Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1888-01-05
REV. DIR TUoBURN

Twenty-nine years ago a modest young
man stood before packed audience in the
old NJ. E. Church building and in simple
and tender words bid good bye to friends
and neighbors, preparatory to journey
10 India, whittier he went to labor as a
missionary. The scene is vividly impress
ed upon the memory of the writer, even
the hym-
From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide OF woes.
There is calm, a sure retreat,
TiS found beneath the mercy seat -
the singers in the choir, the faces of the
people, and the calm, spiritual face of the
young preacher all pass in review.
The undertaking at that day was an i'm
mense one, as compared with the facili-
ties afforded now. Then the young mis-
siOnary took ship at Boston, and for l27
days was upon the billOws of the ocean.
To-day he takes railway train at Caleut-
ia, thence through the Suez Canal. across
the Mediterranean TO Brindisi, Italy,
thence by train 20 Calais, across the chan
mel, thence to Liverpool by train, another
short run across the Irish Sea, thence by
train TO Queenstown, where he meets the
great trans Atlantic steamer, which
ploughs the ocean with almost railroad
speed, and in six days casts her anchor in
New York harbor Southern Europe,
Egypt, and India are crossed with rail
roads, the Alps pierced by tunnel, and
ship-building reduced to perfeetion-so
that now mails and passengers from that
distant land can reach these shores within
six weeks.
The young missionary was not strong
man, physically, and his friends looked
forward to his residence i'll that tOrrid eli
mate with many misgivings. OF quiet
address, he spoke with feryOr and power
for his Master, and here his friends hoped,
if life and health were spared, he would
exert great influence for good But in
that far-off land all was misgiving and
doubt with every one but the young mis-
siOnary. He entered upon his work with
unfaltering trust and enthusiasm, and to-
day he returns crowned with success, and
one of the foremost preachers of his
church.
DR.. ThOburn was at home during the
war, and on that occasion preached a
Thanksgiving sermon which produced a
profound impression, and he again visited
his native land seven years ago. On the
present occasion he has been in America
several months, but has been so occupied
with matters concerning his work and the
church, generally, that he did not reach
st. Clairsville until Wednesday of last
week, where, with his good wife, he was
the guest of Mr.. and Mrs. i. T. Nickel
vey. Mrs. James Wilson, of Bellaire, a
sister of DR.. Thoburn, accompanied them.
In the evening large number of friends
were invited to meet them at the Nickel
vey homestead. Notwithstanding the in
clemency of the night, great many avail
ed themselves of the opportunity, and five
hours were delightfully."- spent in conver
odllOll dllu "REMINISCENCES. Oll lHulSudg
evening DIR. and Mrs Thoburn spoke to
the people in the lecture room of the NJ.
E. Church. DR.. Thoburn's address was
full of information about India and its
people-their social condition and habits
the development of the country-and
the probable future of its people Mrs.
Thoburn (who is regularly read physi
cian) called attention to the difficulties
with medical attendance upon
women, and the need of hos
pital for women at Calcutta. Both adj
dresses were listened to with Keen inter-
est.
Friday morning DR.. and, Mrs. Thoburn
started for Kingston, Ross county, the
home of Mrs. Thoburn, to spend the bal
ance of the holiday season.