The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-09-15

formed definitely the Presbyterian church
when these discussions had been concluded.
Of the twelve gentlemen that united in the
petition for Mr. Wilson's return to Fred
ericksburg, ten became professors of reli-
gion; and the other two, one or both became
members in due time. Some that cheerfully
acknowledged the ministry of Mr.. Wilson,
as the means of their salvation, were induced
to unite and form other churches, but in all
cases, retaining reverential feeling for the
man whose preaching had been blessed to
them personally.
Of the twelve that signed the petition for
the return of Mr.. Wilson, the following ten
are enrolled as members of the church in
1S1O:-
John Mark, elder; Elisha Hall, elder; B.
Harrison Hall, elder; James Vass, Andrew
Glassell, Samuel II. Skinker, Robert Well
ford, Daniel Briggs, Sr.
The following two were not members
Robert Patton and John Spottswood Well
ford; one or both of them did become mem
bers in due time.
Mr.. Wilson continued his ministrations
with untiring assiduity and with great en-
cOuragement
About the time of his going to Fredericks
burg the second time, he was united in mar
riage with Miss Elizabeth Hannah, fourth
daughter of Matthew Hannah, an esteemed
and active elder of the church in Lexington.
With her he lived nearly fifty years; pious
woman who manifested great ability in man
aging the domestic affairs of the family to
give her husband the greatest advantage, in
the use of his time and strength in the duties
of his office; and was unwearying in her eff
forts to rear her children according to the
gospel; of sound sense and devoted to her
husband, she retained his love to the last of
her life, and his respect forever.
1t was not, as matter of course, that the
people of Fredericksburg, accustomed to
other ways, cOmprehended the full obliga-
tiOns existing between ministers and people,
in relation to labor and support. To give
to the preacher was evidently right, but the
amount was left indefinite, and Mr.. Wilson,
following the example of ministers in Caro-
lima and Virginia, resorted to teaching to
increase the means of his support, Part of
the time he was engaged in classical school,
and part of the time in female Seminary,
associated with some excellent ladies. The
congregation, becoming sensible that the la
Dor devOlved on him was too great, released
him from connexion with a school except as
some exigency might require his attention.
His health demanded his careful attention
the greater part of his long service of thirty
FIVE years in Fredericksburg. Occasionally
severely sick, never robust, he was satisfied
with moderate degree of health that ena-
bled him to fill up the duties devolving on
him in his position.
Mr.. Wilson saw many times of great at
tention to the subject of religion; none per-
haps so universal as on his first visit The
nearest approach to it was about the year
1881 and 80. Having seen the i'll effects
of great excitements, in his youth, both in
North Carolina and in Virginia, he had stu
diously avoided whatever might produce ir-
regularities. Previously to the last men
toned time some usages had found their way
into congregations in different parts of the
land, and were supposed to have influence
both to promote and regulate religious ex-
citements. Mr.. Wilson was persuaded by
those who came to assist him to use these
measures under his eye and watchful care.
There seemed to be an impulse given to the
earnestness of enquiry; and no events oc-
Cured to render the measures specially
odious. The most gain, that appeared to
the pastor, was the apparent fastening the
work. In the conclusion he gathered in
about 80 on profession of their faith. But
in considering the whole matter, and COM
pairing influences and effects, he came to the
conclusion, that it was best in the general,
in Fredericksburg, to hold to his original
method of procedure suggested by the
providence of God and the early experience
of his youth, and the teachings of his two
instructors. Baxter with all his law and
logic, was by nature explosive; and when
aroused would pour forth sentiments, and
propositions, and feelings and bear his audi
ence along as a cloud of glory in gardens of
paradise; and the sight of his attentive or
excited audience would but intensity and
perpetuate his feeling for that sorrow. But
if approaching to irregularity, or things
not fitting the house of God, he had way
of conveying the reproof, "enough Of that"
without offence. Of Mr.. Brown, one said,
Il have seen his blue eye kindle, and twin
kle, and sink deeper and deeper in his head,
and burn like the fame of lamp" "and
then knew there was volcano at work
at the heart" His preaching then was the
most earnest conversation of an entirely
self possessed man. Every word and senti-
ment would come in place, and with power,
and his audience would be listening with the
same intense earnestneSs, and go away bear
ing deep impression on the heart. One
shout from Mr.. Brown in his earnest sermons
would have convulsed his audience with