The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-03-11

Shiy SCeneS tndl pdSoOu oSiole I'LL, ne
"was not disobedient." And, as has
been stated, his great and disheartening
obstacle to professional life being over
come, he commenced with ardor the pre-
paration necessary for the sacred Office Of
the Gospel ministry. He was then in his
oath year. The disappointment of many
interested in his success in life, when he
chose the ministry, expressed in very
decided terms, was met honestly and
frankly by his conviction that a s0Oe aoas
for hiim If he preached not the Gospel
A young man of fine endowments, of
good education, and pleasant manners,
and high aspirations, just breaking the
bonds that had shut him from profession
al life, and declaring his convictions that
Gods dealings with him as person and
the husband of a l6Ssae Christian, had
shut him up to the ministry, would of
necessity attract the Stention of the
Church of God. His well known integ-
rity forbid all suspicious of unworthy
motives; his frankness left no one in
doubt of his intentions. When he an
nounced his purpose in 1880 of pursuing
his theological studies at Princeton un-
der Drs. Alexander and Miller, the world
sighed that a great man was lost to the
ranks of honor and fame and the
Church rejoiced that another subdued
sinner had been won by the grace and
providence of God to the special service
of the Lord.
2. His cheerfulness and benevolence
were graces united in bonds indissoluble.
His principles of belief and moral action
influencing naturally kind disposition,
made him cheerful. When he presented
his frank and honest face there was upon
it cheerful smile that spoke heart at
peace with God and man. If that smile
left his face, there was distress and per-
plexity of no common kind brooding on
his heart. No one ever saw that brow
lowering but sympathized with him in his
mental and spiritual sufferings, waiting,
hoping for it to pass speedily away.
His benevolence madS-him desire and
strive to see other people cheerful. Here
was the great labor of his life; to lead
his fellow-men to the fountain of cheer
fulness and persuade them to drink large
draughts of the living waters; as Isaiah
says, "Ho every one that thirsteth
come ye to the water, and he that hath no
money; come ye buy and eat; yea, come
buy wine and milk without money and
without price," Andas that which Christ
offered freely. ccst-s,pr-- ti1cSuncounted
price of has labor and his life; his young
servant on entering the ministry, impress
ed with his example, devoted his labor
and his life to the work Of presenting to his
fellow-men the grace Of Christ. He gave
literally and honestly has labor and his
life; his labor, in that he, with strict in
tegrity, counted up all that the Church
gave him by way of salary for his
services, and expended it all from year
to year in gifts and works of Chris
tian charity, his living was never from
the gifts of the Church; and his life, in
that he exhausted all Its springs in labors
he felt himself called to undertake for
his fellow-men in the name of his Lord.
He was strict in giving, in works of
charity, all that the Church gave him
from her stores of justice and love; and
he did not stop there, but often added
from the income of his patrimony, to
make out that which was lacking of the
gifts of the Church, to meet his convic-
tions of duty in giving to objects that
seemed to him deserving his aid. His
patrimony did not make him wealthy
man; and early in life he was led to the
resolution never to add dollar to his in
heritauce. With these principles he was
compelled, in order to maintain credita-
Bile position in life, and not be overtaken
with debt, to exercise his fine financial
abilities in promoting economy. This he
did without ostentadon. In fact, from
the little parade he made of his affairs.
many supposed him falling in the finan-
cial talent, and that his liberal giving
was only lavish and ftful squandering oi
an unseen yet princelyincome. His true
character was not understood, out of hi;
own domestic circie,7..gr after his death
In looking after some of his unfinished
benefactions the spirit and habits of the
man were revealed to the surprise of all
In fulfilling the duties of his domes
tic relations and answering all the call;
of his public position, he knew how, az
we'll as any of his cotemporaries, and bet
ter than most of them, to call to his aic
the capabilities of all associated with him
This the family always knew, and thi
the faculty of Hampden Sidney COlleg,
knew, as he appeared evidently making
every one feel that he was the college
and committing the college as trust t,
every one. All singly felt the respOnsi
bility of the whole; if one suffered, al
were afflicted with him.