Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-10-31
NUMBER 6.

continued as far as he could, till about five
years ago, they were relieved by the settlement
of the Rev. James Murray as collegiate pas
tor. Having lived to welcome this brother,
between whom and himself there was rels-
tlon of constant harmony and affection, his
pastoral work ceased. He was almost CONSTANT
ly confined to his home for years past, and
much OF the time to his couch. About year
ago Mrs. Mcfarland, who had so long and
faithfully walked the way of life by his side,
was called to the heavenly home before him.
He most patiently waited all his appointed
days till his own change should come.
His end, which he had been long expecting,
and in perfect peace" is announced BY the
Rev. Mr.. Murray, in brief note written on
the 10th inst. He breathed his last this
morning, about clock, in his sleep; so that
ne was spared all consciousness of the death
struggle, and indeed all pain In the act of dy-
Ing. For the last few weeks his decline has
been more marked and rapid, and was attended
with much suffering but in all of it he was
not only sustained by the grace of God, so as
to endure it without murmuring, but was ena-
bled to rejoice in God his Saviour, with the
full assurance of blessed Immortality beyond
the grave" --....vr s..s
The sketch of DR.. Mcfarland s life here Civ
en-, is of necessity very imperfect. Having
known him well for nearly fifty years, and in
intimate friendship for about thirty, our feel
lngs plead for much fuller expression than
the space suitable for it permits. This aged
and good minister of Jesus Christ" was no
common man. He was man of great worth,
and has been so esteemed wherever known
His long life was not only without stain, but
was adorned with gifts and graces which mark
it as one to be had ''in everlasting remem-
brance." To sum it up concisely:
He was well read theologian; averse to
tiopc but ~ rocJ Lee
ly discussion. His preaching, when id his
prime, was highly attractive, and Often with
great power OF manner as well as of thought
10 illustration. In pastoral inter-
course he could hardly be excelled. Friendly,
sympathising, and familiar Ia his manner,
Though always the dignifed Christian gentle
man) he was ever welcome among his people.
His admirable practical sense qualified him to
be judicious adviser on any subject. In sick
ness or atf1iction who could minister with more
tenderness and skill? The unusual fact that
he was invited unanimously second time to
become the pastor of Bethel, indicates the con-
fidence and affection he had inspired.
In the councils Of the Church it would not
be easy to point out his superior. His eminent
plety, the uncommon soundness of his judg-
ment, his remarkable prudence and conciliatory
spirit-though none more infexibly firm and
true to prlncl pie-gave his opinions great
weight, from the Church Session up to the
General Assembly. To this last judicatory he
was more frequently sent than any other mem
Der of Lexington Presbotery, and in the As
sembly of 1856, having been chosen as the
Moderator, he presided over its deliberations
with dignity and skill not only satisfactory to
all, but which excited general admiration.
1t is, OF course, far from our purpose to in
dulge in indiscriminating and extravagant eu-
logy of this excellent man, even when dead
He is no doubt now without fault before the
throne" in heaven. No mere man since the
fall has been SO on earth But that our
Church has now lost one of its best ministers,
all who knew him will agree. Francis McFar-
land was man of such eminent goodness, wis
dom and integrity, that all other men could
confde in him. This we can say, for we know
it. ln the meetings of the Presbytery of Lex
ington and in the Synod of Virginia-where
his seat was never vacant unless from provi-
dental hindrance-his absence will be sincere
ly lamented. During period unusually long
he Was its Stated Clerk most faithfully per-
forming the duties Of that Office. But the
of his worthy example will be long
fragrant, and we will thank God for such a
life, crowned by an end so peaceful and blessed.