The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-02-20

ary. 1867, Mrs. MARGARET GRAY, consort of the
Rev. William A. Gray.
Her last ILLNESS was painful and protracted
Her'sutierlngs were sometimes so intense as &c
dethrone her reason, but in her lucid moments
she still protested her firm and mistaken conn
dence in precious Saviour, and her willingness
to trust all in His hands.
Died, in the county of Buckingham, Va, on
the 9th OF February, Mrs. MARY ELDRIDGE, con
sort of the late Rolfe Eldridge, in the 18th year
her age.
1t was the privilege of the writer to know well
this beloved Christian lady for the fourth of a
century, and he deems 1t not too high praise, to
say Proverbs 81 chapter, 1921 verses, received
beautiful illustration In her character and life.
With faithfulness and affection she performed
most assiduously the duties of her sphere The
gentle offices of her love were not withheld from
any who needed them: she was very kind to the
poor Although her constitution was delicate,
she was spared to rear a numerous family, OF
whom the greater number now survive. Her
earthly lot was distinguished by great mercies
and severe Affections, which alike, we have rea-
son to believe were eminently sancti6ed to her.
1t is comforting to know that the doubts which
mirg led more or less in her earlier spiritual eX-
erciSes, were removed long ere her departure.
She came to her grave in full age, like as a
SHOCK or corn COlneJn In his season.
The Lords kindness to his servant was mani
fest in the days preceding dissolution The fear
and pain of death were taken away. Gently she
fell asleep in Jesus. f.
Died, in Winnsboro, South Carolina, January
18th, 1867, after brief but painful illness, Miss
MARGARET CRAWFORD, in the 10th year of her
age.
She came TO her grave as "a shock of corn
fully ripe, cometh in his season." Why should
the golden grain be left in the field when it is
ready for the sickle? Why should faithful
servant of the Lord, who entered his vineyard in
the morning of life, and toiled till the shadows
Of evening gathered around her, linger longer,
when her days work is ended?
A consistent Christian life is its own common
dation. Her eulogy will be spoken by the widow
and orphan, the suffering and sorrowing, who
shared her generous sympathies, and self-sacri-
hcing ministrations. o. how much does the
Church, and society, and the wide world owe to
such lives, which dazzle not like the transient
meteor, but shine, like the steady light of the
sun-gladdenng with their constant and ever
radlating influence, penetrating the humblest
hooks of society-daily moving in their orbit of
usefulness-daily adding to the sum of human
happiness; and, while blessing others, them
selves, - like the shining light, shining more
and more unto the perfect day, then sinking to
rest, calmly and gloriously as the setting sun.
Died, at his residence, three miles Northwest
of Philadelphia, in Marion county, Missouri, on
the LIST of January last, JESSE EwING, i'll the 5Sth
year of his age.
The deceased was born in Rockingham coun-
ty, Va. In 1859 he united with the Presbyterian
church of Philadelphia, Mo-, then under the care
of the Rev. A. Greenlee In 1856 he was elect
i 4 IL Ill th,.
Office until his death. During his protracted
illness he was often heard TO say: 1.-The Lord
had a wise purpose in affecting him, the Lord
was just and his will be DONE When his at
tending physician told him he could not live, he
received the news with GOODNESS and resignation
to the will of God. He leaves five orphan chill
dren, together with numerous relations and
friends to mourn his death. w.
Died, at Davidson College, North Carolina,
July 10th, 1856, MARY, daughter of James Ii.
Greenlee, of Turkey Cove, Mcdowell county.
To those who knew this dear girl it is necessa
ry to say but little; to those who knew her not
she is as any other stranger. To one who was
intimately associated with her and loved her
tenderly is permitted the sad privilege of paying
this tribute to her memory.
Mary was blessed with pious parents who
taught her carefully and prayerfully the way of
life the seed thus sown brought forth the pre-
ciOuS hoped for fruit, and i'll her sixteenth year
she gave herself to Jesus whom she followed
meekly and trustfully until he led her within the
pearly gates. The conscientousness OF this dear
child even in matters which the world would call
trivial her faithful and devout performance of all
religious duties, her tender solictude for the
younger members OF the family looking 10 her
for guidance, the beautiful charity which marked
her words and her conduct towards all in what
ever station; in these she has left us an example
worthy to be initiated by all In her tender
years she was deprived of mothers society
and counsel, and living as she did among the
grand mountains, nature was her companion
and her book; there was nothing of Gods handi-
work that did not attract her notice and wake
her enthusiasm. She had a vigorous mind and
a most remarkable memory. Her reading was
selected with wisdom worthy of one of mature
years, and whatever she found of the beautiful,
or the valuable, she laid up as treasure
Timid to degree that made it painful Tor her
to-ningle in society, yet none were privileged to
meet her who were not charmed at once by her
quiet dignity and her grace of conversation, to
say nothing of charms of person, such as 1t Is not
often permitted us to look upon. For six years
past Mary had but frai hold on life; with a
iorgetfulness of self, and courage truly heroic
she put aside all semblance of her pain lest
Father should be disturbed" Only in incl
dental ways would we learn of long hours of wax
ing and of suffering.
Amid our.tears let us thank God for the sweet
hope left us that Mary has gone where, I" They
shall obtain JOY and gladness, and sorrow and
signing shall flee away"
9 BY guardian angels led
Safe from temptation, safe from sins pollution,
She lives, whom we call dead"
The PREsRYTERY OF NoRTn ALABAMA stands