The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-11-26

TO MS friends n family and to MS
fellowman. and true as poor frail NOR
tality can be. to his God, and was a
noble tpye Of our highest m~anhood-a
modest Christian gentleman. The death
Of such a man is a loss not only to the
community Of which he was a member.
but to the state at large, for 1t Is such
men as he. men Of principle and men
of prayer. who give dignity and charac-
ter to a state.
Mr.. Worth married in early life Miss
Stickny, Of New York, a most es.i-
mable lady, n their union was bless
ed with eight children. but she and
others having passed away some years
ago.
Our city has lost one Of its most use
full and valued citizens, and society, a
prominent and honored member who
was distinguished alike for his morality
and virtue and his keen observances Of
all the proprieties Of life.
DIR. HOGE'S TRIBUTE.
Mr.. Worth has been for long years
a membe Of the First Presbyterian
church and for many years has been
a ruling elder. He was a liberal sup
porter Of the church and his loss is
sadly felt by the pastor and congrega-
ton.
DR.. Hoge, the pastor Of the First
Presbyterian church, say of him:
The first thing that impressed n
about the character Of Mr.. Worth. was
its integrity. With him this included
all that Is ordinarily involved in tie
term-the careful truthfulness of every
word. the thorough esty Ut every
act. the scrupulous fidelity to every OBJ
ligation-but it incluted more. He was
u man 'integer vitae" He had that
Wilderness" OF nature that belongs to
those who have never tempered with
conscience, or perverted the powers
with which nature had endowed them.
It was this that gave him the clearness
Of vision that detected every sophistry
by which wrong is made to appear
right; the soundnes5 Of judgment by
which he knew always the best thing
to do, and the full rounded conception
Of duty, the large and liberal views,
that made him SO valuable to city mi
state and church.
When you knew him better you were
impressed with his tenderness-his
chivalry towards won-n his sweet
ness to children, his gentle c0Cr-
tesy to all. You "a the depth Of
his affection for his family and friends,
his sympathy with those in trouble or
sorrow, and his compassion for all the
needy and suffering. The latter took
the form of a broadminded and large
hearted liberality that was dispensed
as modestly as it was given generously.
His large benefactions to the Y. NC. A,
to the state university, to the SynOd's
Orphans Home and to his church, could
not escape notice.; but there was a
steady stream Of b~enevolence which
was known only to the ben aficiaries
and to those through whom it was dis
pensed. AS the only son in u large
family, there also fell to him the
guardianship of a widening family cir
Gle, to all of whom he extended a
fathers care and from whom he re-
ceives an affection and honor which
is the reward only of labors of love.
But when you knew Mr.. Worth best,
you found that a profound spirituality
lay at the basis Of his character. His
habitual modesty and reserve kept him
from often speaking of his spiritual
feelings. At the close of his life he felt
that he had erred in not giving freer
testimony to Gods grace. But in his
public prayers all who heard him felt
that he was 10 stranger to the secret
place of the Most High. He had been
for many years a most excellent teach
err Of the Scriptures in the Sunday
school. And when he unbosomed him
self to those who were closest to him
in his religious life, he revealed a de-
vout faith in God, a simple dependence
on His grace for pardon and strength,
and a humble submission Of his will
to Gods that is known only to those
who sit at the feet Of Jesus.
His religious character has been tried
in the asst few years by two great
tests. The first was the giving up Of
his son. DR.. George G. Worth. to go as
a medical missionary to China When
he learned Of his sons purpose he facil-
itated it in every way possible, gave
him the fullest and n ut liberal train
ing, equipped him thoroughly with
everything necessary for his highest
efficiency. and sent him forth with his
appreciation and blessing. But it rent
his very heartstrings.
The other was the sudden and COM
plete prostration of his health, and the
weight Of suffering that has laid upon
him for the last two years. 1t is not
easy for the strong man to bow him
self. nor for the busy man of affairs
to drop all his plans and activities II