Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-09-02
IN MEMoRIAnT.
From the Richmond Christian A dgOeate.
Death Of Rev. NOryal Wilson.

to present the readers of the Adroeate a con-
densed sketch Of this venerable aud eminent
minister We hope &c be able after while
10 give more extended account OF his long
and valuable services to the cause of Christ.
He was born at MorgAntown, Monongalia
county, Virginia, December "a, 1902 He
was the first Methodist 10 the amily-a fami-
" long settled 10 the State, and having still
numerous branches, especially in the counties
Of Augusta and Rock bridge. The ancestral
faith WAS Cylvinistic Presbyterian, and very
decided. He was converted at an early age,
and with the decision Characteristic OF his Gu
tire life. he surrendered himself wholly 10 God.
In 1920 he commenced the work of du timer
ant preacher in the NJ. +. Church, and in the
following year entered the Baltimore Confer
ence as a probationer He was ordained Dea-
con by Bishop George April 20, 1928, and FL
der by Bishop Soule April 10, 1925. From
the date Of bis entrance upon bis ministry IN
Ill God called him to rest he was exclusively
devoted to his work No man ever discharged
more couscientiously and faithfully the obi
CATION assumed at his reception into full con-
nectjon 10 devote himself wholly to God aud
his work. lie filed many OF the most impor-
tant charges within the bounds of the BIltl-
more Conference, q large portion of the years
Of his ministry being passed in the office OF
Presiding Elder, and discharged all the trusts
committed to him with untirng fidelity and
conscientious eXactneSS. To the earlier years
Of bis ministry he was subject 10 violent hem
orrhages, insomuch that himself aud his friends
often despaired of his life, aai he was to the
end great sufferer from dyspepsia. But
Is none Of these things N vel him lie sought
no release from the engagements OF the effect
i've ranks, and gave his whole strength of body
aud soul to his work. lie omitted no part Of
duty. lie was rs z'Iious in the paStorate as
in the pulpit. Nor was the time given to pas
t0ral work suffered to waste away IN mere So
cial intercourse Few have ever hFI even
transient association with him without beiuS
faithfully reminded Of their relations and re-
spousibilities 10 God under The gospel.
Asa preacher few men Of his own, or, indeed,
Of any time, excellcl him, at least, in the great
element and attribute Of spiritual power. lie
trained himself for the pulpit, not by the ac-
QUESTION Of the highest aud broadcast scholar
ship. and the cultivation OF the qualities incl
dental 10 the public speaker, but by thorough
and constant acquaiatauc with the word of
G0J bv ceaseless and fervent PRAYERS. and by
the attainment of profound aud rich Christ
ian eynerience. lie was not an uncultiyated
man nor rude and uDgraceful. His early adj
VANTAGE, had been well used. aud were follow
ed IN in studious and thoughtful lile His
reading was large and varied His dic,on was
singular in It's purity and accuracy. His style
was TRANSPARENT. tersc. energetic His manner
free from all aHectati1ns, natural, aud more
than ordinarily impressive.
But II was never his aim to excel in any Of
the dcpartmeuts of human wisdom or power
lie preached the gospel with the Holy Ghost
sent down from heaven The revelations of
tho mower If God upJer his ministry twenty
five r. ffrv.fiye years AGO will be remembered
~. -. an ,I,y, r,,ij tI,ev shall on n n,oe,
him. One scene at guaranteeing ia Fairfax
county. Virginia was so transcendent in its
glorious manifestations, aud SO iar-reachiug in
n. p1yer. that it is hardly an eXag.er alton to
say that the spleud0y of the day OF Pentecost
did not far exceed il.
His statements Of truth were very distinct
and authoritative. Hi, logical power was of a
Ii1b order and hi, thorough knowledge of the
broad fields of theoloeical investigation made
him an able defender OF the doctrines OF our
Church. lie never declined controversy in the
Interest Of truth, and faithfully kept his vow
to Danish aud drive away all erroneous aud
strange doctrines contrary to God $ word.
He would not abate one Jot or title OF God 5
requirement upon any consideration. Ills
preaching was noted Tor Is searching quallty.
/ The word OF God was IN his hands " discern
er Of the thoughts aud iuteuts tue heart. -
His appeals were direct and coScut, gong
straight to the conscience, aud suffering no eva
sion nor defence. His administration OF diSci-
/ pliue was faithful, exact, aud careful. IN all
| departments OF duty he observed the require
/ meutS OF courtesy and geutleneSS so lar rs they
/ were Compatible with the higher demands OF
/ his ministerial responsibility. When his ~
/ dlgnation was moved by hypocFcy' injustice
( wrong, he would put the whole energy oil MS
nature in denuuclation Scathing aud terrible,
which few men would forget Ills powers o.
/ iuveCtivc aud sarcasm were rarely equaled and
rarely used.
/ In private life be was genial and bright
/ He loved to have bis friends and family around
/ him, and was keeuly sensitive TO all the de-
/ lights oi the social aud domestic circles. lie
I never sCsslppei. lie was never trivial
never spake evil OF any man. His CONVEX
Sltjon was always "with grace. lie never
/ failed to relish tie social converse about him,
. hut would not listen % cyi! speaking, aud did
not fail 10 defend the absent.
When the days Of luGrmitv came he quietly
/ submitted himself to Gods will. and retained
/ an through bis last years his cheerful interest
. I'm an tie movements and events of the world