The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1875-12-29
REV. JOHN MOFFAT.

in Dumlrieshire, Scotland, on the lst of
January, 1916. His mother died when
he was quite young, and his father when
he was about ten years old. At the age
of twelve he began life for himself, us a
shepherd boy. He subsequently, spent
four years in mercantile pursuits, in
Bristol, England, but at the end OF that
period, by the failure of the house with
which he was connected, he lost all his
earnings, and returned to Scotland
In 1887, having sufficient mony to pay
his passage, he emigrated to this country.
His first employment was obtained near
Rochester, New York, but before long he
found his way to Columbiana county,
Ohio. Here, in the summer he worked
for the farmers, and IN the winter he
taught school. Three or four years after
ward, when he was near y thirty years Of
ago, although poor and having a family
depending upon him for support, he de
termincd to study for the ministry.
1t was impossible under the clrcum-
stances that he should 90 regularly
through college or Theological Semi
nary. But he put himself under the
training of Rev. O. y. Patterson, of New
Lisbon, and so well improved his oppor-
tuujtlcs that he WAS in due time licensed
TO preach by the PreSbytery. Not long
| afterward he was called TO be the pastor
OF the PRESBYTERIAN Church of st. Clsirs-
vile. whittier he removed In 1877. In
this charge ne remained for about four
teen wears. He next accepted call 10
the two churches OF Bellalre and
/ Rock nI,I. the former of which was or
guniyed under his labors. For about two
wears he served his double charge. In
1868 he became the pastor OF the Second
Presbyterian Church ot this city, ana he
continued in this relation until his
death.
The illness which terminated in his
death began with slight stroke OF para
lvsis in February, 1871, Since then he
has not preached, although for time he
took some part in the services OF his
church. In 1873 his son, Rev. j. ID. Muf-
fat, was installed Us his associate in the
psstorate His last public effort WAS the
delivery of the charge to the young min
ister on that occasion. All that medical
skill could suggest was done tor his res
toration to health, but, although at times
there was partial improvement no cure
could be effected The malady was OF n
kind which batfled human effort. In
October, 1874, he with his wife, sailed to
Scotland. He spent some months quiet
ly in that country and IN England, and
received benefit, especially from the salts
= 8 Z A. ff a.,gl 4
years. But in May, 1875, one side of hi:
body was thoroughly paralysed. He WA:
then in EdInburg, and attributed the
stroke to n long walk which he had taken
10 hear the late DR.. Arnot. The same
sermon proved to be the last which DR.
Aruot ever preached. Perhaps, in heaven
they have already met and talked Of thl:
| CoincIden on earth.
As soon as possible he returned home
The voyage, although very difficult to
him under the circumstances, was sue
ccssfullv performed. But from the strok'
he never to any considerable extent raj
lief. lie was only once out o. the house
since his return The change which end
cd in his death manifested itself COupI,
of weeks ago. 1t from the first very muci
interfered with his speech, but 1t Iet
him able, until the last day or two
to understand what was said to him
His death was not preceded by any
struggle or sign OF suffering. Several
hours previous to it he sunk into deeI
sleep, and finally without motion ol
his BODY beyond the beating of his hcari
and the drawing of bis breath his soul
took its flight. He leaves widow and
thoec sons and one daughter to mourn
his absence.
1t is not the purpose of this sketch tC
attempt an analysis of his character, o
to enter into the details of personal Incl
dent. This, doubtless, Will in due
time be done by some competent ha
1t may be proper, however, to add here
T that he was man of decided natura
strength of mind. This is evident
from the position to which he rose il
spite of the early disadvantages with
which he had to contend. He was :
Christian of such an order that no one
who knew HIM doubted his piety. ii,
was minister whese delight was /,
preach, and whose labors the Savior
: blessed. His most prominent qualities a.
a preacher were his adherence to the say
ing doctrines of christianity for his sub
iects, and bis fcrvor IN the presentation o
these simple trnths. And it was for the
sake OF these things, and not from any
ai!ectation of learning or orstory, that
the masses of the people loved to listen
to him. He has now gone to high hci
reward than any which this world CAR
bestow. Ho is with Christ and with
those of his people who have already
proceeded him IN the entrance into glory
We ioin with his Master in Saying;
Servant of Christ, well done"
u W. +.