The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-04-22
Lee occupied the most prominent position


during the great controversy which grew
out OF the separation OF the original or
ganization into two ecclesiastical bodies in
the year 1874. As editor Of the Richmond
Christian Adrocdfe he spent one half OF
his ministerial life in the defence OF what
he conscientiously believed to be provi-
dental event I'm the history OF southern
Methodism; and he never ceased to enter
tain the conviction that the organic union
OF the two branches OF the Church North
and South would be detrimental rather
than advantageous to the cause OF God in
the South.
During the mighty debate Just referred
to he handled editorial thunderbolts with
such dcxterity and won so many hand-to-
hand combats i'm the field OF discussion that
he acquired, not unreasonably, the reputa-
ton OF polemic, at all times ready for
tilt with the enemy, and rather eager than
otherwise to welcome the prospect OF a
conflict. This, however, was an unjust
estimate of the character OF the man. AS
controversialist, he was without a supe-
rior i'm the South, but he fought what he
believed to be the battle OF truth; and not
withstanding the influence Of such train
ing-school. he carried to his death-bed as
warm heart as ever beat in the breast OF
mortal, and left behind him an envieble
reputation for generosity OF bearing and
magnanimity Of spirit toward the foes OF
other years.
In Virginia Alethodism he was an
acknoN ledged leader, and commanded the
confidence and respect OF his brethren.
Some time since, in an address upon the floor
OF the Conference, he used these words
"Whcn j am gone, let it be said that the
Young men OF this body never had truer
friend than Leroy NJ Lee" 1t was a brief
statement OF notable fact. He was always
the first TO volunteer i'm defence Of an as
sailed brother, and the last TO bid him fare
well on the outer edge Of the threshold.
Last November, in Charlottesville, he
asked for and received q superanuuated re-
laiion. according to the provision in the
Book OF Discipline, which relegates the
worn-out preacher to the veteran corps.
Since then he has been tenderly cared for
in the home Of his daughter, and has passed
the greater portion OF his time in pre-
pairing valuable contributions for publica-
ton in the church papers and periodicals
OF Southern Methodism. His busy brain
could not rest.
Death found him at work. The struck
tent is wreck OH the field OF honor, but
the captain OF the host has passed out and
upward TO Join in eternal communion with
comrades whose friendship he treasured in
fond remembrance to the latest day OF life.
MASS MEETING AT ST. PAUL's CHURCH.
Last evening at s O'Clock a meeting was
held i'm st. Paurs church, the occasion
being the visit OF Mr.. Robert Graham, OF
England, who comes TO this country with
the recommendation OF the Church OF
England and the best laity OF Great Britain.
and who Is now working under the ap-
proval OF the Protestant Episcopal Church
oi the United States.
The meeting was opened by prayers
and singing by the Rev. DR.. T. G. Dashiell,
who introduced Mr.. Graham. Mr.. Gra-
ham in opening his address referred to the
StOnewall Jackson monument on the
Square, and paid a handsome tribute to
the Virginia soldier and Christian.
Mr.. Graham discussed the subject OF tenn
perance i'm an able and eloquent manner,
without any attempt at display, but with
great zeal and spirit. \ meeting viii be
held for ladies to-day at noon in It. James
church, and at night at s O'Clock in Grace
church, and on Sunday morning IN st.
Johns at III o'clock, and at st. Marks ut )
Sunday night; and conference will take
place on next Thursday at Monumental
iecture-room at p. VI. and at Christ
church at night.
The meeting was closed by singing and
PRAYER. Christian people generally are IN
yited TO attend these meetings. He breaches
temperdnce-not total abstinence.