The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-11-06
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Tribute to Rev. J. W. McMurran.

Inc IOllOWlng minute was UNANIMOUSLY
adopted at the Sessions of Presbytery of Rap
pahannock held at Catoctin church, October,
1867.
Presbytery cannot erase from its roll the
name Of Rev. John w. McMurran without
deep sorrow at our loss. We would record our
gratitude to God for the services to the cause
OF Christ in our bounds so long and faithfully
rendered by him. Brother McMurran minis
tered laboriously and with singular selfdenial
and sacrifice in a wide portion of our field, as
yet left destitute by his death. He died in his
3Sth year, having spent twenty-five of those
years in the membership of the Church, and
twelve in the ministry of the Gospel. He died
on the 18th of August, 1867, deeply lamented
by his flock, by all his brethren in the ministry
of this Presbytery, and by all Christian people
who knew him, of every name so far as we
know and believe. His name will be ever dear
to us, and his example light in the walks of
his ministry, and especially in his anxious and
earnest care for the usefulness and prosperity
of this Presbytery.
JOHN w. PUGH, Stated Clerk.
Funeral Rev. C. A. Davis, of Memphis, Tenn
The services were held in the Cumberland
Presbyterian church on Sabbath They were
participated in by several of the city PASTORS
and were attended by an immense audience
After remarks by Rev. DIR. Steadman, the old
est pastor in the city, the Rev. DR.. Ford made
an address. He stated that only on the last
Sabbath the beloved brother preached in
IL. |. h. i
visit to Kentucky in better health than usual
His attack by the fatal fever commenced on
Sabbath night, and continued through the
week with variable symptoms, until Saturday.
when his approaching end was indicated by the
black vomil. He seemed conscious of the fact
and asked, cam l dying?" When informed
that he would not probably recover, he ex-
claimed, BLESS the Lord, forever and ever !
The Lord can carry on his work wi iout me ;
| submit entirely to his will -" my trust is
in the blood and righteousness of my Redeem
en-" Rev. Dr. Steadman Rev. Mr. Wither-
spoon, and Rev. Mr. Graves had now arrived.
He told them he was going to die and repeated
aloud the whole of the 23d Psalm. Prayer
was then offered, and he joined in it with
calm resignation. Through the lingering hours
of the day he frequently asked the time, and
to each enc who entered, addressed himself
with calmness, recommending the religion he
had preached to them, and exhorting them to
meet him in heaven. Tell your people"
said he to DR.. Graves and myself, that die
in this faith-faith in Jesus" He requested
naming the page in hymn book from mem
ory-4hat favorite hymn of his should be
sung asked him what tune. He answered,
Near" and said =" / will start it," and he
did, with calm, steady voice, and we joined
with him in singing il. la tho-oourso OF The
evening Rev. Mr.. Graves read to him the Sth
of Romans. He anticipated the reading re-
peating much of it himself When the 18th
verse was reached, For We have not received
the spirit of bondage again unto fear, but We
have received the spirit of adoption whereby
we cry, Abba, Father" he exclaimed 81
would not give that glorious doctrine for
worlds He seop after complained of dark
ness his sight and hearing began to fail: but
he retained his memory and general conscious.
ness clear until about p NJ At Is minutes
after he turned himself and seemed to be in
great agony. We all prayed in deep anguish,
that that would be spared us, and God would
permit him to die without struggle. Our
prayer was answered; he breathed calmly, and
evidently without pain and in entire silence for
about ten minutes, and then, without pang
or struggle, he sweetly fell asleep in jesus
BLESSED are the dead that die in the Lord. "