The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-11-11
FoR ras CENTRAL PkEssrrERIAS.
John B Lyle.

Few names are more widely known, re-
spected and cherished, especially through
the Presbyterian churches in the Valley
of Virginia, than that which furnishes
the caption TO this article.
Mr.. Lyle was native of the county of
Rockb.ldge, and belonged to the family
of that name which fills so prominent a
place in the history of our Church. 1t
is not my purpose TO write biography
of this excellent man, but only to point
out a few incidents in the life and few
traits in the character of one who, as a
private member and subsequently Ru-
ling Elder of the church Of Lexington,
Virginia, acted his part well, aud ended
his earthly course triumphantly.
He always spoke of his early religious
life with sorrow. H. thought he had
connected himself VITA the Church pre-
maturely, and that as consequence of
this, he failed in some of the most obvi-
Gus duties of the Christian life, and in
his own language, ''needed to be con-
verted over again" But if this were
so, he had experienced that second
change before my acquaintance with him
was formed.
In September, 1S4S | found him adOrn-
ing the doctrine of Christ his Saviour
by a life of singulur devotion to the
cause of religion. AS leader in the
young mems prayer meeting, as a con-
slant attendant on the congregational
meetings for prayer, as leader of the
church choir, as an active laborer IN the
Sabbath School, as successful collector
for religious and charitable purposes, as
a generous giver to all good objects, as
the sympathizing friend and active CO.
laborer of his pastor, have rarely, If
ever known man more lovely or more
useful. He became the youngest OF "a
session of twelve members, and every
trait which had adorned his character as
a private member of the church, now
shone with increased luStre as a Ruling
Elder. Through evil and through good
report, in season and out of season, ne
gave full portion of every day TO the
service of that church. the purity, peace
and prosperity of which he had vowed
when he united with it, and still
more when he became a Ruling Elder,
with all fidelity to seek. These vows he
faithfully performed. Not cOnfning him
self to any one district of the cOngrega
ton, he was we'll Informed as to the wants
of the whole.
He was especially faithful and success
full in discovering cases Of r, ,hglOus con-
Germ. No man was freer from fash
ionabls, religious cant. No man ever
exhibited less of austerity, either in spir-
it or manner. He could speak TO any
one with whom ne might meet about the
interests of his soul in way so becOm-
ing as never to offend, and yet So pointed
as to learn just what he wished to know.
/ have reason TO believe that he con-
versed and prayed with more people
young men especially,-when in great
er or less degree awakened to sense of
sin, than any man, not in the ministry,
| ever knew, and with far more than
many ministers ever did. Such cases he
always reported to his pastor, and either
sent or conducted them to the parsonage.
When he accompanied such persons, he
usually introduced them and retired,
leaving the pastor to discover their state
of mind as best he could. 1t was pre-
cisely thus that he dealt with Major
subsequently, Major General Thomas j.
Jackson.
Mr.. Lyle's pecuniary means were linn
tied, and yet he gave aud prevailed on
others to give to such an extent as to
diffuse through the congregation a spirit
of hberality known aud felt over the
whole Presbytery. The following incl
dent will illustrate what is here said.