The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-11-06

which the Lord manifested to it in his experience
| taught him to use it much.
He was not a " star preacher nor was he
"revivalist." But his discourses were simple,
pathetic, ehaste, well digested, perspicuous and
edifying. The ministry of very few men has
Seen more profitable or successful. No great
awakening attended his preaching, but it was
never without the encouragement of steady ac-
ceSsiOns to his church. And one pleasing testi-
monial which the writer has received, especially
from his last charge, is found in the fact that
they were very seldom better pleased than when
he occupied his own pulpit The sad derange-
ment of his nervous system by ill-health carried
with it much of the softness and pleasantness OF
his voice; yet the Lord gave him message
whenever he spoke which commanded universal
attention and praise.
The one grand theme of his preaching was
Christ and Him crucifed. Especially did he es-
chew, as both profane and treacherous, all po-
litical discussions from his sacred desk Hold
ing forth plainly the atonement of Jesus as suf-
6cient for both Jew and Gentle he reached the
| eonscienceS of political extremists; disarmed
suspicion; won the affection of opponents, and
the admiration of all. His last discourse was on
the Immortality of the soul and its consequent
need of a Saviour; and in few brief Sabbaths
his changed experience prepared him to discourse
with an angels tongue upon one theme that had
been the fondest of his earthly ministry. His
patriotic heart loved his native Virginia, and bled
at every pore for the political woes which have
befallen her; but in the absence of a revelation,
he refrained from carrying her fortunes into the
pulpit further than pleading with God that the
sulierings of her children might be sanctifed.
And the success of his ministry in drawing all
opposing factions of border town into one con-
gregatiOn, illustrates the divine power and the
variable application of the Gospel of Jesus.
The universal thirst of the human soul viii drive
men of all politics to drink at the one "foun-
tain opened in the house of DAVID
soul less devoted to the doctrine of the Cross
and less determined to know nothing but ''Christ,
and Him cruci6ed,' would have shrunk from
the embarrassment of his situation when he went
to Martinsburg. The Church was discordant
the community was rent with feuds of political
hate; the people to whom he was to look for sup
port had been peeled of all their wealth. Men
would have said great discretion was needed
Mr.. II. was discreet; but his main discretion
was the integrity of his heart, and his high re-
solve, without respect of persons, to preach Je-
sus the only Saviour-the Saviour of Jew and
Gentle. This he did without sycophancy to the
powerful, or concealment of the convictions Of
his private Judgment.
As Presbyter, Mr.. Hughes was ever frank,
courteous, deliberate, and valuable. He was am
bilious only Of the Masters glory. His large
charity allowed neither Wanting nor envy, but
kindled the flame of fraternal love in the hearts
of all his brethren. Winchester Presbytery will
long bemoan him; and the Martinsburg church
will lament like Rachel, and refuse to be COM
| forted because her loved pastor is not. Whether
! the King of Zion delay long to send her another
such or not, may the angelic spirit of her sainted
pastor never look down upon her to see her
members diScordant, discovered and antagonis-
tic.
After an illness of FIVE weeks, during which
time the sum of his rare conversation was the
kindness of friends, and the Importance of max
ing peace with God before nausea and pain at
tack the body he passed through the dark valley
to the promised land, leaving blessed memory
behind with deeply bereaved community. The
public may learn something of his worth from
the following extracts of letters relative to him.
Rev. J. S. ArmiStead, d. D., writes: ~ al
ways listened to him with pleasure, and so did
my people. He was a sincere, earnest Christian
man, anxious to gloriy God and to do good to
his fellow man.
Rev. J. NJ. 2. Atkinson, D. D., writes 81 do
not think l evsg knew a man more universally
beloved thar our dear brother. He was among
the most amiable and most guileless of his race.
His preaching was decidedly popular in Eau
quier, as l believe it was everywhere else
Among his brethren in the ministry / have
knoxn of but one feeling towards him, and that
was feeling of affection and respect"
Rev. John c. Backus, D. d of Baltimore,
writes: "He was very highly esteemed here,
both by his brethren and his congregation. His
dignifed and amiable department, his faithful
pastoral abors, and his excellent, earnest pulpit
illustrations, commanded the respect and in
terest of all who knew him. His ministry here,
though brief, was very important and valuable
to the church over which he was He found it
a feeble missionary church, and he was the
means of elevating it very much and giving it
new life. At the same time he was very much
respected and beloved in all our churches. His
brethren felt deep regret at parting with him at
a time when his usefulness was very much in
creasing. They were all sincerely attached to
him.
Thus lived and died one OF the purest men
in Gods Church, wept, honored and loved by
every church, community, and denomination
who enjoyed his ministry or acquaintance
"Know We not that there is prince and great
man fallen this day in Israeli" His fall, how
ever, is but the decay of the 'eorn of wheat in
order to springng up at the resurrection morn
ing, and bearing fruit in the unchanging King
DOM of the glorifed. Blessed are the dead
that die N the Lord, for they rest from their la
bors and their works do follow them" Even
their memory is precious, and their record Is
hallowed by the sanctifying Spirit of God to the
edi6cation of the Church no less than to the
comfort of the bereaved ones. A. c. II.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.--As of
tentimes, when walking in wood near
sunset, though the sun himself be hid by
the height and business of the trees
around, yet we know that he is still above
the horizon, from seeing his beams in