The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-06-24
FoR tbs CESrRAL PREssYrEaIAN.
RECOLLECTIONs OF A PASTOR.
June l6tI 1874,

the charge Of congregation in the Village
Of l.. was not going there an entire
stranger, for the former pastor had been an
esteemed friend of both my parents, and had
always evineed for me deep. tender interest,
almost fathers love. My sister and my
self had lost cur mother in early childhood,
and our father when l was but four years
old, leaving US in the charge of his sister
who vell performed the duty giving US the
tender care and devotion Of a mother.
When old enough, was sent away to
complete my education, spending part of my
vacation at the pleasant home of my fathers
friend, the pastor. The church and mause
were at the extreme end of the longest street,
and the beautiful scenery of hill and dale,
rocks, woods and streams, formed fine back
ground to the Village. The garden and yard
of the manse neatly kept, and bright with
flowers, added to the beauty of the minis
ter's home.
The family consisted Of his wife and two
sons, the one ten, the other twelve, lovely
buds of promise, good piOus principles, no
BE, generous dispositions, talented and far
advanced in theirstu The parents looked
forward with fond anticipatiOns of seeing
them ornaments to society, endued with
earnest desires to benefit al who should come
under their influence; for they bid fair to
make their mark in the world for good. But
sll know, who have lived long in this world,
that man appoints, but God disappOints. ="
There is a cross in every lot, and each min
ute circumstance is in the hand Of God.
A fever, so fatal to the young, took one
here, another there, and from my dear friends
their precious treasures; aud Henry and
Lewis we're borne away to sleep side by side
in the rural graveyard. It was a crushing
blow, not to the parents but to the whole
community, for all loved these noble boys !;
they we're so buOyant, so Obedient and Low.
ing. In imagination l can see them now,
hear their merry laughter as we rambled
through the woods, climbed the rocks, or
sogled for fish. Those were happy days,
hslcyon days; how well / remember them.
But Gods will is ever best, and he often
sends affective discipline to re6ne and prepare
US for unending bliss.
was a. this time pursuing my studies for
the ministry, having been piOusly trained by
my kind aunt, and we'll instructed by my
dear father Jas called him at his request)
in al the doctrines of the Bible, and exam
ined as to my abilities and piety for the Office
I had chosen. still divide the time of my
vacation between my aunt and sister, and
my adopted father, and never can l forget
the sad scene that occurred during one of
my visits, when my father buried his loved
companion, who had shared the joys and the
sorrows Of their welded life o the sad, but
resigned expression of his face as he turned
to leave the spot, where rested all his loved
ones. lie was ike solitary tree stripped
of its branches. After this bis health failed,
and the last time he preached he was so weak
his friends begged him not to go to the
church; but his reply was, Let me spend
and be spent for God" A short address, a
fervent prayer, leave taking of his flock,
and be went home, never again to be seen
passing up the aisle, or standing in the sacred
desk.
The day before his death was sent for
but being some miles in the country, did moi
reach my more than father, until his spiri
had passed to the mansions above prepared
by Christ for all his faithful followers.
His message to me was, Tell him have
bright prospect beyond the grave, for l di'
trusting in Jesus, whose precious blood 'hal
eleansed me from all sim "Tell him al
he is now licensed to preach, to fill my pulpi
until the congregation shall choose pastor
and should their choice fall on him, land
hope it may to take up the work that hav
laid down; and may God bless and pro8pe
him in al his endeavors to do good.
Obeyed his wish; took the place of on
who lived but to do good How much ther
was to remind me of the priced household
The study, the books, the desk upon whicl
was laying half written sermon from tn
text, "TO die is gain. Yes, it was gain t
him. In humility of soul, I prOstrated my
self st the side Of The couch where had s