The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-12-22

Died, November 23d, at his residence in Chris
tiansburg, Va, CHARLES B. GARDNER, in the ed
year of his age.
The subject of this notice was a gentleman of the
highest character, commanding the respect Of all
who knew him. he was possessed of superior men,
tai endowmentS which diligently and faithfully
u-ed in a very active and successful business life.
he was not man of many words, bat he had clear
head and sound judgment, guided by scrupulous
sense or honor and genuine klndllness OF heart.
Though man of decided views, and strong convic.
tons, such was his prudence aud uprighsness OF
character, that while he made many friends, he
scarcely, if ever, made enemy. Just, honorable,
kind generous, public spirited, he was true man,
whose loss will be deeply felt in the community In
which his life was spent
For many years Mr. Gardner was well and favora-
bly, known throughout the State as Cashier of the
Bank of the Valley of Virginia, branch of which
was located at Christiansburg. He filled this posi-
ton with honor to himself and with entire satsfac
ton to those who had the benefit of his fine business
talent in the conduct of the important and difficult
business entrusted to him.
He represented his county in the Legislature of
the State, probably 10 ls47-'4S and was many times
called to occupy other positions of tru,t and honor
by his county. which he filed ably and faithfully.
But, as his pastor, l would speak of him particu'
lary when his character was ripened and adorned
by the graces of the Spirit. child of the covenant
MI. OArQner was trained 10 respect the rellRlOn OF
the Gospel; but it was not until late in lfe-when
about fifty years Of sge-that he united with Gods
people. Under the preaching of that eminent man
of God, DR.. Stiles, his mind, which had long been
convinced, was thoroughly aroused, and he was led
by Gods Spirit to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ. II was IN keeping with his character mod
esty but firmly to take his place in the church, and
this he did, becoming member of the Presbyterian
church in his native place. From this time he never
wavered in his purpose, by the grace OF God, to be
faithful servant of the Master. 1t ceased to
be source of sorrow to him that he had so long
neglected this first and highest duty. During his
last illness he spoke feengly and sorrowfuly of the
obstacles which must be encountered by one who
comes at late period of life into the service of
Christ he felt it to be both duty and pleasure to
labor actively in the Redeemer's kingdom, and he
mourned over the hindrances which. he said, his
long lite of sin threw in his way that he wlDted
to do something for the cause of Christ. For many
weeks, during his last illness, his mind much
confused and disturbed by his physical condition and
his sGfferngs 1t was ony in the morning about
o'clock, when he first awoke, that he could collect
his thoughts, and enjoy calm and comforting COM
munion with the Father of spirits This was his
hour of prayer and his soul was stayed up by 1t to
the last. He knew that the time of his departure
was st hasd, and he met it calmly, with an unwav-
eriug confidence 10 God, through Jesus Christ
Thus to his children, and to the church, he has left
the clear and precious testimony of believer, to
the athfulness of God to those who trust him, even
down to that hour when all earthly supports fail.
ID. B.