The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-10-18
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
REV. JAMES MORRISON.

the Rev. James Morrison, to be placed on
our records, report the following:
The name of this venerable minister of
the gospel, which has stood so long at the
head of our roll, we are now in sadness
called upon to omit. But while we feel, and
desire to express our loss, we have the blessed
comfort of assurance that his name is re-
corded in the "Book of Life, and now at
the call of the "Chief Shepherd" he has
gone to answer to that name in the Scene
raj Assembly and Church Of the first born
which are written in heaven"
Mr.. Morrison was born in Cabarras coun-
ty, North Carolina, in 1895, and was the
eldest son of John Morrison, long rul-
ing elder in Rocky River church in that
State. His parents were eminent for their
piety; so that from child he was taught
"to know the Holy Scriptures" At an
early age he was entered as pupil in the
classical school of the Rev. John M. Wilson,
D. D., the pastor of Rocky River church,
and eminently successful as teacher of
youth. From this school he entered the
University of North Carolina, and was grad
uated in that institution in the year 1914,
when just entering on the 10Th year of his
age. As an evidence of his scholarship and
high standing, his services were secured as
teacher in the Raleigh Academy for time;
after which he received the appointment of
Tutor in the University, and served in that
capacity for one year. He had made pro-
fession of religion at an early age, and his
mind was turned to that work which filled
his heart and hands in after life. His The
illogical studies were pursued under the di-
rection and instruction of the Rev. Robert
H. Chapman, D. D., and he was licensed
to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of
Orange on the 5th of April, 1917, and or
dained by the same Presbytery on the 18th
of the following November. His first laborS
were as Domestic Missionary in the East
ern part of his native State While thus
employed, he received and accepted unan-
imous call to become the pastor of New
Providence church, then recently made va
cant by the death of their former pastor the
Rev. Samuel Brown. His installation took
place on the 25th of September, 1919.
Upon this important charge he entered in
the full vigor of youth, and most faithfully
and laboriously did he address himself to the
larduous and responsible duties of his Office.
Of him it may be said with great propriety,
that he was a diligent, faithful, and afec-
tionate pastor, and an able and sound expos
itor of the word of God. This, his only
pastoral charge, extended through the long
course of thirty.eight years. The sessiOnal
records of that church show, that during his
ministry more than seven hundred persons
were added to the communion roll, on pro-
fession of their faith, which is little more
than an average of Is to each year Of his
ministry.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he
taught successfully for number of years
classical school, and it is known that ten
of his pupils became ministers of the gospel.
He was also an active Trustee of Washing
ton College, until the infrmities Of age in
duced him to resign. For many years he
was member of the Board of Directors Of
Union Theological Seminary, and regularly
attended their annual meetings. He was an
example of punctuality in his attendance
upon the meetings of the judicatories of the
church, where by judcous counsels he was
ever ready to do what was judged to be fol
the glory of God and the welfare of the
Church.
| In the latter part of his life, it pleased
i; God to lead him through the deep waters OIL
afliction. Under his arduous labors his
health gave way hopelessly, and his pastora
relation was dissolved on the 10th of April
1857 He now felt that the time of his de
parture was at hand, and "set his house il
order" to die. His remark to his friends
was, Z" try to live every day as if it wer'
to be my last on earth But God saw Fl
! to lead him through eighteen years of suffer
ing, at the same time fulfilling wonderful.
to him his gracious promise, 81 will neve
leave thee nor forsake thee" When hi
q earthly tabernacle was tottering and read.
to fall under the repeated attacks of disease
and when to his impaired mind earthl.
. things were dark and shadowy, his spiritua
vision was never dimmed, and his peace ant
comfort never ceased "to flow as river,
81 know" said he, "whom | have believed
and am persuaded that He is able to keeI
that which have committed unto hin
against that day." "There remaineth there
r fore rest for the people of God" On tn
o 10th day of November 1870, and in the 75tl
g year of his age, this venerable servant o
n Christ was called to lay off his long used ant
well worn armor, and in perfect peace ant
triumphant faith, he obeyed the summons
d and fell "asleep in Jesus" And no doub
5 he has heard the welcome at the haavenl,
9 gate, "Well done, thou good and Ia thfu
u servant, center thou into the joy of ii,
Lord"
I One reflection comes home to US with grea
solemnity, while we here record our testimo
- ny to the fidelity and worth of our decease,
] brother: Of all the ministers who compose'