The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-04-14

assistance could be obtained was youns
and inexperienced, poorly furnished for my
work, without money, without books or pro
per facilities for study. Was it therefore
unreasonable that should have felt dis
couragement, and my utter insuficlency toi
the work before me? The conflict was long
and severe. But even amidst all this dark
ness and gloom there was one ray of bright
ness. There were once ga few names even
in SardiS which had not deGled their gar
ments-for they were worthy" This was
a token for good amidst widespread ungod-
illness. And here there were few good
mothers in Israel who by their sympathles,
counsels and prayers afforded encouragement.
There was good old Mrs. Craig, woman
of unusual intellectual vigor, well acquainted
with her Bible, had studied carefully the
great doctrines of grace, was we'll versed in
the distinctive tenets of Presbyterianism,
and the order and government of that Church
which she so ardently loved. She not only
understood them well herself, but was able
also to defend them, and not Uery reluctant
to undertake the task when occasion required.
Her daughter, Mrs. Bowyer was another,
and woman of like spirit. Mrs. Douthet
was another, She was very old and lived
but short time. Hers was the first funeral
sermon l ever preached. Mrs. Gardner was
another, who / believe is still living.
Mrs. Malinda Craig, wife of the Hon.
Robert Craig, and daughter of Mr.. Walton,
elder of Salem church, was another of these
worthy and excellent women who let their
light shine in the midst Of darkness. She
was highly refined and most estimable
lady, full of zeal and love for the church of
her choice These, and perhaps one or two
others whose names are not remembered,
were all the professed Presbyterians in the
village. These were not in connection with
any particular church, as there was none
sufficiently near to be connected with. On
the road to Salem, about eight miles from
Christiansburg, lived Mrs. Madison, who
became member of the church when organ
lied the next summer. She was one of the
Preston family of Smithfeld, woman of
great strength, dignity and independence of
character, intelligent, piOus and Jealous for
the truth. Near her house was one of my
places of preaching once month.
But | must not forget my warm.hearted
friend Mrs. Murray, at the toll gate, three
miles this side of Christiansburg. She
seemed to be waiting for the consolation of
Israel She loved the cause of Christ and
greatly desired its advancement. Her hus-
band, who was cripple (having had both
legs amputated above the knee) became
hopeful convert. On the morning of the
communion ne was taken TO the place of
meeting on sled, and placed at the COM
muniOn table by his friends, quite an affect
ing incident.
These pious women, certainly not more
than ten in all, constituted the little leaven
which, no-doubt, was even already beginning
to work moral change. These constituted
the nucleus around which an organized church
of God was in due time to be gathered. Their
prayers of faith came up for memorial be-
fore God. If the prayer of one righteous
man availeth much; what may not be ex-
pected to result from the prayers of ten
righteous women? Here is apower for good
to the church that cannot be easily estimated.
What would become of the church but for
their influence?
(To BE CoNcLUDED.)