serene and steady light of his daily example we were called to admire. It was not by bold and extraordinary measures he arrested attention, but by unceasing and indefatigable perseverance in the direct line of Christian duty; by the strength of his faith in all that God has revealed for the salvation of man; by a resolute determination to be always abounding in the work of the Lord; thus, in every suitable way, magnifying the office of a CHRISTIAN ELDER. You can attest that, while he was conscientiously devoted to his own branch of the Church, he had a higher devotion for the Church universal; while he plied his consecrated labors most diligently within his own ecclesiastical sphere, he was ever ready to co-operate with equal zeal in the wide circle which embraces all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity, not sectarianism, was the grand idea that filled his mind and fired his soul. Salvation, not pro. selytism, was the end of his faith and the object of his labors. He sought for jewels, not to decorate any earthly brow, but to sparkle in the diadem of the Redeemer. To every faithful minister of Christ, to every brother Elder, he gave his hand and his heart; to all, he lived to do good, and when he died, he died in harness. The last remnants of his strength were spent for the poor and needy, for the bodies and souls of his fellow-men; and his last, his dying message, was conveyed in these memorable words: "Tell the brethren to think more of the REALITIES OF ETERNITY." It is fitting that a permanent memorial of so good and useful a man should be prepared and preserved, as an encouragement to all Elders and all Christians to aim, not at greatness, but at great usefulness; for, while many things the world admires are not within our reach, all, by "prayer and painstaking," may attain to high usefulness. Indeed, John Elliot said, those two graces would accomplish anything, by the blessing of God. Genius may be a rare gift; talent may be a perverted gift; learning may lead astray; accomplishments may be superficial in their nature, or transient in their effects; fame is but an empty echo; a brilliant reputation may be but a pander to pride, and the precursor of a deplorable downfall; but true prayer and painstaking, like charity, will never fail. It is, indeed, the highest charity. It was so in our brother Wilson. Love to God and man was inscribed on every feature of his intellect, on every fibre of his heart, on all his public and private walks. He was not born to be great; but, by the grace of God, he was "full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith," and was the means of "adding much people to the Lord." By striving for a little at a time, as the bee gathers and garners its honey, he effected much in the aggregate. He would willingly spend an hour to make an incipient impression on the mind of a thoughtless sinner; and the moment he perceived the footsteps of the Spirit within the chamber, or even the vestibule of the soul, he would "follow up" the impression, until that Spirit be came a welcome guest, or a grieved exile. What he did, all can do, who will seek and find like communion with God and with men, for such "have power with God and with men." In the following pages, I have not dealt in fanciful conceptions, but in plain facts, of many of which yourselves were witnesses. His golden pitcher was continually replenished at the wells of salvation. Hence, he was ever fresh and vigorous for the work of the field. Even when he was weak, he was strong; for he took hold of the strength of God. That we may all attain to his spirit, and share in his triumphs through infinite grace, is the prayer of your friend and fellow-servant in the kingdom and patience of Jesus. NEWCASTLE, Del., December 1, 1859. J. N. DANFORTH. CONTENTS. Birth of Wilson-Early History-Characteristics-Scene at Me- Marriage of Mr. Wilson-Personal Feelings-Personal Efforts- Removal from Maryland-Settles in Washington-Joins Daniel Baker's Church-The positions he took-Washington then in PAGE Dr. Baker resigns-Division in the Church-Poverty of the Seces- sion-Wilson's fresh vigor-Character of the people-His punctuality and untiring energy-Great prayer-meeting at his First sermon in a school-house-Morning prayer-meeting-Busi of the Church-General Van Ness-March of improvement the consequence of church building-An upset-An old saint in death praying for Christ's kingdom-Six souls convicted- Extracts from Diary-Wilson elected Ruling Elder-Some of his qualities-A remarkable conversion-Ordination of Wilson -Communion Sabbath-Confession of Faith and Covenant of Fourth Church-Eight persons join the Church-Year of the largest Accessions—A flood of Divine influence-Happy scene The Year 1829-Past and Future-Progress among the Catho- lics-Prayer-Meeting incident-Rapture of a new convert- Dangerous casualty-Presbytery of District receives the Con- gregation under its care-Only three surviving members-First Dedication of the New Church-Dr. Breckenridge's Sermon-Ex- ercises of the day- Communion Sabbath-Thirty-three re- ceived-Liberality of John Quincy Adams-Scene at a private house-Events at a prayer-meeting-A vestibule of Heaven— A tremendous snow-storm-Beautiful winter Scenery-An or- PAGE |