The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-03-31


Died, February 9th at Greenfield, her residence
near Charlotte G. H., Va, in the S5th year of hel
age, Mrs. ANNE MAYO READ relict of the late Isaac
Read, Esq, whom she married in 1902.
Multitudes of friends, connexions and kindred
have by this event been plunged in mourning. The
deceased a woman of extraordinary force o.
character and intellect, and truly "a mother il
Israel" She was Venable, and had double
portion of the mental vigor and originality which
have been observed to be characteristic of some
branches of that family. Mrs. Read had been
conspicuous member of the Presbyterian church
during the whole lifetime of most persons liv
ing in Charlotte and Prince Edward counties. Nc
one could have been more profoundly respected, OF
more heartily beloved. Her name will be univer
sally recognized that of of the most venerable
and worthy of pious Virginians. In addition to hei
strong traits OF mind, her capacious judgment, hel
practical sense her critical taste her memory, hel
bold conception, her gift of happy energetic Ian
guage, and rare powers as talker, she was en-
dowed with disposition of true womanly sottnesS
and sweetness, and sensib lily as fine and elastic
and as impulsive, as that of an unsophisticated
child To crown all she was devoted follower o.
the Lord Jesus Christ, and her piety was OF that
sober and meditative, as we'll active order, that
is not often exempi6ed in these days of busting
profession.
The movement of Mrs. Reads benevolence knew
no rest. Her hand was often upon the latch OF heI
poorer neghbors, and she was always glad to relieve
the unfortunate, or to supply the needy Her Chris
tiap love and charity went out OF her, as the beams
go out of the sun in all directions and as if the re-
suit of a spontaneous action, as If IN obedience
to some inwardly essential law. But her most re-
markabe life was that of her coset-and truly II
was life that was "hd with Christ in God. :" The
Bible was her daily study and delight, and few OF
either sex could comment upon its pages with more
intelligence or religious animation. Her attach;
ment to her pastor most intimately tender, and
gave rise to many interviews of which the memorials
are most precious 1t was at once pleasant and
edfying 20 sit at her feet and listen TO her words OF
affectionate humility and wisdom. There Pc
cuar force about her most ordinary diction it was
careless and colloqua, but always grave, dignihed
and somewhat measured, and well suited to the SIM
pie but weghty thoughts that seemed to be her ha'
bitual companions Not that she was not sometimes
playful and even sportve, but it seemed in her
to be an easy step from the innocent mrth OF this
world to the solemn reflections and untroubled re
pose of one whose conversation is in heaven She
was great lover ofgood books, and was a constant
reader till her sight and health failed her She
also great lover of the sanctuary and kingdom Of
God. Few Christians have had more comfortable
assurance of their final reward Prayer, agonizing
and yet trustful, and especially prayer for her nu
merouS descendants, was going up necessarily from
her muSing eye and murmuring lips, and from 9
heart that had known the rich experience of Sa
viour's love.
For number of years this admirable lady had
been declining in health and strength, and hao
gradually become familiar with the partial loss Of
sight, and the almost total loss of hearing, as vel
as with many pains, inhrmities and sorrows. Death
long expected and often threatened, came at last
and was welcomed Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord, YEA saith the Spirit that they may
rest from their lsbors and their works do follow
them ~