USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > History of the Presbytery of Washington : including a brief account of the planting of the Presbyterian church in Western Pennsylvania and parts adjacent, with sketches of pioneer ministers and ruling elders ; also sketches of later ministers and ruling elders > Part 23
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Samuel Anderson, installed 1824; dismissed 1832.
Ephraim Cooper, installed 1826; withdrew to the Cumber- land Church.
Nathan Axtell, installed 1826; died 1852.
William Patterson, installed 1837; died 1856.
James McFarland, installed 1837 ; died 1863.
Luther Axtell, installed 1837; died 1868.
John Buckingham, installed 1837; died 1882. James Braden, installed 1837; died 1871.
Thomas McFarland, installed 1838; died 1871.
John McFarland, installed 1857; dismissed 1870.
Thomas J. Patterson, installed 1858; dismissed 1860. Robert Boyd, installed 1858; dismissed 1868. Daniel Condit, installed 1858; died 1887.
Dr. Thaddeus Dodd, installed 1868; died 1877.
Elias McCollum, installed 1868 ; died 1887.
Samuel Braden, installed 1872; dismissed 1877.
Andrew P. Van Dyke, installed 1872.
J. Newton Horn, installed 1872.
David B Baker, installed 1882; dismissed 1887.
Zachariah Sharp, installed 1882; dismissed 1887.
Henry W. Horn, installed 1882.
Jabez Condit, installed 1887.
D. Edson McCollum, installed 1887.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP .-- The first house of worship was of hewn logs and was built on the premises of Mr. Cook in 1785.
The second house was of brick on the farm of Jonas Condit, five miles northwest of Amity. This house was sold in 1871 for $213.70.
In 1831 the congregation built a brick house near the site of the first. It was 55x50 feet and cost about Siooo. In 1842 this house was blown down. A meeting of the congregation
260
THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
was called, and arrangements were made for erecting their fourth house of worship in the village of Amity. This was a frame structure and cost about $1300.
The present house of worship was erected in 1875. It is a brick edifice, fifty-seven by forty-five feet, and cost five thousand three hundred dollars.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .--- There is some uncertainty as to the exact time when the Sabbath-school was organized. It is believed, however, to have been in 1826. Very little is known of its early history. Special attention was given in the school to the memorizing of Scripture. "The International Course of Les- sons " was adopted in 1872. A few months later the secretary wrote : " The school seems to have new life." The next five years succeeding, the average daily attendance was nearly sev- enty-four. The number enrolled in 1879 was one hundred and thirty-four, embracing the young as well as the old, parents as well as children. For want of records a complete list of officers and teachers in the school from the beginning cannot be given.
On February 18, 1875, a goodly number of the women of the church met, and organized the "Women's Foreign Mission- sionary Society of Lower Ten Mile." This society, at its first meeting, adopted a native Chinese woman as a Bible reader, in Canton, and their representative in the foreign field; and pledged fifty dollars annually for her support.
Thus far, though sometimes with considerable effort, the so- ciety has been able to keep its pledge.
ENTERED THE MINISTRY .- At an early date, before Upper and Lower Ten Mile became separate organizations, several sons of Ten Mile Church became ministers. Those who most prob- ably lived in the Lower Ten Mile settlement were William Wick, Cephas Dodd, Cyrus Riggs and Ira Condit. Thos. Hunt belonged to Ten Mile in early life, but was dismissed to Three Springs before he began to study for the ministry.
CROSS CREEK.
ORGANIZATION .- Prior to 1775 no religious interest is known to have existed in the region now known as Cross Creek. In
* By REV. J. P. ANDERSON.
FAMES DINSMORE
JOSEPH GRAHAM
JOSEPH
ANDREW REED
WILLIAM LEE
RCN
DAVID CAULY
D.
JUMSS
DONEHO
RULING ELDERS, CROSS CREEK
261
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
1775-77 meetings for social worship were held. Two societies were soon organized, one at Richard Well's Fort, in West Vir- ginia, about three and one-half miles from Eldersville, on the Eldersville and Steubenville road; the other at Vance's Fort, on the farm now owned by Mr. Allison Vance. The leading members of the former were John Morrison, Robert McCready, William McCandless and Samuel Strain; of the latter, Major William Vance, John Campbell, John Stone, Robert Barr and William Wilson.
As a result of these meetings considerable interest was awak- ened, and at Vance's Fort seven or eight persons were con- verted. The report of this work was carried back to the set- tlements, and Rev. James Power, to test its genuineness, visited this region and preached the first sermon ever heard in it, under an oak tree, just outside the gate of Vance's Fort, September 14, 1778.
After the sermon twenty-one children were baptized, the first in this region, and the first of which was William, * the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Marquis.
In April, 1779, Rev. Joseph Smith, from York County, Pa., preached within the bounds of Cross Creek, and shortly after- ward Dr. John McMillan preached a few sermons. These ser- mons led the people to put forth an effort to obtain the stated ministrations of the gospel.
Accordingly, in May, 1779, the church of Cross Creek was organized, and on the 21st of June they met with the people of Upper Buffalo at the house of James Marshall (now the resi- dence of Thos. McCorkle), midway between the two places, and made out a joint call for Rev. Joseph Smith.
Judge Jas. Edgar prosecuted this call before the Presbytery of New Castle, in session at Carlisle, Pa., and Rev. Smith ac- cepted it October 27, 1779.
The following were among its first members: Wm. Campbell, Wm. Patterson, Judge Jas. Edgar, Wm. Park, Hugh Newell,
# Genealogy of Marquis' family-William was born December 22, 1776: James. March 17, 1779; Sarah (believed by many to be the child baptized), September 6, 17So; Thomas, January 27, 1782 ; Susannah, November 20, 1783; Mary, Septem- ber 28, 1786; Jane, May 9, 17SS; and Anne, March 2S, 1791.
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THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
John Morrison, Robert McCready, Jas. Newell, Joseph Vance, Joseph Patterson, Thos. Marquis, Miles Wilson, Wm. Rannells, Henry Graham, Wm. McCandless, Wm. Vance, Saml. Johnston, John Marquis, Saml. Patterson, Geo. Marquis, Lettice Griffeth and Thos. Bay.
The church was not chartered until 1825.
PASTORS -- Rev. Joseph Smith 1779 until his death, April 19, 1792.
In the fall of 1779 he accepted the call from Cross Creek and Upper Buffalo, and he and his family were brought on pack horses by John Smith, in December.
Col. James Marshall offered two hundred acres of land (that now owned by J. M. K. and J. C. Reed), to any one who would move Rev. Smith to Buffalo.
The offer was accepted by Col. Joseph Reed, of York County, and he sent his team and son-in-law, Joseph Reed, with Mr. Smith's effects. The Buffalo people met him at Washington, and cut a road to Buffalo.
Rev. Thos. Marquis was pastor from April 23, 1794, to Octo- ber 3, 1826. Rev. John Stockton, D.D., from June, 1827, to June 20, 1877, and as pastor emeritus until his death, May 5, 1882. After his retirement his last public act was to bury, in February, 1882, Mrs. Hannah Lee (the last member, who was a communing member, when he took charge). *
The fourth pastor was the Rev. Wm. H. McCaughey, from October 31, 1877, to June 30, 1885. Unknown to himself he came to serve the church in which his great-grandfather, Hugh Edgar, had served as an elder.
The fifth pastor is the Rev. j. P. Anderson, from April 1, 1886 -.
SUPPLIES .-- Cross Creek never had a stated supply. From October 16, 1826, to June, 1827, Rev. Richard Campbell preached seven Sabbaths, for cach of which he received $5, as receipts show.
* Dr. Stockton said that it was Mrs. Lee's tears that led him to accept the call to Cross Creek. When told that Fev. Stockton had decided to go to Congruity, she could not restrain her tears. When told of this Rev. Stockton said he would have one faithful woman to pray for him, if he came, and he accepted the call.
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
263
ELDERS.
DATE OF ORDINATION.
John Morrison, . 1779 or 17So.
George Marquis, .
1779 or 17So.
Judge James Edgar, (York County.)
June 8, 1814.
*Thomas Marquis,
1782 or 1783.
*Joseph Patterson, .
1782 or 1783.
Joseph Vance,
1782 or 1783.
May 6, 1832.
(These three were appointed by the Session.)
Robert McCready, 1792.
William Rea,
1792.
Henry Graham,
1792.
January 31, 1827.
Robert Lyle,
1792.
Hugh Newell, .
1792.
November 25, 1843. September 13, 1810. Dismissed (1827).
Thomas Marshall, 1792.
John Colville,
1792.
John Wilkin,
ISO7.
January 3, ISIS.
Thomas Smith,
ISO7.
John Marquis,
1807.
February 28, 1821-22.
Hugh Edgar,
1807.
Samuel Mckibben,
ISO7.
John Henry,
1818.
James Fleming,
1818.
George Newell,
1818.
Hugh Lee,
1818.
George Miller,
1818.
Andrew Farrar,
1818.
Joseph Smith, .
1818.
Hon. Walter Craig,
February 27, 1831.
William Cowen,
February 27, 1831.
Ebenezer Smith, .
February 27, 1831. (Lower Buffalo.)
General James Lee,
June 16, 1843.
Abraham Barber,
June 16, 1843.
James Dinsmore,
June 16, 1843.
George Miller, Jr.,
June 16, 1843.
John Mckibben,
June 16, IS43.
Robert Lee, .
June 16, 1843.
January 16, IS53.
Thomas Wilkin, .
June 16, 1843.
October 24, 1853.
Joseph Graham.
June 23, 1854.
March 9, 1855.
Joseph Vance, Jr., June 23, 1854. Andrew Reed, June 23, 1854.
Major William Lee,
March 18, IS58.
+Russell T. Johnson,
March 18, 1858.
Samuel Cowen, March 18, IS;S. James Walker, April 19, 1866.
Dis. 1869 (Kentucky). April 29, ISS3.
* Afterward Revs. Marquis and Patterson,
t Present member.
Dismissed. September 27, 1836.
March, 1840. April 24, 1837. December 4, 1839. Dis'd (Mt. Prospect).
John Amspoker, .
(Died) 1822. February 16, 1875. April 28, 1857. Dis. 1835 (Cross Roads). Dis. 1835 (Kittanning). Dis. (Mt. Prospect). October 20, 1858. April 3, 1870. Dis, 1849 (Pine Grove). Dis. 1857 (Hookstown).
March 26, 1866.
July 30, IS6S. August 17, ISSS.
DEATH OR DISMISSED. Dismissed. Dismissed.
August 10, 1846. September 28, 1835.
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THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
ELDERS. DATE OF ORDINATION. DEATH OR DISMISSED. William M. Campbell, . . (At Prospect, and returned
186g.)
*Samuel D. White, April 16, 1870.
+David Gault, .
April 16, 1370.
Richard Wells,
April 16, 1870.
James Donchoo, .
April 16, 1870.
Dis. 1883 (P. Mills). June 16, 1873.
*James T. Marquis, March 14, 1880.
John M. Boice,
March 14, 1880. Dismissed, 1883.
*Wallace W. Jackson,
September 14, 1883.
*Alexander E. Walker, . . (1869, at Mount Prospect.)
" The Life of McCurdy" says Robert Barr and Samuel Flem- ing were elders here, but no record shows it.
HOUSES OF WORSHIP AND PARSONAGE. - In the summer of 1779, Major William Vance, Robert McCready and Henry Gra- ham selected a site, on or near the present one, on which an un- hewed log house, twenty-six by twenty-two feet, was erected.
The second, of hewed logs, sixty by thirty feet, was erected in 1784; afterwards adding another story and a gallery. This house was burned (by an incendiary), on the morning of April 20, 1803 ; "And on the twenty-first of the same month the con- gregation met and opened a subscription for building a new house." This was of stone, fifty-six feet square, and was com- pleted by November 17, 1804, on which day they met, adopted rules and regulations, "and appointed Aaron Lyle, Thomas Smith, Samuel Fleming, William Wallace, John Wilkin, Hugh Edgar and William Mckibben a Board of Trustees."
Help was received from different quarters. From Philadel- phia, $320.77; from Virginia, $70; from Pittsburgh, $13.70, and from different persons sufficient to make a total of $456.47. A subscription list of one hundred and thirty-two names amounts to $2,303.89.
It is also stated that the amount of linen " collected amongst the females for the purchasing of stoves, glass, paint, etc., was £48 35. 4d" Judge Edgar says eight or ten webs.
In 1830 a brick house, seventy-six by fifty-six feet, with a gal- lery on three sides, was erected, costing from $3,000 to $3,500.
In 1864 the fifth house was erected. It is of brick, eighty-two by fifty-four feet, with a lecture, session and library rooms on the first floor, and cost over $12,000.
* Present members.
265
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
The trees in the church-yard were set out in 1834, and cost thirty-one and a quarter cents each.
In 1878, a lot, containing two and one-half acres, was pur- chased, and a house erected thereon, at a total cost of $2,500; the first and only parsonage.
SPIRITUAL HISTORY .-- The first revival was at Vance's Fort, in 1775-77, when eight or ten were converted. In the winter of 1781-82, the Lord revived His work in the congregations of Upper Buffalo and Cross Creek, and in the autumn of 1782, when the sacrament was observed for the first time at Cross Creck, about fifty persons from each congregation were received into full membership. This work continued with but little abatement for six or seven years. The most gracious season was in June, 1787, when fifty persons united with Cross Creek.
God again revived His work in 1799, and thirty persons united. Then followed a season of great religious depression.
" In the summer of 1802 there began to be increased interest among the people, and some additions were made. This feeling increased until ' The Great Revival' was ushered in, October 5, 1802. This work was attended by extraordinary bodily exer- cises." This revival continued through the years 1803-04, and brought about one hundred members into the church.
Again, in the winter of 1827-28, God revived His work. This work began in a sick chamber, that of Miss Susanna Curry, and spread through the village and entire congregation, and con- tinued for four or five years. "So powerful was it, that at one time one hundred and twenty persons were admitted into the church."
Again, in 1835-37, God revived His people, and over one hundred and forty members were added. Another followed in 1840-42, when about one hundred publicly professed faith in Christ. In 1853-54 God graciously visited this church, and about ninety united. Again, in 1857-59, "gentle showers of heavenly grace have distilled on this hill of Zion."
From this time there was no special revival until the winter of 1886-87, when the people were awakened, and forty-seven were added to the roll.
There has scarcely been a communion season but some have been added to the church.
1
266
THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES .-- The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized March 6, 1872, with a membership of fifty-seven. There has been a gradual decline, and in 1887 but twenty-eight members were reported. Quite a number of ladies contribute who are not enrolled. Since its organization $2371.36 have been contributed. At present they pay $100 an- nually for the support of Mrs. J. C. R. Ewing, of India.
The "Annie Graham" Band, a home mission society, was organized April 16, 1879. Since that time they have paid $50 annually for the support of a girl in the Home at Fort Wrangel, Alaska.
The Loring Band was organized June 11, 1882, by Miss Sophia Loring (now ,Mrs. Dr. Taylor, of Mount Jackson, Pa.). It has a membership of over sixty. They meet semi-annually, and bring their offerings. They have contributed over $328 ($30 annually) to a scholarship at Yokohama, Japan, and the balance to Medical Missions.
ENTERED THE MINISTRY .-- Deceased- Jos. Patterson, Thos. Marquis, Jas. Satterfield, John Hattery, George Marshall, D.D., Jas. Fleming, John Caruthers, Ebenezer S. Graham, Thomas F. Magill, D.D., David Robinson, James Boggs, Thomas Marshall Boggs, Obadiah J. Campbell, Alfred Paull, Thomas Marquis Newell, James E. Marquis, Alexander McCarrell, D.D., David S. McCombs, John M. Boggs, John Boggs, David F. McFarland, Robert McMillen, William Carr Mason.
John Cloud, Samuel McClain and A. W. McCartney were raised in the bounds of this church, and we believe properly belong to it, but have no record to show it.
Living .- John Marquis, Los Angeles, Cal. ; James D. Mason, Davenport, Iowa; Geo. Bently Newell, Farmer City, Ill. ; John S. Marquis, Washington, Pa .; John P. P. Stockton, West Unity, O .; Samuel G. McFarland, D.D., Bangkok, Siam; E. R. Donehoo, Pittsburgh, Pa .; J. F. Magill, D.D., Fairfield, lowa; Benjamin F. Powelson, Lyons, Kans .; Elgy V. Campbell, St. Cloud, Minn .; James B. Stevenson, Burgettstown, Pa .; Silas Cooke, Dunlap, Ill .; Perrin Baker, Belle Vernon, Pa. ; James P. Lyle, Taylor, Texas ; Jamies B. Lyle, Hookstown, Pa.
Three, Thos. Marquis, Jr., Henry M. Graham and Robert
1
267
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
Campbell, candidates, died before entering the seminary. Two others were licensed but returned their licenses.
MINISTERS' WIVES .-- Miss Sarah Marquis (Mrs. Joseph Steven- son); Miss Mary Lee (Mrs. Geo. Marshall, D.D.); Miss Eliza- beth Craig (Mrs. A. H. Kerr); Miss Susanna Lee (Mrs. - - Hughes) ; Miss Sarah Rea (Mrs. Joseph Vincent) ; Miss Maggie Patterson (Mrs. J. M. Smith) ; Miss Josephine Cook (Mrs. A. G. White); Miss Lizzie R. Marquis (Mrs. J. B. Lyle).
MISSIONARIES .- Miss Polly Pogue was a co-worker with Rev. Jos. Badger, 1804 to 1810, among the Indians on the Western Reserve.
Miss Mary Vance was sent out by our board in September, 1859, and labored among the Indians in Indian Territory until July, 1861.
John Cloud went to Liberia, West Africa, in 1833, and died in 1834. Samuel G. McFarland, D.D., went to Siam in 1860, and still labors there as Superintendent of Education for the Government.
SABBATH-SCHOOL .-- It was organized in April, 1821, by Wm. McClain, Hugh Lee, Sr., and Geo. Newell. They met with some opposition at first. It was conducted by a Board of Mana- gers composed of Wm. McClain, Hugh Lee, Sr., Geo. Newell and Alexander Mason, Sr.
.
The first teachers were Rev. Thos. Marquis, James Fleming, Mrs. Elizabeth Mason and Mrs. Hannah Lee, assisted by the Board of Managers. It began with twenty scholars and reached one hundred by the end of the year. The exercises consisted in reading and reciting the Scriptures, the Shorter Catechism and exhortations. Proverbs was the first book studied.
In 1827, when Dr. Stockton began his work, the school num- bered about two hundred and at one time during his pastorate three hundred were enrolled. The Doctor taught in the school from 1827 until near the time of his death in ISS2.
The last Board of Managers was James Donehoo, David Gault, Major Wm. Lee and Henry C. Anderson.
The first superintendent was Col. Samuel Magill, elected in April, 1875, who served two years, with Henry C. Anderson as assistant, and J. S. Cummins, treasurer and librarian.
268
THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
The International Lessons were introduced on July 6, 1874, and were adopted by most of the classes.
In 1879 the church membership was two hundred and thirty- one, and about eighty of these were in the Sunday-school.
It is related by W. Cunningham that he taught a class of seven young men, four of whom became ministers, two elders and the other still a wanderer and he continued to follow him with his prayers.
The young men's Bible class had just three teachers in fifty- two years, -- Dr. Stockton, James Donchoo, Esq., and Henry C. Anderson.
SUPERINTENDENTS .- Samuel Magill, 1875-77; H. C. Ander- son, 1877-80; W. W. Jackson, 1880-81; S. L. McCullough, 1881-82 ; Jas. B. Lyle, 1882-83 ; W. W. Jackson, 1883-84; H. W. Donehoo, 1884-85; A. E. Walker, 1885-86; J. K. P. Magill, ISS6-SS, and S. S. Dunbar, 1888 --.
At present one hundred and fifty scholars are enrolled and twelve teachers. The school is kept up during the entire year.
Collections are taken every Sabbath, on the first Sabbath of , each month for foreign missions and on the third for home mis- sions, others for the use of the school.
In 1879 the teachers were, -- Dr. Stockton, H. C. Anderson, David Gault, H. W. Donehoo, S. L. Mccullough, Misses Han- nah Lee, Elizabeth and Cora Simmons, Mrs. Sarah Anderson, Jane Lyle, and Elizabeth McCaughey.
The present teachers are,-Rev. Anderson, David Gault, H. W. Donehoo, H. C. Anderson, W. C. Lee, J. S. Marquis, Jr., Misses Hannah Lee, Elizabeth Simmons, Nannie Anderson, Mrs. Lizzie Stevenson, H. W. Donehoo, and Teresa An- derson.
STATISTICS OF MEMBERSHIP, CONTRIBUTIONS AND SALARY .- 200 members were received during Rev. Smith's pastorate, and about 400 during Rev. Marquis'.
Dr. Stockton received 1,545. In 1828 they reported 267 members; the largest membership was reached in 1846, when it was 410. At the close of Dr. Stockton's pastorate in 1877, 232 were reported. .
In 1878, 208, and in 1880, 230 were reported. During the
269
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
fourth pastorate about 140 were added to the roll and at its close in 1885, 225 were reported.
At the beginning of the fifth pastorate 212 were reported, and since then 110 have been received and the present membership is 280.
Contributions .--- Since 1828, as near as can be learned, the con- gregation has contributed to benevolent objects alone over $30.000.
We find a subscription list for the benefit of Barnet, the In- dian, Rev. Geo. M. Scott left with Mr. McCurdy at Florence to be educated. It amounts to £7, and is dated 1809.
Salary .-- With Buffalo they promised Rev. Smith $150 (75 each); their subscription list amounted to £197.
In 1794 they subscribed 6104 for Rev. Marquis, " One-half in money and the other in good merchantable wheat at 4 shil- lings per bushel, to be delivered at any mill or place within the bounds of said congregation where said minister shall appoint."
Dr. Stockton's call promised $500, and his salary was in- creased at different times until 1864, when it was made $1000, which has been the amount paid since.
BIOGRAPHICAL ITEMS .- Thomas Marquis was a soldier in Lord Dunmore's Indian War.
The following, related by Rev. Richard Lea, is believed to have occurred while he was an elder :
" Rev. Marquis the 'silver-tongued' was lodging at the house of the late Samuel Ewalt, just above where the arsenal now is. (In Pittsburgh.) One night Ewalt said to his guest, I have ob- served that you go out early in the morning to the large syca- more to pray. Now to-morrow morning pray at your bedside ! Signs which I understand indicate the presence of Indians at Girty's run. They will cross the river in darkness and at day- light to-morrow your scalp would not be safe outside of the house. Marquis either forgot the warning or trusted implicitly in God and passed through the chamber of his host at early dawn to his trysting place. Even in sleep Ewalt could hear the passing step and seizing his rifle followed. Marquis was upon his knees, unconscious of the fact that the hand of a savage was raised to hurl the tomahawk. A ball clashed through the throat
270
THE PRESBYTERY OF WASHINGTON.
of the Indian, and the preacher was saved." In relating this, Ewalt was accustomed to say. "After that Marquis did good service in the great revivals. Aint I entitled to half? I saved his life? I know I am not good, but half of his good deeds added to all of mine will make one pretty safe."
While Joseph Patterson was an elder he was unable either to lay by or to borrow four dollars, which he had either subscribed for repairing the church or as salary, and on the morning of the day for payment, he took his gun as he went for his cows and in a woods by the side of a log, he knelt and "appealed to God for the purity of his motive, and asked God either to pro- vide the money or to see to it that the church of God sustained no injury from his lack of payment." While thus praying he heard a noise in front of him, which at first he thought a device of Satan, but the sound approaching nearer, he opened his eyes and there on bended knee shot a wolf, and took its scalp to the meeting which more than paid his subscription. In the words of Dr. Stockton " As the fish brought the money to Peter, so the wolf brought the subscription money to Patterson."
It is also said that Robert McCready was unable to pay his subscription at one time. And as he was on his way home from the church, he heard some one calling behind him and upon stopping he learned that Wm. Campbell thought he was about to die and wanted him to write his will. Sending the young man on to tell his family where he had gone, he hastened to Mr. Campbell's. After spending one day settling Mr. Camp- bell's business affairs and writing his will he was asked what he charged. He replied that he ought to have as much as a man would get for making rails or for grubbing. He received five dollars which paid his subscription.
Judge Edgar in his autobiography says, "It is the wise im- prover of the Providences of God that is the growing Christian." He gives two of the more than fifty that he noted. It hap- pened just after he was ordained as an elder, when he was about twenty-three years of age.
He was told that one of their elders had been drunk at a ferry house on a certain day and that the ferryman had helped him on his horse.
27I
SKETCHES OF CHURCHES.
In conversation with Mr. Edgar the man acknowledged it, but when he came before the Session the ferryman had moved to Carolina, and the elder denied it and had no recollection of admitting it to Mr. Edgar. Being an older man and longer con- nected with the church, he accused Mr. Edgar of malicious slander. The other elders were satisfied that Mr. Edgar was in- nocent but the fact could not be proven. Mr. Edgar was about to be excommunicated; he was filled with despair; the words of a friend that " if his cause was just, God would work a miracle to deliver him," did not comfort him much. Meeting with an accident and having made a narrow escape he saw that God had saved him in the time of danger, and his faith was increased so that he felt that he could trust his case in God's hand and felt no more concern about it. In a few days a friend came to visit him and informed him that if necessary he could testify to the truth of the charge for he rode home with the drunken elder from the ferry. Although bolder and stormier than ever at the opening of the next meeting of Session, yet when Mr. J. B. (Edgar's friend) was examined, then the elder confessed and was reproved.
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