gagements have been discharged reflects honor upon the discernment of the teacher and the nobleness of the pupils.

Mr. Reid stood abreast of the first rank of teachers in the State, and wrought an untold amount of good in the preparation of large numbers for advanced positions in the different colleges of the country; in fitting very many others for the active and useful employments of life; in elevating the standard of education; and in creating and cherishing a deep and practical interest in the public mind in favor of a more general and thorough cultivation of the minds and hearts of the young. Week after week, for a long series of years, he toiled in this to him delightful but laborious work, with unflagging diligence and zeal, never relaxing his labor, though often afflicted with bodily infirmities which would have arrested most men in their pursuits. During nearly the whole of each day he addressed all his energies and employed all his attainments in giving patient, toilsome instruction. He developed the mind and strengthened it, and led it out into investigation for the discovery of truth. He always gave and demanded reasons. Every proper argument and motive were used to awaken interest and stimulate application. Good in all departments, he was superior in mathematics and the Latin tongue. He loved teaching with an ardor that was not quenched even on his dying bed.

In the discipline of his school he was patient and forbearing almost to a fault; but firm, decided and invincible when necessity forbade further toleration. So wise and judicious, so just, kind and considerate, was he in his intercourse and dealings with those under his charge, as generally to win the most devoted and grateful attachment, and always their high regard and veneration. His ministry in connection with his school made his a life of most intense and exhausting labor. He possessed in a most eminent degree the scriptural characteristics of a minister of Christ, and made full proof thereof. Of a meek and lowly mind, relying with all his might upon the strength and grace of God, and absorbed in his mission, he ceased not day and night, with many tears, wherever the door was open, to preach the truth to perishing sinners, and to build up the Church in knowledge and true holiHe possessed much of the missionary spirit, and sometimes made long journeys to feed the starving and gather in the scattered sheep. He long supplied several small churches with the bread of life, riding often on horseback from ten to forty miles to do so, and returning in time to meet his school on Monday morning. No sort of weather would prevent him from meeting his appointments, and the smallness of the congregation would never deter him from preaching. His "often infirmities," and frequently even serious illness, were no obstacle in his way. "The path of duty is the path of safety," was his motto; and the solicitations of anxious friends moved him not a hair'sbreadth from his purpose. With what emphasis he has been often heard to read, "My heart is fixed, O God; my heart is fixed," as if the sentiment welled up from the profoundest depths of his soul.

ness.

His sermons were not elaborated with great learning. Not with "enticing words of man's wisdom" did he endeavor to compass his ends, "but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.' His preaching was full of gospel truth, and thoroughly imbued with the spirit of piety.

His Christian character was a model, and the admiration and delight of the godly, while it constrained the highest respect of all. At an early age he consecrated himself to the service of God, and henceforth it was "his meat and his drink to his Father's will." His whole soul seemed to be thoroughly penetrated, imbued and seasoned with the spirit of religion. There were a completeness and harmony and unity, and yet wonderful va

riety in his spiritual gifts, which never failed to attract the love and awaken the admiration of the discerning.

Mr. Reid manifested the profoundest interest in the welfare of the colored people. Believing that the institution of slavery was based upon the solid foundation of Bible teaching and authority, he thought, and with diligence and earnestness taught in pulpit, in the church judicatories and in private conversation, even from house to house, that it was the solemn duty of He always gathered masters to train up their servants in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord." This was the course he pursued with his own. his house-servants in his family devotions morning and evening. As to the laborers in the field, he had a separate service for them, rising by daylight, and conducting suitable religious exercises before they repaired to their work, and in like manner after they returned in the evening. For upwardof twenty years also it was his custom, when at home, to assemble on Sabbath afternoon a large congregation of these people, and to instruct them with his usual care and toil in the great doctrines of revealed religion-using the Bible and Jones' Catechism, with preaching, for this purpose. Faithfully he warned them against their peculiar vices, set forth and taught their obligations in the relations then subsisting, and by every available means endeavored to enlighten, elevate and save them. His labors were fruitful in many respects, individuals and society at large reaping great benefits from his influence and exertions.

In the church courts he was held in the highest esteem. His ardent piety, ever-burning zeal, activity and interest in everything pertaining to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom gave him great weight, which was always exerted prudently and for high purposes.

But the end approaches. The faithful servant had fought the good fight, had run his race, had kept the faith, and now must finish his course. Although seriously ill, he set out on Saturday morning of a hot July day to ride twenty miles on horseback to preach to one of the churches in his charge. On Sabbath morning, on his way to his own church, he stopped at the Methodist, and, scarcely able to stand, made an address to the Sabbathschool. When he reached his own pulpit, he was too ill to preach, and retired to a friend's house, where he remained until Monday afternoon at about an hour before sunset, when he rose, requested his horse to be brought, and started for home, which he reached about two o'clock in the morning in so weak and exhausted a condition as hardly to be able to reach During his rehis bed. The powers of nature were exhausted, and though perfectly rational when aroused, he never rallied from the depression. maining short stay he offered the most solemn and affecting prayers for those around him, left his parting messages to different members of his family, and one for the church in Woodstock to which he had so long preached. The latter is contained in the first twelve verses of the twelfth chapter of Hebrews, together with the charge, "Prepare to meet thy God." He seemed to be occupied during his illness, when left to himself, in preparing sermons, preaching and teaching. On Thursday morning, about daylight, he fell asleep in Jesus, so gently as to be scarcely perceived.

RUSSELL, ROBERT D.-The son of William and Margaret (Downey) Russell, was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, March 23, 1793. He was educated in the academy at Greensboro', N. C., and entered the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, N. C. He studied divinity in the Union Theological Seminary, at Prince Edward, Va., and was licensed by Orange Presbytery in 1829. In 1832 he labored for Goshen and Olney

churches, in Lincoln county, N. C., in 1834 in Tuscumbia and Russelville, Ala., and in 1837 he removed to Nanapolia, Alabama, and was ordained in that year by South Alabama Presbytery. He was agent for the American Bible Society, and preached at Geneva, Tompkinsville, London and Shell Creek, and at Nanapolia, Ala., near which he died, April 16, 1867, of heart disease.

He never married.

Rev. A. J. WITHERSPOON, of Linden, Ala., writes:

He was an honest and true man, thoroughly attached to his Church, somewhat singular in his mode of life, living most of his time like a hermit, with not a living soul on the place but himself. Some time before he died he went to live with a nephew, A. D. Ross, Esq., at his earnest solicitation; here he was kindly received and well cared for.

The circumstances connected with his death were sad. The family with whom he lived were all absent but two daughters. On the day of his death they had promised to spend the day with a neighbor, and as no one would be left with him, he promised to dine with them. But he did not come, and on their return in the afternoon he was not at home. They supposed he had gone over to one of the neighbors, but on the next day, as he did not return, they feared that all was not right, and got some friends to search for him.

They found his body by the roadside some distance from the house. had fallen in a fit, and from appearances had died instantly.

He At the time of his death he was preparing a sermon for the next Sabbath, on the text, "Prepare to meet thy God."

SPARROW, D.D., PATRICK I.-Was born in Lincoln county, N. C., in 1802. His father died whilst he was quite young, and owing to the poverty of his mother he was hired out to assist in supporting the family. The family in which he worked became interested in him on account of his industrious habits and a fondness for books; so much so that Mr. John White, with whom he lived, made an arrangement with Rev. James S. Adams, of Bethel Presbytery, by which he was placed in the Bethel Academy, South Carolina, then under the care of Rev. Samuel Williamson.

He remained in this institution about eighteen months, where he made rapid progress in his studies. This was all the academical education he ever received, never having enjoyed the advantages of a college or theological course. After leaving the academy he engaged in teaching school, and having put himself under the care of Bethel Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry, he continued teaching and studying with such assistance as he could obtain until he was licensed by his Presbytery in 1826. His first charge was Washington and Long Creek churches in his native county. About the year 1828 he removed to Lincolnton, N. C., where he was engaged in preaching and teaching as usual. In the year 1831 he received a call from Unity church in the same county, where he remained teaching and preaching until 1834. At this time he received a call from the church in Salisbury, N. C., where he continued to preach with great acceptance. It was while in this charge that a joint effort was made by Concord and Bethel Presbyteries to build up a literary institution for the education of young men having the ministry in view. The men selected by these Presbyteries as suitable agents to raise the funds requisite for this laudable undertaking were Rev. P. I. Sparrow and Rev. R. H. Morrison. They were so successful in their work that the institution was put in successful operation in March, 1837, receiving the name of Davidson College.

Dr.

Sparrow was chosen the first professor of languages in this institution. A man who had received no collegiate education was considered competent, thus early in life, to occupy so prominent a position. It was while discharging the duties of his office in this institution that he received an urgent call from the Sixth Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, Pa. His friends, however, thinking it very important for the interests of the college that he should remain where he was, he promptly declined the call to this important field of labor. He continued at Davidson College, discharging the duties of his post until the year 1840.

Shortly after this he received a call from the College church, in Prince Edward county, Va., to become their pastor. This call he accepted, and removed to Virginia in the spring of 1841.

He was at this time in the prime of his manhood, both intellectually and physically. There were few of his brethren who preached with more acceptance to an intelligent congregation. Many of the members of his church and congregation ranked among the very first in the State in point of intelligence. An indifferent preacher would not have been tolerated by such a congregation. He ministered to this people as their pastor with great acceptance for several years.

Dr. Sparrow was a growing man. He was a most indefatigable student. He seemed to love to work. Frequently I have known him to spend nearly the whole night in study for weeks together. His powers of endurance were astonishing. He was willing to undertake any labor, however arduous and self-denying. As an evidence of this, while preaching to such a charge, there became a vacancy in the presidency of Hampden-Sydney College. He was invited to occupy the chair temporarily; he accepted, and immediately went to work and wrote out a full course of lectures to the senior class on moral philosophy; and so faithfully and acceptably did he perform the duties of his office that in the course of a few months he was elected president, and continued, as long as he remained there, to perform the duties of president of the college and pastor of the church.

In 1847-8 he removed within the bounds of Tuscaloosa Presbytery, in Alabama, and became principal of the Presbyterian High School in Eutaw, Ala. The following year he preached as stated supply to Burton's Hill church, and in 1850 he became a teacher in Newbern, Ala., and soon after began preaching at Marion, Ala., in South Alabama Presbytery, and also labored as a missionary in the Presbytery; he performed much valuable service. In 1853 he settled in Pensacola, Florida, where he remained until 1861-2, when he removed to Cahaba, Ala., where died, Nov. 10, 1867, of consumption.

His widow and several children survive him.

Rev. J. C. MITCHELL, of Mobile, in addition to the preceding, writes: As a man and as a companion Dr. Sparrow was not duly appreciated except by those who knew him intimately. Those with whom he was intimately acquainted can testify that he was a pleasant and genial companion. His fund of anecdote seemed to be inexhaustible. It was a time-honored custom in West Hanover Presbytery to send out its ministers in the summer, two by two, to visit the vacant churches, and many a weary hour, while traveling on horseback, has he beguiled by relating some amusing anecdote or quoting from some of his favorite authors. And when we reached the place for preaching he was always ready for his work, showing no symptoms of weariness. At these meetings he was sometimes truly powerful, and was doubtless instrumental in doing a vast amount of good. It was his custom, generally, to read his sermons when at such meetings; and he may be re

garded as one among the few ministers who preach most effectively in this way. If, as a preacher, Dr. Sparrow did not attain the highest summit of popularity, he was always heard with attention and interest.

For the last five or six years of his life the health of our brother had evidently been declining. We will give the substance of what we have learned on this subject as derived from a letter written to us by his afflicted widow: His health declined rapidly during last spring and summer, but as the cool weather set in he recovered sufficiently to enable him to ride to church, and, while sitting in a chair, read a sermon to his people. Some six weeks ago, after preaching on Sabbath, there was a considerable change in the weather, which affected him seriously. He was attacked with neuralgia in the teeth, which continued for the remainder of that week; it then passed into his throat, producing hoarseness and a violent cough, accompanied with severe pain in the side; in a word, all the symptoms of consumption seemed rapidly to develop themselves. He was entirely conscious of his situation, and felt that death was approaching; but to him death was not an unwelcome messenger. He was prepared to obey the summons of his Lord and Master. He had improved the time while laid aside from the active duties of his office in devotional exercises, and remarked that he felt truly thankful to God for allowing him so much time for studying his own heart and for devotional exercises. He manifested a cheerful acquiescence in the divine will, and desired to glorify God in his death. While suffering the most excruciating pain he did not murmur, but often said that he wished to feel like Newton-"to thank the Lord for all, but mostly for the severe. When told it was a great comfort to see him so patient and cheerful, he replied, "Why should I not be patient and cheerful when the everlasting arms are underneath me? I feel that in the Lord Jesus Christ I have all things. Oh, I would not exchange my situation for that of the greatest prince on earth. I owe everything to the death and merits of my precious Saviour. Were he to leave me, all my patience would be gone. He repeated his favorite hymn, "There is a land of pure delight," the evening before his death. He frequently said that if he had a voice that could reach all his brethren, he would say, "Preach Christ, nothing else." He was perfectly in his senses until about twenty minutes before he expired. He remarked that the Lord had been very pitiful to him in his weakness, and had kept the tempter from him.

STROTHER, JAMES W.-Was born in Madison county, Virginia, in 1799.* Whilst little is known of his early youth, he was doubtless trained properly, from the fact that he possessed habits of industry and mental application which enabled him to be fully qualified to fulfill all the demands made upon him during life. He studied law, and soon after, being admitted to the bar, removed to what was then the "far West," and located in the village of Murfreesboro', Tenn. John W. Hall, D.D., was pastor of the Presbyterian church there, and under his preaching Mr. Strother and his wife became professors of religion. He remained in Murfreesboro' about a year, when he removed to Brownsville, Tenn., and became a ruling elder of the church in that place. Here he spent the remainder of his days, with the exception of a few years of self-sacrificing and unrequited labors as a missionary in White county, Ark.

In the midst of his arduous professional labors as a lawyer he never forgot the interests of the Church, but was ever a pattern of regularity and

* This memoir was prepared by Rev. R. C. GARRISON, of Woodville, Tenn.