The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1879-09-27
IN MEM0RIAM.
Prof. !. Wv. Macbeth. A. n.


year 1914, at Barbieston College,
Dalrymple, near Ayr, Scotland.
His father, James Macbeth, was an
eminent surgeon in the Royal Navy.
His mother, Ann Walker, was a wo-
man Of rare culture, and descend
ant of Rev, s. Walker, OF the Parish
of Dalrymple, before whom the poet,
Burns, recited his first poems"
Prof Macbeth was graduated from
the University OF Glasgow with dis
tingished honors, taking the medal
for the Prize Poem in Greek. After
ward he studied Divinity and entered
the ministry OF the Presbyterian
Church. He was personal friend
Of Thomas Campbell and DR.. Chal-
mers, from both Of whom, he had flat
tering Communications. He came to
America about the year 1858, where
he purposed to devote his life to teach
ing and literary persuits. Was last
connected with the University of
West Virginia, located at Morgan
town, occupying the chair Of Bellies
Lettres and Political Economy, which
he filled with eminent ability. He
leaves behind him widow, three
daughters and two sons to mourn his
loss. One of his sons is minister
in the Presbyterian Church and is 10
Gated in the State Of New York.
His body was taken to Cumber-
land Maryland, for interment.
Prof Macbeth published a num-
Der of works, giving evidence Of great
toll and learning. The one by which
be is best known is entitled might
and Mirth of English Literature"
He left also, two completed works in
manuscript, which will be short
ly published-one Theological
Poem" -"The New Argument" the
other "Scotch Novel" These are
said to possess great merit by those
who had the privilege of reading
them.
The Professor was a man of untir-
ing industry. Study was his delight.
No matter whether in the professors
chair, or out of it, he was always at
work. 1t is not, therefore, to be won
dered at that his mind was greatly
enriched and his knowledge and at
tainments varied and copious. He
was conversant and thoroughly learn
ed in the ancient languages. Liter
ature, however, with him was a spe-
ciality. His exuberant imagination
and fine natural taste disciplined and
chastened by dilligent culture, fitted
him in an eminent degree for high
attachments, in his favored pursuit
His work entitled "Might and
Mirth of English Literature" is q
marvel of toll, learning and discrimi-
nation, in selecting the finest gems of
the worlds best thinkers.
As citizen he was kind courte-
Gus and generous. Considerate in his
dealings with his fellow men, hav-
ing the utmost regard for their repu-
tation and their conscientious scru-
pies. His influence was always posi-
lively good, and distinguished for
firm adherence to truth and right.
But above all else was the attraction
of his moral virtues and Christian
graces. He was for many years a
CONSTANT member of the Presbyter-
ian Church, and never afraid or
ashamed to be known and recognized
as follower of Jesus, and as an earn
est and incorporating advocate OF
truth and righteousness. His home
was not only presided over with quiet
dignity and paternal affection, max
ing it bright and happy by the charm
of his presence, but also was sanctified
to the love and service of God.
The public worship of Gods house
was has delight, and all it's duties
and ordinances were made means of
grace. He was an earnest and de-
vout nearer. Appreciated largely
the power of logic and the graces of
oratory, but most, when they were
used to emphasize and make more
prominent the Gospel of the grace of
God. But his Christian life did not
stop here. He ever cherished the
spirit of devotion. Lived under the
conscious sense Of the presence of the
Almighty, and it had commanding
effect upon his heart and life. Three
times a day did he retire to his closet
to pray and commune with his Mas
ter. He loved his Bible and received
it's teaching without reservation. He
did not depreciate criticism, and lis
tened with patience to the doubts and
arguments of learned scientists, but
nothing panied him more, than to
hear ignorant and selfconceited men
attack the divinity and authenticity
of the Scriptures. In public prayer
he was always fresh and new; and
such was his felicity of expression,
child like simplicity of faith and fer
vency Of spirit. that his petitions won
and interested all, until they were
gathered in the embrace of common
sympathy and tenderness. His Chris
tain character, interesting and beau
tiful as it was in life, shone with a
brighter lustre in his last sickness.
His sufferings, although short and
terrible, were borne with meekness,
patience and acquiescence in the di-
vine will. Sometimes, however, in
paroxysms Of pain, with seeming i'm
nstianca tn no releas ed he would cry