Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1848-06-01

DIED-in New Albany, indiana, on the 18th OF
May, ult., Rev. JOHN MATTHEW'S, ID. D.,
Professor Of Theology in the Theological Semi
nary there located, aged 76 years and some
months.
Although the health Of this venerable servant
of Christ had been for some time in a declining
state, his speedy death was entirely unexpected
10 his friends. On the morning OF the 18th he
submiltedto surgical operation, after which he
rapidly sank, and At . ~ p. NJ. his sanetiled
spirit passed into the immediate presence Of lis
Lord. Then a noble soul Quilted this earth--a
soul replete with profound and elevated thought,
with. dcvout and reverential feelings towards
God, and viii tender sympalhies and kindly af-
lection towards nan, r-fR
He was a native II North Carolina, where
the early years of bis ministry were spent. His
preaching Il thai time is said tabaye been char
acteriYed by great feryor and occasional yehem-
'ence, which was, at times, attended with most
marked and startling effect upon bis auditory -
This will perhaps, be mater 81 surprise to hose
who were accustomed 10 his more esuposed and
|didactie mode Of preaching in after life.
He removed from North Carolina to Martins
burg, and thence 20 Shephenlsfown,. where he
continued to reside until his departure for the
West, preaching also al Charlesiovn, Harpers-
Ferry, and in various other paris Of Jefferson
counfy-not only in churches. but In school
houses, and private houses, as be had epportuni-
|y-eaiechisjqg DE young, visiting she sick bu-
|exle1siyc ministry, with real which disregard
led all considerations Of personal ease, and an
ability which commanded universal respect
Il Is not our intention 10 apply 70 DR.. Matthews
the language Of eulQgy. Ne man would have
|disdaiEed il none when nFing=none peeded ID
less. But il Is due 10 bis memory to say. that
there was lacking in MIN ne one element essen
tial TO the character Of DAT most disniled of ii
human beings faithful CHRISTIAN minister
His character was remarkable fpr - symmetri-
cal development fndiyid6al exec lepcies were 50
blended and atiempeied aslp Substitute harmo-
nions and weIl-prupo rioned whole.
There was beautiful consistency and suita-
bleness IN all his conduct free from that stiffness
which attends The mere study Of prophecies by
one whose soul Is not imbnedswish an affection
for what Is right and lovely, and Of good report.
The writer although aware that his assertion
Willie read BY many who have had every oppor-
tunity from long intercourse With De Matthews
In saying that his conduct was uniformiy bcc0m-
ing christian and a minister Of the Gospel
The reason IS obvious. He was man Of one
purpose, and that purpose was 70 giorify God,
and do good ID his fellow men,
Eighteen years aeo be was called TO PROBES
sorskip in he Theological SEMINARY IN Indiana.
He rcto1niscdihc voice q God and detcrmined,
a every sferi6te, % obey. His reply 70 he ~
mons.rance Of = member Of rs family, who was
Jonah an called % an unpleaaanf mission, and
would c<pcCl Iona11 ponisAmtnl III refused %
e6.1 Ofhis labols and prirdli11s oelk IN build
;rr m l1om II inlhncr he Inktiniion Nilh which
he was co1ncc[ti ~ shall rcIIniD ff0u1 speak
M. They 1rc written. where ALOE hs would
lE<iIe % hare 'Asu ieco1ls1 a the soQ< Gods
80 - - - ~. - 2. =. .t.sf -.