Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-10-25
From the North Carolina Presbyterian.
The Late Rev. j. b. Watt.

The following Preamble and Resolutions were
adopted in q Joint meeting of the congregations
of Steel Creek and Pleasant Hill, at Steel Creek
church, Mecklenburg County, N. c., Oct. LIST,
1860:
WHEREAS, God whose "way is in the Sea and
his path in the great waters" has been pleased
to take from US by death, our beloved Pastor,
the Rev. James Bell Watt therefore,
RESOLVED, 1st. Whilst we bow with humble
submission to this affective dispensation of q
most holy, wise and merciful Providence we,
do feel, that ours is no ordinary bereavement
For the deceased was no common man, nor or
binary Pastor. And with Borrowing hearts, we
would bear unqualified testimony, that he was
an able and faithful minister Of the New Tesla.
ment. His heart was in his work, and he gave
himself wholly to it. In labors for the good Of
his people and the glory of his Saviour, he was
very abundant. His sermons were prepared with
much study and prayer; practical and pointed in
matter, they were delivered in a strikingly
graceful and earnest manner, with r heart bur.
dened with the love of souls. Like his divine
master, he delighted to preach the Gospel to the
poor-especially did he labor, in season and out
of season, for the salvation of the multitude of
our slaves, who came in crowds to hear his in
structions. To all his flock, he was an example
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit and
IN faith. And although. he was not permitted
to labor long in his field, yet during the few
brisf months he served US, God ga We him many
seals of his ministry, which, be had fondly hoped,
were but the earnest of q rich harvest. But
whilst our hearts were almost breaking with
longing expectations Of copious showers of d.
vine grace upon his labors and q glorious return,
the laborer is cut down, or rather IL summoned
away to the actu.l fruition of his blessed re
ward, for sixteen years of devoted and exhaust
ing service in the Vineyard of his Lord.
Resolved I'd. We would kiss the rod which has
80 grievously smitten US, as it is the hand of in
finite wisdom aud love and praying for his for.
giving mercy and sanctifying grace, we would
be admonished to do quickly and with our might
what our hands find 10 do for ourselves, for 9TH
ers and for the glory of God.
Rssolued Sd. That we recognize in this provi.
dence q solemn admonition from the great shep.
herd himself, that zoe should cease from man
and endeavor more fully to realize our Deepen.
dence on Him and that, as He bears the inter.
est of His church engraven on His breast, and
has in his hands all gifts for her Pastors, Teach
ers, &c., we should cry in earnest, believing
prayer to Him, that He would send US another
man after His own heart, who under Him, might
lead US into the green pastures of his love, and
beside the still waters of salvation.
RESOLVED 4M. That we tender our heartfelt
sympsthies to the widow and fatherless chill
dren of our lamented Pastor, and pray most ear.
nestly, that in their sore bereavement, they may
hear the voice of Him "whose heart is made of
tenderness" saying to them, ~ wiW not leave
you comfortless." LET not your heart be trou-
bled ye believe in God, believe also in me. Ir
my Fathers are many mansions if it were not
80, I would have told you. l go to prepare a
place for you. Aud if I 60 and prepare a place
for you, l will come again, and receive you unto
myself; that where I am, there ye may be also"
JOHN H. MCDOWELL, Chairman.
A. F. SADLER, Secretary.