The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-04-23


regular in attendance upon all the meetings
of his Presbytery, and an interested and in
telligent participant in all its business. His
course of action while expressive of fervent
zeal for the divine glory, was eminently
characterized by prudent caution, wise mod
Grafton and sound judgment. His Presby-
terry the loss of a judicious counsellor.
As preacher he sustained highly re-
spectacle rank. He was evangelical, sound,
impressive and edifying. Without striving
after rhetorical effect, either in the sentiments
he advanced, in the arrangement of his SEN
tences, or in the style Of his delivery, he yet
presented the truth with directness, sim
plicity and clesrness that gave him great
power over his hearers; and sometimes with
an JUNCTION that melted them to tears. In
his early ministry especially, and until his
nasural yigor began, through feeble health,
to decline, his lucid, earnest, solemn aDd
scriptural exhibitions of the truth, were re-
ceived with marked appreciation by all who
heard him. His system of faith was
thoroughly in accordance with the standards
of his Church, and the doctrines of grace
constituted the burden of his preaching. In
this respect she went his way by the foot
steps of the flock, and fed his kids beside
the Shepherds tents"
As pastor he was Vigilant, affectionate,
and sympathizing; always evincing, and in
every way, the utmost solicitude for the
spiritual welfare of his flock, and leaving
nothing undone that could minister to their
edifcation and comfort. And this pastoral
fidelity was rewarded in the gratifying re-
suits which continued to attend his ministry,
even after he was overtaken by great physi-
cal infrmities. He brought forth in old
age. Not only were many added to his
church, but more candidates for the ministry
offered themseves-at least of late years
from this church than from any other in the
PreSbytery.
The attributes which formed the character
of Mr.. Wilson were noble and attractive.
Loving righteousness and hating iniquity,
he Stunned everything that had even the
suspicion of duplicity. Always true to his
own convictions, he never failed to show
considerate regard for the rights and feelings
of others. While the virtues of gentleness
and meekness became more prominent in his
character as he advanced in years, yet in their
exercise, he yielded nothing of his frmnesS
and decision.
When we consider the traits that distin-
guished him, we are not surprised that ne
was man clothed with humility. Thorough
ly unselfsh, he sought not the honor that
cometh from man. Eminently charitable,
upon his lips was the law of kindness. Pre-
eminently prudent, he avoided rashness both
in utterance and act. Generous and forgiv
ing, he never under any provocation mani
tested malignant spirit toward another.
Untainted by ambition, he envied not the
reputation which others had achieved; but
loved every one, in whom charity itself
could find anything to love. Modest, unob-
truSive, and retiring, those only who knew
him intimately, could properly appreciate
his sterling worth, or knew that he was,
above most men, a peacemaker, poor in spirit,
meek, merciful, and pure in heart-an Israe-
lite indeed, in whom was no guile.
His Christian department was uniformly
consistent. In all his intercourse with the
world, and in all his relations to the church
as minister and as man, he bore him.
self like one whom grace had transformed
into close resemblance to the Master. "He
was good man, full of the Holy Ghost and
of faith" His whole life gave beautiful and
convincing testimony to the elevating, COM
forting and sanctifying power of the gospel.
He illustrated the nature Of the Christian
faith, at the same time that he evinced its
possession, in the diligence with which he
performed every duty-in the fidelity with
which he discharged every trust-in the
patience with which he endured severe and
protracted suferings-in the profound rev
erence with which he submitted in all things
to the authority of God-and above all,
when the crisis came, in the serene conf
dence, the sustaining hope, the sublime
transporting joy, with which he yielded up
his spirit into the hands of God.
For the death of this venerable servant
of the Lord corresponded with his life, and
beautifully demonstrated the power Of faith.
Few even of the subjects of divine grace are
so highly favored in their departure. Amidst
suferings, the severity of which was often
extreme, his peace of soul remained untroub-
led; and during the whole period of his
decline, there was no darkness to obscure
his sense of acceptance with Christ, nor any
doubt to disturb his confidence of future
glory. On the contrary all his graces seemed
to grow and ripen as his strength declined.
And we record it gratefully, to the praise of
sovereign grace, that his departure was not
only peaceful, but triumphant. His Re-
deemer had plucked the sting from death ;
and though his approaches were distinctly
seen, he gazed in the face of the conquered
foe, without one sign of apprehension or
sense of fear He knew whom he believed,
and resting for salvation upon the atOning