The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-02-01

sthItcu luz LILLE Pui PosSI oho "isei tAN.i"0
q considerable distance returned home.
feeling that he would give the subject up,
and dismiss further thought about it from
his mind. But the Lord had
chosen him to be an ambassador
peace to guilty men and the Holy
Spirit would not permit him to settle
down IN secular pursuits and be at peace.
His soul was troubled and he was COM
PEELED to visit his old friend, and take
counsel from HIM. You know what was
the result
At this time Mr.. Mofat was married
| man, having one child.
Not long after he was taken under the
care of the Presbytery, he moved 10 New
Lisbon and there gave attention to she
study OF the Latin and Greek languages.
In New Lisbon he studied theology un-
der the direction of Rev. A. . Patter.
son, ID. d., then pastor Of the Presbyter-
ian Church in that place.
He remained here pursuing academic
and theological studies some three years.
During this time he was active in the
weekly prayer meeting, the Sabbath
school and other Church work.
Toward the close OF his residence here,
the Lord poured out his Spirit upon the
congregation and a revival of religion
was enjoyed, which brought some 80 into
the Church and greatly 9uickened the
graces of former members.
In this time Of refreshing, Mr.. Motfat
was actively engaged in instructlng the
anxious in the way Of salvation and as
sisting them with his prayers at the
throne of grace.
He often spoke in the prayer meetings
and the whole assembly would listen
with attention, eager to hear the truths
which he uttered with so much clearncss
and with so much feeling. His heart, as
afterward was then in the Masters work.
Particularly vivid does the scene now
rise before me when he arose one even
ing by the invitation of the pastor, and
gave an account of the prayer meeting
which had been held in Kilsyth, Scot
land, for 100 years and mentioned in de-
tail some Of the great spiritual good
which had resulted from it.
Few eyes that night but Were dim
med with tears and the e,osuence
of the young Scotchman was
the subject of conversation for several
days, among those who had heard him
and they we're inspired with great con-
fidence OF his future usefulness in the
Church of God.
All the people with whom he became
acquainted, highly appreciated him and
he secured for himself many warm and
lifelong friends.
During . vacation of month or two he
visited the congregations in the bounds
ofthe Presbytery as a colporteur, having
the double object before him OF obtaining
some pecuniary aid which he much need
ed. and OF doing good as the opportunity
might be afforded him.
He engaged in this work at the recon-
mendation of the Presbytery and under
its auspices. The books which he circu-
lated were the publications of our board,
but they were purchased by the members
of the Presbytery, Tor whom he became
the salesman.
God, faithful to his promise, always
opened up way tor him, when his path
seemed to be hedged in,
At one time, as an illustr alton among
others, the meal in his barrel was e1-
hausted, and the money had all been en-
| pended from his purse. He felt his need
and was greatly troubled. His anxiety
he said was very great. The way before
him seemed exceedingly dark. He knew
not what to do in the circumstances in
which he was placed. lie knew no one
to whom he could apply tor aid, for this
was soon after he had come to live in
New Lisbon. What could he do? He
did what many others have done in like
circumstances, who had like precious
faith He carried his burden to the Lord
and left it at his mercy seat. This was
all he could do. 1t was all the Lord
wished him to do. Having rolled the
! burden from his own heart, and commit
ed his condition to him who hears the
young ravens when they cry, he went
out to attend the school where he recited.
A gentleman unknown to him then by
name met and addressed HIM, saying
shave you come here sir TO study in ex-
pectation of preaching the gospel?' be-
ing answered in the affirmative, said he,
81 have heard so and | wish you God
speed" and taking his hand, left five
dollar bill IN it. You may have heard
Mr. Motlat tell this instance of the kind
interpositlon of providence in his benalt
He has frequently re erred to it when
conversing of Gods goodness to him and
he seldom mentioned it without deep
emotion and even with teers.
God often leads his servants through
deep waters OF affection and severe trials
for two purposes. One Is to increase their
own faith, that at all times and
in the most distressing crcum-
stances they may put their trust
in Him and the other necessarily
growing out Of it, is that they may be
able to instruct and comfort others, when
the providence OF God towards them
seem dark. In consequence Of the good
ness of God to him in times of trial and
affection which he had experienced, he
was the better able to impart comfort TO
others, when the hand of the Lord seemed
to be Land heavily upon them.
To MANY sad and sorrowing child
OF God he proved to be son of cOnsola-
ton.
III uue llUlcJhT. NUM- was lICtuccu
to preach, and a congregation joining the
one in which he had temporarily resided
while pursuing his studies was anxious 20
have him as its pastor.
The people had taken no formal action,
neither had he given them any promise.
1t had only been matter of talk, and
Providence ordered it otherwise
He was invited to preach at St. Glars.
vile, the pulpit being then vacant.
Having heard him, the congregation be-
lieved that they would be edited by his
labors and desired him 10 become their
minister. By the advice Of ministerial
friends he accepted call and WAS in
stalled their pastor in 1917.
With the history Of his public life
from this time you are acquainted, and |
shall not pursue it any further.
In closing my remarks permit me say
a few things concerning his character.