The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-11-28

3 extensive revivals which prevailed in man,
parts of the State, forty. five years ago, an,
he seems to have adapted his style of preach
ing to the demands of this awakening, anC
thus to have acquired plain and direct styl,
of address, which be ever after retained -
His manner was unusually tender, to which
his soft melOdious voice contributed no little
His presentation of divine truth, while it had
q simplicity which often charmed the chill.
dren, commended itself to the highest order
of minds, aad resulted in the conversion Of
no small number, of prominent public men.
He delighted in protracted meetings.; and
in very many of the churches of the State,
there are those who love to recount incidents
connected with his services, and to tell of
the good that was accomplished. When, in
his ripper years, unction became the promi-
nent characteristic of his preaching, a hearer
would speak of some particular truth, which
80 flowed from his lips as apparently to reach
every heart.
In directing inquirers he had an expert
ence enjoyed by few, and his skill in under
standing and obviating their difficulties was
very great.
Few in our connection have been hoDored
by success equal to his, in bringing souls
to Christ; and hundreds of his spiritual chill
dred, all over this region, mourn his depar-
ture. AT meeting of the Synod of Vir-
ginia with which he was connected, more than
twenty years ago, he was prevailed upon to
occupy every night of the sessions, with a
series of sermons to the impenitent, which
resulted 10 an extensive revival of religion.
His genial nature and rich Christian ex-
perience eminently fitted him for the more
delicate duties of pastor; and, by bis gen.
tie sympathy and comforting words, he &C
qured strong hold upon the families of his
charge, old and young.
The best monument of his zeal, energy,
tact and diligence as pastor is perhaps found
in his long connexion with the Second
church, Lynchburg. His labors there were
very abundant-sometimes perhaps super
abundant, as seen in the fact, that he gen.
orally insisted upon experimenting his own
Sabbath School; and the results of his work
there are plainly manifest to this day. Dur
iog large part of the war he had the super
intendence of the religious instruction, in all
the numerous hospitals in that city, and the
weight of the burden thus imposed upon him
none will ever know.
His last religious labors in Lynchburg was
in the precious revival which visited that
place two or three winters ago, where he rem
dered eff ,ient aid in extending the good
work, and succeeded in Influencing some of
his old acquaintances, whom no other person
lave reached.
accomplished
LIS talent for music
MAS considerable, and his voice unusually
melodous. He was fond of soft, plaintive
melodies, and he long ago used with much
effect, the solo hymn, which has of late be-
come so general and popular. Many per-
sons remember him in connexion with some
of his favorite hymns he used to sing, more
than in any other association.
His retiring disposition prevented him from
taking prominent part in ecclesiastical
meetings; but his good judgment and kind
heart made him valuable counsellor, espe-
cialy when differences of opinion tended to
strife. Oace when asked how to treat an of
Tending brother, he replied: "Love him to
death"
Socially he was peculiarly genial, but gen.
orally serious. Skillfully at times he would
throw into conversation some word of profit
for the heart. No man had warmer friends,
or showed himself more friendly.
This imperfect sketch shows that our broth
er Mitchell was no ordinary man, and has
finished work of no ordinary excellence
He has come down to his grave in full age,
like as shock of corn cometh in his season;
while he leaves to US, to occupy the ground
he has left, and to emulate him in the fruit
We bring forth.