Page:A semi-centenary discourse.djvu/93

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

[ 87 ]

not prepared to hear so soon that their elder, their venerated father in Israel, would be so suddenly called. Of Mr. Clarkson much might be said, but we have spoken of him in another place; let it suffice me here to remark, the life that Mr. Clarkson lived he lived by faith in the Son of God, so that when he fell asleep, it was in Jesus.

In September, 1830, Presbytery again granted supplies for the church, and during this period there was some increase. The number of communicants usually in attendance upon the communion, numbered about forty persons; a reduced number, certainly, to what was once the communicants of the church, when things wore a brighter aspect, that is, before the division took place. However, they did not disregard "the day of small things;" they thanked God for present blessings, small though they might be—took courage therefrom, and still looked to God and labored on. On July 10th, 1831, notice was given that the church was in need of another elder, to assist in the spiritual wants of the church. The old elders were fast failing, and being enfeebled through excessive labors, and younger men were now required. Accordingly, Mr. Thomas Black, a man of piety and strict integrity, with business qualifications such as the house of the Lord required, was the choice of the people as a candidate; whereupon, on July 31, 1831, Mr. Black was set apart, and ordained by the Key. George Potts, as an elder of the church. About this time, also, the church made another application to Mr. Samuel Cornish, at New York, with a view of obtaining his service to supply them with the Gospel. To this appeal Mr. Cornish responded, and on December 13, 1831, Mr. Cornish commenced his labors among the people, which he continued to do with considerable success until the month of June, 1832, when, from