The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-09-15
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

LIFE OF THE Rev. DANIEL WITT, D. D., of Prince
Edward county, Va By j. B Jeter, Richmond,
Va. j. T. Ellyson, 1ll2 Main street. PIP. 276.
We have read this memoir with far more interest
than is impaired by common biographies, not only
because it was our privilege to know the excellent
man to whom it relates, but because he was a near
and beloved kinsman.
The two brothers, Jesse and Daniel Witt, we're
we'll known throughout the Baptist communion in
Virginia and elsewhere; and it may be truly said
that no ministers of the gospel any where bore a
farer name for whatsoever things true, and just
and honest, and pure, and lovely, and of coed re-
port.
DR.. Jeter, his lifelong and bosom friend, has
Judged rightly we think in giving this biography to
the public. His judicious pen sets this in its proper
light. at. is true that Witt occupied no wide
sphere; but it is equally true that within his sphere
no man was more admired, loved and useful. If he
had not splendid genius, he had sound and
practical intellect if he had not profound learning,
he had what was better, an experimental acquaint-
ance with divine truth an intimate knowledge of the
Scriptures, and an uncommon art of winning souls.
If he was not great, as the world counts greatness,
he was, at least eminently good; and if his inAu.
ence was limited, it was all the more concentrated,
powerful ard controlling g." The world needs the
biographies of just such men, especially of such
ministers 1t is good to sit down and see how
charming and how useful holy en- of God can be in
the common, retired sphere of pastor.
A part Of this book consists of an auto biograph:-
cal sketch, prepared by DR.. Witt not long before his
death. 1t is written with the modesty, simplicity
and humility so characteristic OF the subject. We
think no one can read it without interest. His &C
count of his conversion and first efforts in preach
ing at the early age of twenty one, is dSply inter
esting Would that every minister of Christ had the
same evidence that he was called of God. The seal
of the divine favor was upon his own heart, and
upon the hearts of the multitudes who were turned
to righteousness, and built up in faith.
DR.. Witt was all his life of delicate health,
and often great sufferer. Yet he made full proof
of his mi stry, and gave himself diligently to the
sacred work, and his labors were crowned with
much success. No pastor could be more beloved
Dr. Jeter says of his church" In period of forty
FIVE years, though it underwent various az striking
volutions it changed not in love and reverence for
the gifted and faithful pastor" Few pastors
were the direct means of the salvation of so many
sinners as he was"
The following sentences contain testimonial such
as can be given to few:
'Of all men whom l have known Dr. Witt was
the most flultleSS " {" By nature he was amiable
gentle and generous; and by education he was po
lite upright and honorable" " His character was
adorned wi every Christian grace, and his lie
abounded in all the fruits Of righteousness by Jesus
Christ, to the glory OF God" His concern was
not for salary, but for the success OF his ministry
He might have been hired to preach, but he could
not have been hired not 10 preach"
We notice an error into which the author has
fallen on pages IS and 90. What DR.. Alexander is
represented as ascribing to the father of Dr. Witt
was ascribed to the other person there mentioned,
as letter of DR.. Alexander now in our possession
shows.
We hope that many of our readers who knew and