The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-11-11


church to assist in completing the en-
dowment of Union Theological Semina-
nv il Prince Edward When the third
application was about to be made, some
complained that these'calls were too fre
qnent. In a company of gentlemen
who had casually met in Mr.. Lyles
book store, the question was asked,
What do you think the church will
give for this object now?' One said,
= am willing TO give as much as | gave
on the last apphcation,' Another re-
piled, Il cannot give any thing, and
do not think she church should give any
more" Mr. Lyle, who was usually the
last to speak on such occasions, said, 81
am willing TO- double nay last subscrip
ton, and think the church ought to
iouble theirs, aud that they will do it. y
The effect of this answer was visible in
in every face, and the result was precise
ly as Mr. Lyle predicted. The first sub
scription was about FIVE hundred, the
second thousand, and the third over
two thousand dollars.
When he made his subscription ] said
to him, LYLE, it seems to me you
have subscribed more than you should
have done. How do you expect to pay
so large sum ?" He answered with a
smile, by making and selling fly
brushes made of peacock feathers
These fowls, you know, abound on Tim
berridge, and my friends there can fur
'nish me with an abundant supply, and it
will crafty me exceedingly to make the
tails of these vain birds contribute to
the education of young men for the min
istry" True to his word ne paid his
subscription in this way.
Mr.. Lyle not only had an ear, but a
soul for music. His voice, both for COM
pass and melody, was inferior to none
l had ever heard. For many years he
led the church-choir. He occupied the
centre seat in the choir-gallery, directly
in front of the pulpit. The sound of his
far-reaching, yet melodious voice, and a
view of his round, full face, radient with
devout emotion kindled by the sacred
truth embodied in the psalm or hymn,
often led me to think that his singing
was as helpful to me as my preaching
could be to him. His spirit too, in this
regard, was diffused through the cOngre'
CATION so that, in his day, the singing Of
Gods praise was real and delightful
part of social and public worship.
The true source of the divine life this
good man had was his faith. He could
truthfully and habitually say, 81 be-
lieved and therefore have | spoken. "
His acceptance of every jOt or title of
the Word of God, his reliance upon the
scheme of salvation revealed in the Cos
pei, were literally unqualified and uu-
wavering. His understanding and his
will bowed to the authority, and his de-
sires and affections found their highest,
purest satisfaction in lessons taught by
inspiration of Col Neither the specu-
lations of the fanciful, nor the cavils of
the sceptic weighed feather with him.
Thus saith the Lord was the end of
all controversy; and Lord, what wilt
thou have me to do?' determined every
question of duty with him. This faith
gave him unwavering confidence in
prayer. Ask and We shall receive,
seek and We shall find, was accepted
and quoted by him in its most obvious
meaning and plead at the mercy-seat iu
the confident expectation of an answer.
! And many, very many were the answers
obviously granted to his prayers. He
habitually went from his closet to the
prayer-meeting-to public worship, and
even on visits TO his friends.
This good and useful man was attack
ed with paralysis, during divine worship,
aud was borne out of the house on the
arms of his friends. He fingered about
twelve months, and died in peace, July
10Th, 1858, aged about 6fty-one or two
years.
The powers of speech were spared tc
him until he was very near his end. His
sick room, for year, was frequented by
large numbers of warmly attached friends
His intercourse with these friends was
characterized by sancti6ed cheefulness
which made his room like the vestibult
of Heaven. Truly it was good to be
there. His sun went down almost at
noon, Frightening to the last. He dice
as he had lived, the fearless, faithful
servant of God. W. L. W.
LeringtOn, Ia.
AHINTTO MANUFACTURERS Chris
tian business man in London, who has
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