the church lamented; John B. Hoge, the splendid orator, taught in the college for a length of time; S. D. Hoge, a superior teacher, was for a time vice-president; James C. Willson assisted for a time, afterwards chosen to be Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the Theological School; Gilbert Morgan was employed for a time, his life has been spent in advancing the cause of education on liberal principles; Jonathan P. Cushing, the successor in the presidency, was for some years a co-laborer with Dr. Hoge in the college. Mr. Cushing was from New Hampshire. His state of health induced him to go southward. Stopping in Richmond, he became acquainted with Mr. Rice, who, prepossessed in his favor, endeavored to detain him in Virginia, and introduced him to his friends in Prince Edward. Dr. Hoge was greatly pleased, and endeavored to detain him in connexion with the college. For a time he declined any formal or responsible connexion with the college, on account of his health, and his conscientious views of a teacher’s duties; yet, being at once delighted with Dr. Hoge, and loving his simplicity of character and benevolent spirit more and more, he assisted in the instruction of the college. The first office he accepted was the unpretending one of librarian, in 1818. His influence over the students was great and salutary. Fond of the natural sciences, he called the attention , of the students particularly to that department of education. The ! trustees procured apparatus, and in a little time a passion was \ excited among the students for experimental philosophy. In 1819, 4 he accepted the chair of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, and was styled the first Professor. In discipline, Mr. Cushing excelled. Tall, dignified, noble in appearance, master of manners and selfrespect, he swayed the hearts of college boys, they knew not how. They would will to do as he willed to have them. He possessed the rare art of managing Virginia boys. Treating religion and its ministers with the greatest respect, strictly moral and upright, he had not connected himself with any church in Virginia. This circumstance detracted somewhat from his influence with a part of community, and prevented that full outpouring of approbation his qualifications and labors deserved.

On account of the limited funds of the College, and the dependence for salary upon the Tuition fees, the labors of the teachers were too numerous and varied. Mr. Hoge’s great powers of body gave way in the year 1819, overwhelmed by his unremitting labors. After a long confinement, he but partially recovered. In the spring of 1820, the Presbytery made him their delegate to the Assembly. He took this opportunity of gratifying a long indulged desire to attend a meeting of the American Bible Society. He also visited Princeton College, which, in 1810, had conferred, on him, in company with his friend, Mr. Alexander, the degree of S. T. D.; and passed a few days with Dr. Alexander. A cold easterly rain was falling the whole time of his visit. He examined thoroughly the condition of the two institutions, the College and the Seminary, with reference to the two in Prince Edward. He rejoiced in the extended influence of his friend Alexander, and Miller the co-laborer. He could not refrain from a visit to the grave-yard to meditate by the tombs of Burr, Edwards, Davies, Witherpoon, and Smith. As he tarried in that hallowed spot, the bleak wind pierced his diseased frame, and hastened his descent into the valley of death. His heart was elevated as he went from grave to grave, and read the epitaphs of these Presidents of College and teachers of Theology; and his body under the cold rain was chilled in preparation for his own resting in the silent tomb. The conversations of Hoge and Alexander those few days, had there been a hand to record them, laying open the hearts, as by a daguerreotype, of men of such exalted pure principle, so unselfish and so unlike the mass of men — what simplicity in thought, benevolence in feeling, and elevation of piety!— but there was no man to pen what all men would have been glad to read. Mr. Hoge took his seat in the Assembly — but his fever returned upon him, of a typhus cast, and by means of the cold caught in Princeton, became too deeply seated for medicine to remove. He bowed his head meekly to the will of the Head of the Church, and fell asleep in Jesus, on the 15th of July.

Mr. Hoge had filled his measure of usefulness. The fixed habits of Synod and College prevented that change in his position and labor, the exigencies of the case, and his health required, and he loudly demanded. He must die. There must be an interregnum in College. A President must be chosen, that the Synod could not make the Theological Professor. And then a professor must be brought out that could improve upon all the past, and give form to an endowed Theological school. But who should be called? Who like Hoge would sacrifice everything of a temporal nature that could be done without sin, and even in his extreme self-sacrificing approach the very borders of transgression by its excess, to advance the desired school? Who would be found of that tender benevolence —that as a student of his said of him —“the old Doctor is distressed about the poor devils; no mercy has ever been offered them, and he can’t find any authority in the Bible that there ever will be. I have seen him weep about it; and that any body would, by impenitence, be lost; and he would spend all he had, and his life beside, to have the gospel preached to every creature.” And who, like him, would be heard pacing his study, the live-long night, crying unto God for a communion sermon, and a blessing upon it? And where would a wife be found, that would pinch herself to the boundary of decency in using her own property, that her husband might spend his income, and some of her’s, on necessitous students of divinity? “Ah, wife, God will provide for us,” said the old man, when he paid out his last money in the case of a student that must have aid or abandon his studies; and paid it knowing that necessity was coming on himself rapidly. And it came, and no money came. “The Lord will provide for us, wife!” And then a call came to ride away some twenty or thirty miles to preach a funeral sermon. Away he went, and performed his duty, and hastened back to his pressing duties at College, and handed his wife a little paper put in his hand as he set out for home — “I told you the Lord would provide;” and the sum he had given the student was all returned to him. Where could a man of years be found that would undertake the labor? Where could a young man, with a rising family, that could make the sacrifices even if he would? Where could the unmarried man be found, the Virginia Synod, with her peculiar feelings, would make her principal professor? Who should succeed, in his double office, this pure, meek, fearless, old man? Reflection answered the more thoughtful, no one. But the majority of actors still thought some one might be found. No one was ready to cry out aloud — that it was impossible, yet no one could say it was possible.

The eyes of all were turned to Dr. Alexander to do all that man could. The Board of Trustees of the College, as soon as the news of Dr. Hoge’s death reached them, held a meeting, and elected Dr. Alexander his successor; and offered all inducements in their power to obtain his acceptance of the appointment. Many of the brethren, in the Valley, were of opinion that the Theological school in Prince Edward should be abandoned, and all the patronage of Virginia given to Princeton Seminary. Mr. Rice and others in Hanover were firm for a seminary somewhere in the South; and greatly averse to giving up the incipient school. The Synod in its sessions in Lynchburg, in the October succeeding Dr. Hoge’s death, gave Dr. Alexander a hearty invitation to return to Virginia, and become the Synod’s professor of Theology. Wishing him to be entirely engaged in the Theological teaching — the Synod would, nevertheless, have agreed to any arrangement he might propose with the College. Many private letters were addressed to him, urging his acceptance of the Synod’s appointment; not the least urgent went from Dr. Rice, who still advocated the support of Princeton by donations from Virginia. Dr. Alexander declined both appointments. He thought he had been sent by the providence of God to Princeton; and did not think Providence called him away.

For two years the Synod did nothing for the advancement of their theological school. There was a division of sentiment on two subjects:—should the Synod go on with their school — and who should be Professor? The former was sooner settled than the latter, The terms on which the funds of Hanover Presbytery, and much of {the Synod’s, were used, required a theological school in Prince Edward, Virginia. There were many men in the Synod fit to occupy the chair of theology; and four of them before their death did fill such a chair, Rice, Matthews, and Baxter, and Wilson. Speece stood in equal, perhaps higher estimation in the Synod than some of these; and Hill and Lyle not behind. The Synod declined a nomination from prudential motives. The Rev. Messrs. Speece, Rice, and Baxter, with elders John Alexander and Robert Williamson, a committee to report on the whole subject of a Seminary, presented to the Synod in Staunton, in October 1822, a paper containing as the result of their consideration, three courses, either of which the Synod might adopt: 1st. The throwing the funds, or the proceeds of the funds, of the Synod for the present into those of the General Assembly, to be applied to the benefit of the Princeton Seminary: 2d. Leaving the present funds to accumulate by interest and donations till they should be sufficient to establish a well endowed Seminary: 3d. Transfer the Seminary in perpetual trust to Hanover Presbytery. The committee recommended the last. Whereupon resolved— “That the funds of the Theological Seminary be, and the same are hereby assigned, transferred, and set over, to the Presbytery of Hanover, in perpetual trust, that the same shall be forever applied and devoted to the object for which they were raised, that is the education of students of divinity who design to take orders in the Presbyterian church, at the College of Hampden Sidney, or elsewhere within the bounds of the commonwealth, and provided also that the Presbytery shall annually report to the Synod, the state of the Seminary and funds under their care.”

The Hanover Presbytery assembled on the 14th of the next month at the College — present — Messrs. James Mitchel, James Turner, Matthew Lyle, Clement Read, John D. Paxton, Jesse H. Turner, Benjamin H. Rice, John B. Hoge, John M’Lean, John Kirkpatrick, Matthew W. Jackson — with elders, Samuel D. Rice, Jesse Leftwitch, Nathaniel Price, Alexander S. Payne, Conrad Webb, Richard Hammond, Carter Page, John Gordon, James Caskie, James Maddison, Thomas Holcomb, and John Thompson — Men whose names are to be remembered in the Virginia Church. Mr. Rice preached from Psalm 2d: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Presbytery accepted the transfer of the Seminary, and funds to the amount of §8756.04. She had of her own funds, 12 shares of stock in the Farmer’s Bank of Virginia, two in the Bank of Virginia, and §1115.68 in money. Messrs. Lyle, Hoge, and Paxton, with elders Price and Maddison, a committee, sketched the outlined of a Seminary—the present U. T. Seminary. The salary of a Professor was fixed at $1200, per annum. The choice after solemn prayer fell on John H. Rice. Mr. Lyle immediately gave notice that the congregation worshipping at the College would now be assembled to make their choice of a pastor. Mr. R. II. Rice enquired what had that to do with the present business of Presbytery. An interesting discussion followed — should the Professor elect be encouraged, or permitted, to engage as pastor, or stated supply, to any congregation? On one side it was urged that from the foundation of the College, to the present time, the President and teacher of Theology had been connected with one or more of the surrounding congregations; in some cases as co-pastor, and in others as the sole pastor; and that the congregations were desirous it should continue to be so for the future; on the other, the immense labor about to be devolved upon the newly elected Professor. The Presbytery declined giving countenance to any such connexion. The congregation soon after made choice of Mr. J. D. Paxton, who immediately entered on his office.

The committee, Messrs. Paxton and Jesse H. Turner, waited on Mr. Rice to communicate the result of the proceedings of Presbytery. They found him at the house of Dr. Wm. Morton, prostrated by disease, and languishing under the effects of an obstinate fever and ague. Shortly after his return from his tour through New England, he had come to Prince Edward to attend, as trustee, upon the usual business of College, with more than his usual interest. The College under Mr. Cushing, the successor of Dr. Hoge, was flourishing beyond anything in its- history since, perhaps, a few years after its organization, when it was more properly a high-school than a college. The new President obtained able teachers and sustained them; attracted scholars and retained them; was getting funds and preparing to erect the present college-buildings. An interesting revival of religion had been enjoyed by the congregation at College; and a large number of students had become hopefully pious. In all these things Mr. Rice rejoiced. But during the visit, the latter part of September, he was seized with great violence ; and with the unremitting attention of his friends and the physicians, was unable to return to Richmond till the succeeding January. The committee found him weak, and unable, without pain, to see company. In a short interview they laid the matter before him, begged his consideration, desired him not to give an immediate answer unless it were favorable; and assured him that the brethren would wait his recovery, and expect an answer as soon as convenient.

When Mrs. Rice came up from Richmond to attend upon the sick bed of her husband, she brought the following letter from Dr. Miller, of Princeton.

Princeton, Sept. 26th, 1822.

Reverend Sir : — The Reverend Doctor Green resigned the office of President of the College of New Jersey yesterday. As a committee of the Board of Trustees appointed for that purpose, we have the pleasure of announcing to you, that you have been this day unanimously elected President of the said College; and also that we have been instructed to take the proper measures for presenting the call to you for that office. It is our intention, with the leave of Providence, to set out on our journey to Richmond with the view to execute the trust committed to us, on Monday the 21st of October next; and we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you about the middle of that week. In the mean time, sir, we will only add, that we are persuaded that the unanimity and cordiality of this election, together with the situation and prospects of the College, if fully known to you, would make a deep impression on your mind. Aud we express an earnest hope that, if you have any doubt respecting your acceptance of the office to which you have been elected, you will suspend any decision on the subject, until we shall have the pleasure of seeing you.

We have the honor to be, Rev’d Sir, most respectfully, your obedient servants,

Saml. Miller,

And. Kirkpatrick, John McDowell.

The Rev. Dr. Rice.

Professor Lindsley writes —

Princeton, Sept. 28th, 1822.

Rev. and Honored Sir: — You have been officially informed of your recent election to the presidency of our college, by a unanimous vote of its Board of Trustees. In their choice every friend of literature and religion in our country must rejoice. It may appear impertinent in me to address you on this occasion. But I cannot suppress the expression of my feelings and my wishes. You will therefore attribute to an honest purpose what may appear quite superfluous at least, if not presumptuous. I ought not to flatter myself that my opinion or wishes or counsel will have the slightest influence on the decision which you are now providentially called to make. It is not with any such expectation that I write. It is merely to lay open before you my whole heart, and to say that should it please a gracious God to dispose you to accept the honorable, arduous, and responsible office to which you have been elected, I shall rejoice most unfeignedly, as will all the members of the faculty, and all the students of the college. We shall receive you as a father, and love and venerate you as affectionate and dutiful children. You will have the cordial support of the trustees, and the entire confidence and esteem of all descriptions of people in this part of the country. We need your services to build up our falling institution; to elevate Nassau Hall to that rank among sister colleges which it formerly sustained, and to which I trust it is destined still to attain. I beg you most earnestly, and affectionately, and respectfully, to accept the office, and to enter on its duties as soon as practicable. We are extremely desirous that you should he here at the opening of the college in November next, that the whole establishment may be organized under your auspices and ^ agreeably to your wishes. I shrink from the thought of attempting anything before your arrival. Only two individuals of the old faculty remain. Could you be here at the commencement of the session, everything would be arranged according to your own views. I pray God to afford you such light and counsel as to enable you to discern clearly the path of duty, and to direct you speedily to that choice which accords with the hearty wishes of all your friends, and which will promote the lasting interests of our beloved institution.

With sentiments of affectionate and filial respect, I am, Rev. and dear sir, your most obedient servant,

Ph. Lindsley.

Dr. M’Dowell, after hearing of the protracted illness of Dr. Rice, thus writes to Mrs. Rice:

Elizabethtown, Oct. 30th, 1822.

My Dear Madam: — Your kind letter, or your good husband’s letter through you, was duly received. Accept my thanks for it. I should have answered it sooner, but until now expected shortly to see you. I sincerely regret the illness of Dr. Rice, and sympathize with you both in this affliction. I hope this will find you in Richmond, and your husband restored to health. Officially I have communicated with Dr. Rice on the subject of his appointment. Permit me now to communicate with you unofficially. I earnestly desire that our invitation to the college may be accepted. There are a number of circumstances which it may be proper to mention in a private letter, which would in an official one have been too particular. Our board was fuller than I have known it since I have been a member, and probably fuller than it has been in the remembrance of any member. Only two members were absent, Mr. Sargeant, of Philadelphia, and Col. Ogden, of this town. A number of persons were mentioned, the ballot was taken, and without any consultation out of doors, on the first balloting Dr. Rice had an unanimous vote, every person voting. The two absent members have since expressed their approbation of the choice, and would doubtless have voted in the same way if they had been present. I cannot but view the unanimity as a strong indication in providence that God intends Dr. Rice for this station. If he should decline, I fear the consequence to this important institution. I do not believe a like unanimity will again be obtained, or that we will be able for a long time to unite on any other person. Such unanimity I believe has not been known in the election of a president, since the election of Mr. Burr; and from everything I can learn, I believe that there is not only an unprecedented unanimity, but cordiality; that it is the earnest desire of every member of the Board that he should accept, and that there will be an universal disappointment if he does not. The appointment has also, I understand, the cordial approbation of Professor Lindsley and Mr. M’Lean, who are the only members of the old faculty left. It is a popular appointment in Princeton and the neighborhood, which is a matter of some importance. I know Dr. Rice is in a very important situation where he is. But allow me to suggest whether he would not probably do as much and more good ultimately for his beloved Virginia, in Princeton, where he could have the forming the minds of many from that State, and where he could have much influence on young men in the seminary to go as missionaries to Virginia. You have been informed of the attempts of the committee to wait on Dr. Rice, in person. We appointed 21st instant to set out. The intelligence of his sickness prevented. Yesterday was then appointed. In consequence of this, Chief Justice Kirkpatrick and myself set out, prepared to go to Richmond. Your letter to Dr. Miller, informing that Dr. Rice was still sick in Prince Edward, stopped us at Princeton, from which place we sent official letters yesterday. I returned this morning. My paper is full, and I must stop.

Your sincere friend,

John McDowell.

Dr. Miller writes:

Princeton, Nov. 1st, 1822.

My Dear Brother—The inclosed call and official letter were agreed upon and signed in this place, on the 29th ult., and left in my hands to be transmitted, with such private letter as I might think proper to send with them. I intended to have sent the whole the very next day; but being suddenly called to Philadelphia, whence I did not return until late last evening, I have not been able to complete and dispatch my packet until this time. I sympathize with you most cordially, my dear brother, on your protracted indisposition and feebleness. It was, indeed, a mysterious dispensation of Providence! But it is all for the best, though we see not now. May the Lord enable us all to make a proper improvement of it. I hope that before this packet reaches Richmond, you will be there, and in a tolerably comfortable state. You are by no means to consider us as abandoning our project of waiting on you in person. We have merely postponed it. At the same time we wish to be governed in the whole thing by your wishes and judgment. If you are deliberately of the opinion that our taking the journey can answer no purpose, say so, and we will do as you wish. But if you think that the appearance of the committee at Richmond (one or two, or the whole of them,) would serve in any way to give a complexion to the business, either as it regards you or as it respects us, in any view favorable to either — say but the word — give but the hint — and your wishes shall be sacred with us as far as we can possibly comply with them. If you feel any difficulty or constraint in writing to the committee, or to me, as a committee man, on this subject, 1 beg you to write to me as Brother Miller, and express your whole heart. If our appearing there would help you in deciding, or help our cause in any way, cause it to be understood, and I will communicate as much, or as little, of what you may write, to my colleagues, and endeavor to execute your will to every possible extent.

Dear Brother, you must not give us a negative answer. Indeed you must not! You will disappoint and grieve us more than I can well say, if you should. It has occurred to me that two things may produce an unfavorable influence on your mind in deliberating on this subject. The first is, that you very decisively advised Dr. Green to resign, and, in the course of your conversation with him, expressed yourself very strongly as opposed, for yourself, to every employment of that kind. It is my deliberate opinion that this ought not to influence you at all. You will learn the state of Dr. Green’s mind as to this point, by the following anecdote. He was lately conversing with a respectable gentleman (who was my informant,) on the probability of your accepting the call to Princeton. The Doctor expressed himself on the subject thus — “I do not, on the whole, think that Dr. Rice will come; for among all the friends whom I consulted on the subject of my contemplated resignation, he was the most decisive and unequivocal in expressing himself in favor of the measure; and I certainly gathered from him in the course of that conversation that nothing would tempt him to take such a charge. Yet,” Said the Doctor, “ he may come, notwithstanding all this ; and if he does, he will act just as I acted myself in similar circumstances. For no man ever expressed stronger repugnance, or a more firm determination against accepting the appointment than I did. Yet I accepted the place after all.” He then added — “There is no man in the United States whom I would rather hail as my successor than Dr. Rice.” Dr. Green has repeatedly said the same thing in substance to me; and I am sure will be cordially gratified if you accept the presidency. In a day or two after the appointment was made, I urged him to write to you ; but he declined it, saying that he did not wish to have any part of the responsibility of bringing you hither lying on his shoulders.

The second consideration I refer to, is that if you come, and especially if you come this winter, you may feel the business of giving a course of lectures on moral philosophy as a thing too arduous to be entered upon at once, especially by a man just from the sick bed. I fear that the influence of this thought may be the greater on your mind, from knowing that you are accustomed to take large views of subjects, and could not be satisfied with small matters. Now, if I were in your place, and should undertake the task, I would certainly for the first year (perhaps for the first two years,) adopt and continue Dr. Green’s plan of taking Witherspoon for my text-book, and causing the students to recite his book, making remarks and comments in the course of the recitation. I would do this for two reasons — first, that I might avoid giving direct and immediate offence to Dr. Green by knocking away at one stroke, and at the outset, his system ; and secondly, that I might gain more time for preparing such a system as I might think proper to substitute for it; causing it to be understood in the beginning, that it was not my intention to adopt Dr. W's book as my ultimate plan; but only a temporary expedient, until I could look around, and see what ought to be done. It seems to me that in this wav all difficulty respecting this business may be effectually obviated. Hoping to hear from you as soon and as fully as your returning strength may allow, and with best and most affectionate respects to Mrs. Rice, (who I hope, by the way, will not suffer her attachment to Virginia to make her hostile to our wishes in regard to her husband,) I am, dear brother,

Yours very cordially,

Saml. Miller.

The report of the election of Mr. Rice to the Presidency of New Jersey College had reached Prince Edward, before his election to the Professorship. The letters were in possession, and the contents made known^to him before the committee of Presbytery waited upon him to announce the choice of his brethren. He wisely laid the subject aside as much as possible. In the month of January he had recovered strength sufficient to return to Richmond. His position was both critical and interesting. His weak state of health rendered mental effort injurious;—and the expressed will of his friends seemed to render mental effort unavoidable. In a letter to his friend, Dr. Woods, of Andover, Massachusetts, he writes, March 22d, 1823, and states his condition as far as he could remember it:—

“Rev. and Dear Brother.—(After excusing his delay in writing, he goes on to say)—I beg for constant remembrance in the prayers of my brethren. Let them pray that I may be restored to health and usefulness, if such be the will of God; and if not, that I may be willing to be nothing. I know that the Almighty has no need of such a worm of the dust as I am to accomplish his purposes; but yet I do greatly desire the honor and happiness of being employed in liis services, and of being made a blessing to my fellow-creatures. I wish I had a better account to give respecting my exercises, during my severe sickness. My situation then was such as to show the madness of putting off the work of full preparation for death and judgment. During a part of the time I was like a man excited with wine. Every thing pleased and diverted me. I was very happy; but I could not depend on exercises and feelings of which I was then conscious, because they were so much colored by the operation of disease. And when this took a turn, and fell on the nervous system, my imagination teemed with ‘ all monstrous, all prodigious things,’ and that in a manner so vivid, as to put me up to my best exertions to disbelieve the real existence of the monsters which appeared around me. I recollect having spent a considerable part of a whole day in a most strenuous exertion to keep me from crying out for help. In this situation, you can well conceive that I had but little comfort. I remember feeling that I was a poor sinner, and that my hope and help were in the Lord Jesus alone. And on one occasion I had a sense of the presence of God, and of the divine glory, which as far outwent any thing I had ever experienced before, as the sun outshines a star. But in general the state of my disease prevented religious exercise or engagement. While I tell you these things, I ought to observe that my recollection of the whole scene, and of the events which took place, is like that of a confused and troubled dream. Pray that this affliction may be sanctified to me and to my family. The thought of its being misapproved, and of my being chastened in vain, is very painful to me.”

Extract from a letter from Dr. Miller, Jan. 17th, 1823.—“I will not enter into the business of the Presidency, for two reasons. The first is, because I have no time, having only a few minutes to devote to this letter; the second, that judging of your feelings from what mine once were in a similar situation, you ought not to be burdened with any such weighty matters, until your recovery has made further progress. One thing, however, I will say. Give yourself no uneasiness about the delay of your answer. There is no reason why you should. We are in no haste to receive it. Take your own time. But do not, I beseech you, think of a negative answer. I hope you will not. I think if you let us know your mind by the last of next month, or the beginning of March, or even by the first of April, no one will complain. The earnest hope of every one whom I have heard speak on the subject, is, that you will not suffer your mind to be burdened with it, in your feeble state.

“P. S. I am going on with my answer to Brother Stuart, slowly. You were right in predicting that I would not despatch the subject in a single short letter. It is not improbable, if I live to finish it, there may be 7 or 8 letters, making in all a pamphlet as large as his.” The Dr. refers to his controversy with Dr. Stuart on the Eternal Generation of the Son of God.

Dr. Miller sent Dr. Rice an extract of a letter from Chief Justice Kirkpatrick,—under date of March 17th, 1823, “You will be able to judge of the state 3 of mind of at least one of the committee, by the following extract of a letter received two days ago, from Chief Justice Kirkpatrick, viz.: It is now a long time since I have heard any thing concerning Dr. Rice. The meeting of the Trustees of the College is fast approaching, and I begin to be afraid we shall not be able to give them a satisfactory account of the matter committed to our charge. We were appointed to wait upon the Dr. at Richmond.

Can we give any satisfactory reason why we have not done so? Will it be sufficient to say, we made a communication to him last autumn, (such as in truth we did make), and that we expected, that upon that communication, he would accept or decline the Presidency; and that therefore we have done nothing further since that time ? Is it not probable that his silence is grounded upon the expectation, that the committee must necessarily perform the duty imposed upon them by the Board; and upon the sentiment that it might be rather indelicate for him, either to form or to signify his determination before that was done

Dr. Miller adds—“I know of few things on which my heart has been mere set, for a long time, than prevailing with you to come to this place, and take charge of Nassau Hall.”

The sickness of Mr. Rice prevented a decision of the questions before him; and the delay in deciding kept his mind in agitation, and delayed his recovery. In his waking moments he could refrain from any conversation on these matters. But as he rolled upon his bed in his feverish restlessness, the broken prayers and exclamations that fell upon the ears of his watching wife and friends revealed the workings of his mind, and the burden on his heart, “ Bear old Virginia! Richmond, and the dear people there! Oh God! O God! for life and health to labor and glorify thee! O for health and strength to do something for old Virginia! A theological school — we must have a theological school! Where does duty call? What can I do for the College of New Jersey? What can I do for the Presbytery —for the Church —for the world of man /” From such like expressions his wife and friends drew the conclusion, before he was sufficiently recovered to make a decision, that his heart was inclining to the theological school, with all its difficulties, which he felt in their full number and weight. He had urged Mr. Hoge to hold on, and encouraged him in his wonderful self-denial and multiplied labors. He had urged Alexander to return and take the arduous post, which no one could fill so much to the satisfaction of the Virginia Synod. And how should he refuse the call of the Presbytery to occupy that very station? As he considered the case of Mr. Hoge, he could make no objection. When he looked at his own election he could excuse himself somewhat by saying that Alexander was the choice of the whole Synod, and he had been chosen by his own Presbytery. But then the Presbytery had thought of no one else, and were in earnest to have a school; and all the arguments he himself had used for a seminary of the kind in the South, would* come back upon him as reasons why he should leave Richmond, and refuse Princeton, and remove to Prince Edward.

When the winter was passed, and his health but partially restored, he felt himself bound to make some reply to the invitations given him in his early sickness. Having resolved to decline the appointment of president of the college, he wrote to Mr. Alexander, March 5th, 1823; and after stating that his health would entirely prevent his usefulness in that office, he goes on to say — u But if this were removed, there are others I know not how to surmount. I will state them as briefly as I can. 1st. There has been no question so often proposed to me, as whether I would accept the presidency of a college. And in reference to nothing have I studied myself so completely as to this question. The result of the whole of my examination is, that I am not well fitted for the office. 1st. I have a very strong dislike to it. 2d. My education has never been sufficiently complete for it. In that station I could not bear the idea of being unable to instruct in any department in college. I do think that a president ought to be able to look particularly into the studies of every class, see that the professors were discharging their duties, and rouse the pupils to activity in their studies. Now, this I could not do without an intensity of application which would kill me.

2d. It is well known that the acceptance of the presidency would be very advantageous to me in a pecuniary point of view. Here, my nominal salary is two thousand dollars; my real one sixteen hundred dollars, very irregularly paid ; and my expenses are beyond my income. At Princeton I should get two thousand five hundred dollars, punctually paid at quarter-day, and should have much less company than here. On acceptance, then, it would at once be said, 4 Ah ! this is what his love to Virginia has come to. Northern gold has bought him, and it can buy any of them.’ And then my influence at the South would be greatly lessened, if not destroyed. And,’ with my disqualifications for the office, I could never regain at Princeton what I should lose here.

“3d. The state of things in the South is such, as in my view, presents very serious obstacles to my going North. I have been observing as carefully as I could, how matters are working, and I am convinced that a theological seminary in the South is necessary; and that if there is not one established before long the consequences will be very deplorable. The majority of students in the South will not go North. I think this a settled point. In North Carolina there are twelve or fifteen candidates for the ministry, now studying divinity in the old field-school way. And between preachers brought forward in this manner, and those who have better opportunities, there is growing up a strong spirit of envy and jealousy on the part of the former. This is so much the case, that among Presbyterians there is actually now an undervaluing of that sort of education, which we think very important. And things are like to get worse and worse. If, however, a seminary can be established in the South, many will frequent it who will not go to the North. If we do not go on with ours, they will have one of some sort between themselves in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The more remote, the more dissociated from the centre of Presbyterianism. But my plan is, if we can succeed here, to take Princeton as our model, to hold correspondence with that great and most valuable institution, to get the most promising of our young men to finish off at Princeton; and, in a word, as far as possible, make this a sort of branch of that, so as to have your spirit diffused throughout us, and do all that can be done to bind the different parts of the church together. And it has appeared to me, that if the Lord does not intend to throw me aside as ‘a broken vessel/ of no use, that I may be more useful here than I possibly could be anywhere else. I do not speak now of the effect of training up men for the South in the North country, nor of the unfitness of most Northern men for our purposes. You know that in general they will not do.

“P. S. — I have just lost one of the dearest and most devoted friends I had in the world, Mrs. Wood, widow of the late General Wood".

Having given these efficient reasons to his friend Dr. Alexander, he announced to the committee of the board of trustees, that he declined the call to the Presidency of New Jersey College. Dr. Miller, under date of April 21st, 1823, gave an official reply, couched in the most courteous language, and expressing the kindest sentiments. He adds: “The contents of the preceding pages are official. I add a few' unceremonious lines, as a friend and brother. I will not attempt to tell you how grievously we were all disappointed by your rejection of the call to the presidency. Had not your letter to Dr. Alexander, a few days before, in some measure prepared us for it, it would have been still more grievous and disheartening. As it is, I can only say, with those around me, the will of the Lord be done. You have indeed, I had almost said, cruelly disappointed us; and yet, if the estimate which you make and express in your letter, of the state and prospects of your health be indeed correct, you have done right. Again, I say, the will of the Lord be done! I had hoped to spend the remainder of my days near you; but it is all ordered in the wisest possible manner.

“Mr. Lindsly is elected president. He has not yet accepted the office. Whether he will do so is uncertain. I have already in type two hundred and twenty-four pages of my answer to Professor Stuart. It is as you predicted. I have written eight letters, instead of one. I hope it will be out in a fortnight or three weeks.”

To recover his strength, Mr. Rice tried an excursion, in the month of April, towards the sea shore, visited Gloucester and Mathews, and then the Eastern Shore. The moderate exercise, the sea air, and unmeasured kindness of the people refreshed his languid frame, and affected his heart. “The people down here,” he says, “are as affectionate and respectful to me and your aunt as possible. It is not possible not to love and pity them. They are so destitute, and yet such excellent stuff to make Christians of. Everywhere we are received with kindness, and treated w^ith affectionate respect, which may well awaken gratitude to the gracious Being, who, I was almost ready to say, paves our way with love. I have a deeper conviction than ever, of the necessity of building up a theological school among ourselves. We must have a school. But must I be the professor?” That was the question which now rested on his mind: none the less difficult of solution, because he was at rest respecting New Jersey College. In the month of May, he was undecided about the professorship. Two things now caused the difficulty: his health, the feebleness of which had, in his estimation, rendered the performance of the duties of a president of a college impossible, was still so frail, that some thoughts which he expressed early in the spring were still in his mind, that he might have to retire to some quiet and healthy situation,” where I should be called on to preach but little, and have opportunty of taking a great deal of exercise;” and the situation of the printing press in Richmond, established by his efforts for the circulation of religious books, “the press give us great advantage, and increases our moral power to a vast extent; if we give it up, we shall be shorn of half our strength.” He feared that, if he left Richmond, the press “in which I have worked almost alone, have broken my constitution, spent my time and sunk my money,” would have to be given up, and the preparation and circulation of religious books abandoned; “to give it up now, will be a sore business to me, and ruinous to our plans.” In the end the press was abandoned, to his great grief and pecuniary loss; but he lived to rejoice in seeing the work done on a larger scale by the benevolent societies that were then coming into being and activity. *

But he must decide; and as in declining the invitation to Princeton he. had cordially set his worldly interests aside, supposing him able to perform the duties, so, in finally accepting the invitation to the professorship which his brethren still urged upon him, he still further sacrificed his personal interests, and assumed a weight of labor, the very prospect of which made him tremble. Funds were to be collected to sustain the professor, and make provision for other professors, to erect necessary buildings, and gather a proper library; and beside these labors laid before him, in which he himself must take an active part, beside 'the duties of the professorship, which embraced the circle of studies allotted to the two able men, Alexander and Miller, in Princeton, he was to be in a position of comparison with those men, in very disadvantageous circumstances, perhaps even of apparent rivalry to those he loved and respected to the highest degree. If he pressed the claims of a Southern institution, would he not seem to be in opposition to the beloved brethren in Princeton? If he gave way to them to the degree his heart prompted, would he not seem to be traitor to the very cause he had urged with effect on Hoge, and with great urgency on Alexander?

On the 2d of June he made a communication to the session of his church, announcing that, “with the utmost reluctance, and even with deep anguish of spirit, I have been brought to the determination to accept that appointment,” and also to announce the necessary consequence, “I resign to you my pastoral office.” The session and church, in the whole matter, treated their pastor with the greatest kindness and respect. The thought of his leaving them v^as painful. His peculiar relation could be filled by no one else; but it is not known that a single intimation, reflecting either on the motives or acts of their pastor, escaped their lips, or that any efforts were made to decide for him. They waited for his decision, with an affectionate confidence that he would do what seemed to him was duty; and when the announcement was made, that brought sorrow to many hearts, they yielded at once, but their hearts went with him to the seminary; he was their spiritual father. The Rev. John B. Hoge, pastor of the church on Shockoe Hill, and successor of Mr. Blair, presided at the session that received the kind letter of resignation from Dr. Rice, and passed resolutions dignified in their conception, and complimentary in their truthfulness.

About the middle of July Mr. Rice embarked, to try the advantage of the sea air, on a voyage to New York. Not finding much advantage from this short trip, he proceeded to visit Saratoga, to try the medicinal waters. Besides attention to his health, he proposed, in his journeyings, as far as opportunity was afforded, to carry into effect a resolution of Hanover Presbytery, passed in April—“That the Board of Trustees be authorized to raise by subscription a sum sufficient for the erection of necessary buildings for the accommodation of the Professor and Students of the Seminary, to procure a site for the-buildings, and have them in readiness by the 1st of November, if possible —and another resolution passed in June—“ that the Rev. John H. Rice be a special agent to solicit contributions to the funds of the Theological Seminary.” The Presbytery of Albany held its meeting in the village of Saratoga, while Mr. Rice was there. Encouraged by the brethren, Mr. Rice laid before the Presbytery the project of the Presbytery of Hanover, in giving greater efficiency to her theological school. Mr. John Chester, pastor of the Church in Albany, said he addressed the Presbytery then, in a house put up, in a great measure, by Southern funds, and strongly commended the enterprise, laid before them. Dr. William Chester, pastor of the Church in Hudson, related some of his experience in Virginia, and confirmed the statements made by Dr. Rice, of the great necessity of the proposed school. The members of Presbytery listened with attentive benevolence, and gave assurance of their aid. The character Mr. Rice had acquired in the Assembly gained him a hearing from the Albany Presbytery at Saratoga; and from this Presbytery he received his first encouragement to expect that the Presbyterian Church would cherish the Theological School in Prince Edward. Dr. Nott received him kindly in Schenectady. In Albany Dr. Chester’s kind welcome was followed by some handsome donations. At Lebanon Springs he found advantage from the mineral waters, and the excitement at the reception of his enterprise among his friends. In Boston he found many friends, the acquaintances of his former tour, and made many for his Seminary. In Salem Dr. Cornelius assisted him in making collections, At Andover his acquaintances of the former visit, Messrs. Porter, Stewart, and Woods, proffered their friendship and assistance. The summer being passed, his health improved, his spirits cheered, and many friends to the Seminary secured, he turned homewards, preaching and making collections in Philadelphia—in Baltimore with his brother Nevins, and in Fredericksburg with his friend Wilson, since his successor in office, and reached Richmond in safety.