The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-17
Tribute to the Memory of Mrs. Elisabeth
McClung

mCOlUuS
Mrs. McCung, of Stanton, Va, has been called
to her rest, having departed to be with Christ on
Thursday, the llth inst in the S7th year OF ner
age.
1t is but expressing the feeling Of thousands 70
say that the departure Of one so widely known, 50
much respected and loved calls for something
more than the usual brief obituary notice.
For nearly three fourths of century has her
life been testimony to the power of divine grace
Without, however, any special notice Of Its earlier
portion, its closing period affords topic OF most
pleasing contemplation, and an Illustration OF the
display of the grace Of God, most edifying and
encouraging. For nearly thirty years she might
have been regarded as an old Christian. This has
been the period in which from her peculiar TEN
per of mind and the position she occupied, she
became personally acquainted with the best people
of the land to an extent probably never surpassed,
if equalled by any living woman in our Common
wealth; impressing all who knew her with the
highest estimate of her mental and Christian char
acter.
She was the youngest sister of DR.. A. Alexan-
der, whom she remarkably resembed in features
and in mental constitution. Clear in her percep
tons, and quick of apprehension; filled with a
proper curiosity in seeking, and proverbially apt
in communicating information, her compensation
was the charm of the delightful circle Of which
she was so long the centre and the bond.
She saw much of ''the goodness Of the Lord in
the land of the living" and often too could say,
| { N i IL. l. IL,
But she was not elated by prosperity nor despOn
dent in adversely Her faith operated daily. She
saw Gods hand in all that was melted out to her
Ever thankfully recognizing His gracious provi-
dence, she felt assured, even when others were
anxious for her welfare, that He would provide
for her. And when it might have been supposed,
under some of the heaviest blows that ordinarily
fall on any, her anguish of heart would break forth
in repining, she possessed her soul in patience
and acquiescingy kissed the rod and Him who
had appointed it. -
She made no professions of pungent convictions,
or of ecstatc raptures but most eminently Illus
trated the great cardinal doctrine OF practical di
vinity, Trust in the Lord and do good. While
presiding in two hotels successfully, in Staunton,
she ever won the esteem even of passing strangers,
by her eminent Christian courtesy, and bound old
friends in new and frmer ties, by her delightful
conversation and dlgent regard for their comfort.
She allowed no worldly duties to interfere with
her Christian privileges, and though not in very
robust health, was seldom absent from her seat in
Gods house on Sabbath morning. Her S was truly
minister's home.
| most extensive acquaintance with two past
generations of Presbyterian cergymen, and lead
ing men and women, made her conversation most
interesting and instructive to that generation with
which her old age was contemporary.
She resided, for several years past, in the Au-
gusta Female Seminary in Staunton, conducted by
Miss Baldwin and one Of her daughters. Here
she was the venerated and beloved friend and
guardian of the large household of young ladies
attending school, Her room was their home, her
society their coveted privilege, and her love and
counsels the best substitute ever provided in such
an Institution, for that of mother at home. -
Her last days evinced the power of lifelong
faith She rather resembled one about setting out
on desired journey and anxious to be gone Not
only had death no terrors, not only was she calmly
resigned to Gods will, but she welcomed her re-
lease as ordered by His wisdom, who never erred,
and moved by His love who never failed She
passed away more as if translated than as one
passing through dark vallies and deep rivers
Those who remember the manner of her brother
DR.. Aexander's death, may understand how she
left u.s. She sleeps in Jesus
The writer of this tribute to her memory, re.
CARDS it as one of the highest honors and pleasures
of his life, that he permitted to bear the rcla
ton of beloved pastor to such child of Cod
More, far more could be said, and the mind would
not tire in recalling pleasing recoections, nor the
hand in recording them. But this is enough, per-
haps, to illustrate the great truth which her life
constantly held forth, that an abiding, intelligent
faith in Christ, and flial confidence in gracious
Father in Heaven, ever seeking and finding the
guidance of the Spirit, affords the only sure means
of happy life and peaceful hopeful death and
that with such Christian principles in exercise no
outward estate, whatever it may be, will obstruct
our Christian course, but that any whatever will
become subordinate to its advancement.
Blessed be God for the life and death of dear
Mrs. McClung B. NJ. S.