Presbyterianism on the Frontiers [pp. 445-469]

Presbyterianism on the Frontiers.
and tinder with which to kindle a fire both for warmth and
protection.
Dr. Post, in his "Retrospect," speaks of "the long rides
several times every year to Presbyteries and Synods, often distant from sixty to two hundred miles," and of" the missionary
excursions," even as far as the Lake, "organizing churches,
preaching and exploring."
And did space permit it would not be difficult to cull from
many sources other incidents, which show how great were the
embarrassments and hardships of our pioneer ministers in this
State. And yet Dickey, and Martin, and Crowe, and Johnston,
and Carnahan, and their worthy peers, could have adopted as
their own the eloquent words of Dr. Post, who has just gone to
his rest. In his" Retrospect " he said: " Nor have I regretted
my choice of a place. Unworthy to serve Christ anywhere, I
have found here reasons for attachment, and have made no
sacrifices, none which can be mentioned, when the eye is fixed on
Gethseman& and Calvary."
Father Johnston, in his "Forty Years' Ministry," describes the
organization of the Synod, as one who took part in the act,
and I quote his words. After showing that the Presbytery of
Salem had been divided into three, as already referred to, he
says that "by an act of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, adopted May 29th, I826, these three Presbytetries, together with the Presbytery of Missouri, were constituted
into a synod denominated the Synod of Indiana. Agreeably
to the appointment of the General Assembly, this Synod held
its first meeting at Vincennes on the I8th day of October, 1 826.
There were present at that meeting eight ministers and twelve
ruling elders. Other brethren would have attended had they
not been detained at their homes by sickness. The following
are the names of the ministers who were permitted to be present at that first synodical meeting ever held west of the State
of Ohio and north of Mason and Dixon's line: From Salem
Presbytery but one minister attended, Tilly H. Brown; from
Wabash Presbytery there were three, Samuel T. Scott, George
Bush and Baynard R. Hall; Madison Presbytery furnished the
same number, John M. Dickey, John F. Crowe and James H.
Johnston; from Missouri Presbytery, which included the whole
State of Missouri, the only minister present was Salmon Gid
i 877.]
467