The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-10-14

Died, August 10Th, 1885, at Meadow Grove
near Marshall, Fauquier county, Va, WILLIAM
ERASMUS GLAssELL, IN the seth year of his age
Thus closes the life of one of the most faithful
and vigorous Elders of the Presbyterian Church
In Virginia. For a year past his health has
been failing. The day before his death he
seemed unusually bright and spent it at South
ern View" He returned home in fine spirits
and retired as usual On Wednesday morning,
not answering to a call, he was found sleeping,
but it was the sleep of death. There were no
signs of struggle or pain or disturbance of any
kind. The body literally seemed unconscious of
the departure-of It's guest-the Spirit life. 1t
was turned towards the east window, through
which the first rays of the struggling dawn
would fall upon his face and as it fell, we think,
for him the dawn of the day of God eternity
was just breaking over the plains of glory. How
beautiful how fitting the close of his life life
so simple, so pure-a life linked with God in
holy living for nearly So years. And he was
not, for God took him"
William Glassell was the son of Andrew and
Elizabeth Taylor Glassell, and was born in Mad
ison county, Va, May 18th, 1897. About the
age of q he married Miss Sommervile. She
died in 1882 and in 1888 he married Miss Har-
riet Scott, who died in 1880. Shortly after his
first marriage he gave his heart to Christ, and
with it sincere conservation of all for Christ.
His father rode sixty miles on horseback, and
with two Others organized the church at Cul.
PEPPER Va. OF this church Mr. Glassel became
a member, and succeeded his father in the elder
ship. Mr.. Glassell was largely instrumental in
planting and organizing the church at Litch-
field Va. This church was as the apple of his
eye, and to it he gave the most devoted service
for many years. About 1868 he removed to
Meadow Grove" near Salem, Fauquier county,
(now called MarshalD and in 1872 he removed
his membership from Litchfeld and became an
Elder In the church at Marshall. This church
he served with the greatest fidelity up to the
day and hour of his death.
Mr.. Glassells every day life was beautiful
and powerful exemplifcation of true religion
love towards God and towards our fellow-men
shining through consecrated thought and action.
His plety was very pure, and pervaded his
whole nature. There was peculiar magnetism
about him for all To the young he was friend,
counsellor, father to the old brother, counsel
Tor, and servant for Chrst's sake There seemed
no ebb and flow in his spiritual life. 1t was al
ways as deep, strong current flowing in I'M
RULED peace and power. Mr.. Glassell possessed
a mind of unusually high order 1t had been
well trained and educated, and to it was added
a memory of very great vigor.
AS an Elder in the church William Glassel
exempll6ed the highest and truest ideal of that
sacred Office. In his knowledge of the Office, in
the consecrated discharge of It's duties, in HE
zeal, his fidelity and prudence, believe his
work as an Elder stands almost without an
equal in the history Of the Virginia Eldership
These are strong words. but their meaning is
weighed. by their fruits ye shall know them"
says the Scriptures. By his devoted spirit and
sagacious mind almost single handed, he kept
the church for years through trials and vicssi-
tudes preserving its life, It's peace its unity.
From his Bible class, laboriously and ntelli
gently taught, have gone out two men to preach
the gospel in the bounds Of the Presbyterian
church. Others are "elders" some are "dea-
cons" some are stewards" some are "vestry-
men" and all Of the class are members by faith
of the Church of Christ. This was the end of
all Of bis teaching-a personal Christ, personal
interest.
He sleeps in the family burying ground at
Meadow Grove, and sleeps well. His life was
pure; his memory blessed, for it was also Just.
]. CALvIN STEWART.