COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS 
 MEMORIAL COLLECTION 
 
 DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 DURHAM. N. C. 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 W. W. FLOWERS 
 
i 
 
Digitized by 
 
 the Internet Archive 
 
 
 
 in 2015 
 
 
 https://archive.org/details/sermondescriptivOOwhit 
 
if DESCRIPTIVE OF 
 
 THE LIFE AND LABOES 
 
 REV. WILLIAM BANKS, 
 
 PREACHED AND PUBLISHED 
 
 BY ORDER OF 
 
 THE PRESBYTERY OF BETHEL, 
 
 TIRZAH CHURCH. OCTOHKK \K IS75. 
 
 REV. JAMES S. WHITE. 
 
 COLUMBIA. 8. C 
 
 PRINTED AT THE PRESBYTERIAN PUBLISIII.\<4 HOUSE. 
 
 1875. 
 
SERMON 
 
 DESCRIPTIVE OF 
 
 THE LIFE AND LABORS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. WILLIAM BANKS, 
 
 PREACHED AND PUBLISHED 
 
 BY ORDER OF 
 
 THE PRESBYTERY OF BETHEL; 
 
 TTRZAH CHUPCPI. OCTOBER 9, 1875. 
 
 REV. JAMES S. WHITE, 
 
 COLUMBIA, S. C. 
 
 PRINTED AT TUE PRESBYTERIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE. 
 
 1S75. 
 
9 7^.7 - 
 
 ^ ?9 
 
 ^' |tt ^emoriam. 
 
 BORN APRIL 26th, ISU, , .DIED lAECH lltli. UK. 
 
 The memory of the just is blessed. — Proo. x. 7. 
 
 The righetous shall be in everlasting remembrance. — Ps. cxii. 6. 
 
 The history of the Church, like that of the world, furnishes 
 bright examples of remarkable men. They appear for a while 
 upon the scene of life, and then, having performed their good 
 work, they pass on to their reward. In the providence of God, 
 this Presbytery has recently been made to experience the force 
 of this truth by the life and death of a member, whom we did 
 not hesitate to rank among the purest and best of our ministers ; 
 and, in recording the event, we feel that it is proper for us to 
 pause for a moment and let the lessons it is intended to teach us 
 be impressed upon our hearts. 
 
 We therefore turn aside, dear brethren, from the regular duties 
 that have called us here, to perform a special service — one that 
 makes this an occasion of deep and tender interest to us all. 
 With one accord our eyes are now turned toward the vacant seat ; 
 our thoughts are of him w^ho occupied it ; and we are painfully 
 reminded of the fact that we shall see his face on earth no more. 
 Death has taken from us a dearly beloved brother, whose name 
 has, for many years, been associated with faithful and valuable 
 labor in this Presbytery, and whose memory is embalmed in the 
 affections of thousands within and beyond our bounds. He had 
 become so thoroughly identified with this body by his constant 
 and long continued presence that we could scarcely realise that 
 he would ever be taken away, or that he could ever die. But so 
 it is. The Rev. William Banks has suddenly disappeared from 
 our assemblies. His spirit has ascended from an honored place 
 
 246258 
 
4 
 
 m MEMORIAM. 
 
 in the Church below to a more glorious position in the Church 
 above; and now, with "the spirits of just men made perfect," he 
 is singing the sweet songs of redeeming love ^n heaven. 
 
 In view of his character and services while with us, our feelings 
 prompt us to review his life and commemorate his virtues ; and 
 in oifering this feeble tribute to his memory, I know a sympathetic 
 chord is touched in every heart within the sound of my voice, 
 for he was universally known and beloved. 
 
 THE FAMILY. 
 
 The paternal ancestry of the Banks famil}^ were from Scot- 
 land. The circumstances under which they came to this country 
 are somewhat remarkable ; and in this connection they seem to 
 require special notice, not only as a matter of interest, but as an 
 evidence of providential direction. 
 
 Just after the war of the American Revolution, w*hen the colo- 
 nies had established their independence of the mother country 
 and were favorably attracting the attention of nations beyond 
 the seas, many individuals came over to cast in their fortunes 
 with the new and rising nation. The climate was excellent ; the 
 laws offered protection and encouragement ; the soil was rich and 
 productive ; the land, principally forest, invited the axe and the 
 plough ; while the wild and unsettled state of an extensive tract 
 toward the west promised entertainment to those who were fond 
 of enterprise and adventure. About this time, (1785-'88,) there 
 came to these shores the grandfather of William Banks. He 
 had left his family and his country to secure a new place of abode 
 for him and for them. Finding his way to South Carolina, he 
 settled for the time at a place in Chester District, now known as 
 Blake's Mill, where he diligently worked at his trade — that of 
 clothier, fuller, and dyer — hoping soon to be able to bring over 
 his family who were then in a far off land. These anticipations, 
 however, were doomed to disappointment, for in a short time — 
 three years after leaving home — he sickened and died at the 
 residence of Thomas White, Esq. Away from home, away from 
 old friends, " a stranger in a strange land,'' and at Fisl>ing Creek 
 church, by comparatively strange hands, he was buried. 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 5 
 
 This sad event was unknown to his family for a considerable 
 length of time. Receiving no tidings from him, his son, 
 
 SAMUEL BANKS, ESQ., 
 
 who was then about twenty-five years of age, and holding a 
 lucrative position as clerk in the Bank of England through the 
 influence of his pastor, the Rev. Henry Hunter, D. D., bade 
 farew^ell to the household and sailed in search of the silent 
 father. He arrived at Charleston, probably in the year 1793 or 
 '94, only to learn that the person he was seeking had gone to 
 his long home. He fortunately met James Peden, Esq., who 
 happened to be in the city, and by invitation came with him to 
 his home on Little Rocky Creek, near Catholic church, of which 
 Mr. P. was a ruling elder. On the following Sabbath, we are 
 told, he accompanied the family to church in Scotch dress — short 
 pants, with long hose above the knees, shoes with broad straps 
 and large silver buckles — and, to his gratification, he saw that 
 the people and their public worship difi"ered very little, if any, 
 from that to which he was accustomed a!: home. Ah ! how little 
 did he imagine that day, that, more than fifty years afterwards, he 
 Avould be on that same ground where he had heard his first ser- 
 mon in America — an old man, over whom the winters of three- 
 quarters of a century had passed, venerable with hoary locks, and 
 his whole frame shaking with the palsy — and enjoy the unspeak- 
 able privilege and delight of seeing two of his sons — Alexander 
 and William — in the pulpit (the latter pastor of the church,) and 
 hearing them both preach ! 
 
 Contrary to his expectations at first, he remained in this 
 country, living at Blake's Mill, and making his support by the 
 same trade his father followed ; and on the 6th of November, 1797, 
 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Robinson, whose parents were 
 Scotch-Irish, and resided in Fairfield District. He still enter- 
 tained his purpose of returning to Scotland ; and, accordingly, 
 soon after their marriage, he and his Avife started and went as far 
 as Charleston, but on account of her unwillingness to go and 
 other considerations, no doubt providential, they proceeded no 
 
 346258. 
 
6 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 farther, but returned to Fairfield. They settled permanently on 
 a small farm near Concord church, of which he became a ruling 
 elder, and from which he was a commissioner to unite that con- 
 gregation with this Presbytery in the month of September, 1825. 
 There they lived and there they died — she on the 23d of July, 
 1846, aged 70, and he on the 16th of January, 1851. aged 87. 
 They were strict Presbyterians, noted for their industry, integrity, 
 and piety, and it was their constant aim to train their children 
 (eleven) in the same principles, though they had not the means to 
 give them the educational advantages which many others enjoyed. 
 They made them familiar with the Bible and Shorter Catechism ; 
 they taught them the way to the church and to the Saviour, and 
 showed them the path by a godly example. William Banks 
 frequently spoke of his double blessing — a praying father and a 
 pious mother — with joy and gratitude, remarking particularly 
 upon the smooth and uniform tenor of their piety in all situa- 
 tions. 
 
 Samuel Banks was a useful citizen, highly esteemed by all who 
 knew him, and for a long time he was entrusted with the per- 
 formance of important public duties as a magistrate. He was 
 very feeble several years previous to his death and sometimes 
 wondered why the Lord detained him in the world. His comfort- 
 ing conclusion was that it must have been for Ms prayers. He 
 enjoyed, in answer to them, the exceeding great pleasure cand 
 blessing of seeing all his children, who lived to be grown, (ten,) 
 professors of religion, two of them ministers of the gospel ; two 
 of them Presbyterian elders, and one a Baptist deacon. Thus it 
 is that blessings descend from believing parents to their children, 
 as God hath promised. Gen. xvii. 7. 
 
 At the time of his death he had forty-seven grand- children 
 living, besides many who had gone before him to the tomb, and he 
 required. his executor to give each of these a large copy of the 
 Holy Scriptures. Of his sons, one is a Presbyterian preacher in 
 Louisiana ; another a ruling elder of Pleasant Grove church in 
 this Presbytery, and three have gone to their heavenly rest. Of 
 the daughters, three are dead ; one is a widow, and the remaining 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 7 
 
 two are married — all of them eminently pious and useful in their 
 spheres, thus making a wide circle of happy influence to the praise 
 and credit (under God) of those who trained them. 
 
 RET. WILLIAM BANKS, 
 
 the fifth son and ninth child of the family, was born in Fairfield 
 District, S. C, April 26th, 1814, and very early in life he began 
 to exhibit noble traits of character. " He was always considered 
 by our honored parents," writes one of his brothers, "a good 
 boy, dutiful, obliging, and ready to do an act of kindness to any 
 one." Here we see the first manifestations of those rare qualities 
 which developed with advancing years and made him a great and 
 ^ood man. 
 
 He commenced academical studies at a school-house near Con- 
 cord church in the year 1829, in company with his elder brother, 
 (Alexander,) to whom he was tenderly attached, and from whom, 
 accoi'ding to his own statement, he always received important 
 assistance. They were under the superintendence of Mr. Robert 
 Munford, a graduate of the South Carolina College, and a mem_ 
 ber of the Covenanter church on Rocky Creek. He is said to 
 have been "an exemplary man and a fine instructor." Here 
 William Banks pursued the studies of Latin, Greek, and Mathe- 
 matics, in each of which he proved to be a diligent student, always 
 prompt and punctual, and sure, through perseverance, to acquire 
 knowledge. The next year he went to Hopewell Academy, near 
 How^ell's Ferry, in York District, which was then under the 
 charge of Rev. Aaron Williams. Two years were spent there in 
 studies preparatory for college. His brother then went to the 
 West and he was left to work his own way. He then taught 
 school a short time in Salem congregation on Black River, in 
 Sumter District. As well as we can ascertain, it appears that 
 he made a public profession of religion in 1832 — receiving his 
 first serious impressions on that subject from a sermon preached 
 in Purity church, and connecting himself with the Concord church, 
 both of which were under the care of Rev. James B. Stafford.* 
 
 *By further inquiry we learn that he joined Concord church by certifi- 
 cate, in November, 1837. It is not known from what church, but 
 probably from Salem, in Union District. 
 
8 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 In the year 1833 he was a student of Mt. Zion College, in 
 Winnsboro, under the instruction of Mr. R. L. Edmunds, and 
 entered the Junior Class of the South Carolina College in the 
 month of December. During that winter he was elected princi- 
 pal of Mt. Zion College, Winnsboro, S. C, which position he 
 accepted in order to procure means for further progress. He 
 continued these duties until August, 1834, when he entered the 
 Sophomore Class of Franklin College in xlthens, Ga. There he 
 remained three years, and, in 1837, he was graduated with the 
 second honor of a large class, many of whose members afterwards 
 became distinguished men. The expenses of his education were 
 paid with money made by his own exertions. Some assistance 
 was kindly rendered him by a "Ladies' Aid Society'" in Green- 
 ville, S. C, but the money was afterwards refunded. He had 
 determined in his Senior year to study for the ministry, and, 
 accordingly, after teaching a few months in Winnsboro, he went, 
 in the fall of 1837, to the Theological Seminary at Columbia, 
 S. C. Having completed the course of studies in three years — 
 helping himself on by teaching school during the vacations — he 
 was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Bethel, at 
 Cane Creek church, in Union District, April 4th, 1840. 
 
 At this time he desired to go West where his brother. Rev. A. 
 R. Banks, was laboring ; but for some cause or other he delayed, 
 and was directed by Presbytery to supply the churches of Salem 
 and Unionville. 
 
 Catholic church was then vacant, . and the attention of that 
 conojreD;ation was soon turned to Licentiate Banks. In the month 
 of August, or September, 1840, they held a meeting — Rev. John 
 B. Davies, Moderator — and gave him a call to become their 
 pastor. It was presented to Presbytery in October, placed in 
 his hands, and accepted. He commenced his labors there imme- 
 diately after Presbytery adjourned, giving Cedar Shoals one-third 
 of his time for three months. He was ordained and installed 
 pastor of Catholic church, February 25th, 1841, at a special 
 meeting of Presbytery. Rev. John Douglas preached the ordi- 
 nation sermon from 1 Tim. iv. 15. Rev. John B. Davies pro- 
 pounded the constitutional questions, made the ordination prayer, 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 9 
 
 and delivered the charge to the pastor; after which there was an 
 address to the people by Rev. A. H. Caldwell. 
 
 About this time the upper part of the congregation, near the 
 old Covenanter church, erected a house of worship, and, early in 
 1841, Bro. Banks commenced preaching half of his time at that 
 place, giving the other half to Catholic, and relinquishing Cedar 
 Shoals. He was married December 29th, 1841, to Miss Mary 
 E. Harrincrton, dauo;hter of Rev. John Harrino[;ton, of Sumter, 
 who walked side by side with him and assisted him as a loving, 
 faithful, accomplished wife can do. 
 
 The relations with his field last mentioned continued till July, 
 1847, when one hundred and thirty-five persons received certifi- 
 cates of dismissal from Catholic, and were organised into a 
 separate church, which they called Pleasant G-rove. 
 
 In this vast and growing field, within a few miles of his father's 
 home, and with a people who knew him in childhood, Bro. Banks 
 remained nearly thirty years — teaching school a short time near 
 Catholic, and serving two or three years as chaplain in the Fourth 
 Regiment of South Carolina Cavalry during the late w^ar. In 
 all situations he endeavored to promote the interests of his fellow- 
 men ; earnestly worked for the glory of Christ, the salvation of 
 souls, and the prosperity of the Church. 
 
 Shortly after the close of the w^ar, he became impressed with 
 the thought that he might be more useful in some other field, and 
 he made two or three unsuccessful attempts to leave, in response 
 to calls from other churches. These applications for release were 
 firmly opposed by his people and the Presbytery, but at last they 
 reluctantly consented to comply with his request, and the ties so 
 long existing, and made strong by many associations, sad and 
 pleasant, were broken. He moved, in the year 1870, to the lower 
 part of this State, and served the Williamsburg, Indiantown, and 
 White Oak churches in Harmony Presbytery, giving each one- 
 third of his time. The climate not suiting him, he returned in 
 the year 1871 to this Presbytery, of which he was still a member, 
 and took charge of Waxhaw, Six Mile Creek, and Unity churches, 
 which had been a short time vacant. He became pastor of the 
 first named, and supply to the others. In this relation he re- 
 2 
 
10 
 
 IN MEMOEIAM. 
 
 mained one year, during which his labors were richly blessed in 
 reviving and strengthening the weak places. In 1872, he accepted 
 a unanimous call to become pastor of Unity church, and stated 
 supply of Providence church in Mecklenburg County, N. C 
 Having purchased a home near Fort Mill, S. C, he moved to it 
 with his family, and for three years was busily engaged in beauti- 
 fying the place and building up the church, when the Lord 
 suddenly called him to a more beautiful home and to a happier 
 service in the Church of the first-born above. 
 
 Thus we have before us in a rapid sketch the prominent points 
 of our departed brother's life ; and now I proceed to a more diffi- 
 cult undertaking — -to show 
 
 WHAT HE WAS AND WHAT HE DID. 
 
 The mere facts of an individual's history can generally be 
 gathered and arranged with comparatively little trouble ; but it is 
 not so easy to delineate character so as to make an accurate pic- 
 ture of the man. It requires but little effort and study to notice 
 and fix in our minds the mountains and hills and prominent places 
 in travelling ; but when we try to get possession of the details of 
 the scenery, we often find ourselves baffled and perplexed. And 
 so it is in trying to present the scenery, so to speak, of a man's 
 life in such a manner as to give a correct idea of what he was. 
 In some respects, all good men are alike ; and hence, what is said 
 of one may, in a great degree, be repeated of another. Espe- 
 cially is this the case when, they are engaged in the same work 
 and have the same difficulties to overcome, the same trials to bear, 
 the same temptations to meet, and the same encouragements to 
 cheer them on in their labors. These things tend to produce a 
 common sympathy, and to develop, in a measure, the same char- 
 acteristics. But in the case before us, there must be something 
 special and peculiar to itself. To be esteemed and loved by all 
 classes and conditions of people, to be ready for any useful work, 
 secular or religious, and be a leader in all, to be entertaining in 
 preaching and conversation to all within the range of a promiscu- 
 ous audience — in a word, to be such a man as William Banks — 
 demands the possession and cultivation of more than ordinary 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 11 
 
 powers, or, rather I should say, a very remarkable combination 
 of qualities, so that what he lacks in one direction may be more 
 than supplied by what he gains in another. A man's usefulness 
 depends not so much upon his brilliancy and depth of thought^ 
 as upon the facility he has of reaching all kinds of persons with 
 his power and mfiuence. We may safely say that the lamented 
 Banks was wonderfully gifted in that way. 
 
 iSTow in (trder to unfold that general thought it will be conve- 
 nient, and at the same time promote distinctness, to proceed with 
 two divisions of the subject. The first will have reference to his 
 qualifications, and the second will embrace his work — in other 
 words, his 'powers and their exercise. 
 
 I. QUALIFICATIONS. 
 
 In considering these, we may mention 
 
 1. Physical strength. He was troubled with only one w^eak- 
 ness in that respect, and that was near-sightedness, which he did 
 not discover until he attempted, during one of his College vaca- 
 tions, to assist in surveying a railroad route in Georgia. 
 
 In his younger days, and even dow^n to the last few years of his 
 life, he was blessed with bodily strength and energy, and was 
 capable of wonderful endurance both in body and mind. He 
 underwent great fatigue, and thought nothing of walking home 
 once or twice from Athens, Ga., a distance of more than two 
 hundred miles. I^aturally strong, and nearly all the time in the 
 enjoyment of good health,' he was enabled to bear up against the 
 wear and tear of mental efi"ort and anxiety in carrying on his 
 work. This is a most important matter in successful ministei'ial 
 labor. It has been observed by a practical thinker of the present 
 day that preaching, which those who have not tried it look upon 
 as a very easy employment, is the hardest work in the world, 
 because it brings mind, heart, and muscle into exercise — all at 
 once — which is not the case in any other department of exertion. 
 It requires the ivhole man. 
 
 2. Mental qualities. His mind was, through effort, strong and 
 vigorous and firm in- its grasp of a subject, though he may not 
 have been, at first, as quick as many other men in a new field of 
 
12 
 
 m MEMORIAM. 
 
 study. Perseverance carried him slowly, but cautiously and care- 
 fully, to accurate knowledge and sound judgments. This may 
 account in part for the well known fact that he was slow in form- 
 ing and expressing his opinions, particularly on new and disputed 
 points, but very reliable in his conclusions when reached, and 
 permanent in his convictions when once settled. It does not sur- 
 prise us to learn also, as a natural result, that his scholarship was 
 thorough and accurate ; that he was seldom incorrect in his quo- 
 tations, and that his advice on all subjects was v/orthy of attention. 
 He does not seem to have had any special tendency to pursue 
 one particular branch of study rather than another, as is the case 
 with some men, but taking hold of all alike, he was able to 
 preserve a beautiful symmetry in his mental training. That 
 peculiarity may have prevented brilliancy on certain subjects 
 when first introduced, but it kept him well balanced and free from 
 what are called hobbies. He had none. There never was a man 
 who rose higher above all such entanglements, or who was more 
 ready to show due respect to the opinions of others, and even 
 yield his own, if necessary to advance a good work and no vital 
 principle were involved in the act. His mind, moreover, was 
 well trained and under such discipline that he could absti'act him- 
 self from any surroundings, and even study a sermon in company 
 with others v/ho were talking. It was also cultivated in the 
 ancient languages, sciences, mathematics, and, by reading, stored 
 with valuable information on topics of general usefulness — -includ- 
 ing facts of the times and those things which belong to the history 
 of the Church and of the world. He also had a retentive 
 memory. Years after his graduation at College, he could close 
 his eyes and demonstrate from memory every problem in Euclid ! 
 The first preaching he remembered to have heard was that of Rev. 
 Robert McCulloch, and many of the texts were never forgotten. 
 " Rouse's Psalms," which he loved, he could quote by the dozen, 
 and many passages from the Bible and classical authors were at 
 his tongue's end. He was specially fond of poetry and music, 
 and spent much time in antiquarian research and local histories ; 
 could entertain you for hours with stories of the Revolution. All 
 this afforded a broad and liberal scope, rather than a deep pene- 
 
'REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 IB 
 
 tration. to his thoughts and expressions, and with a well ordered 
 imagination he could present truth in most vivid and forcible 
 pictures. It is impossible to overestimate such a preparation as 
 this for a work that must include, in one way or another, all 
 subjects, and in which we must deal with all kinds of people. 
 
 3. Social disposition. All persons whose fortune it was to be 
 acquainted with him. know his remarkable gifts in this respect. 
 With all classes, and in every situation, the same gentle, kind, 
 and pleasant companion. Here his range was very great and his 
 gifts really enviable. Put him with children — he was happy and 
 they were happy. A little child was once heard to express her 
 delight in his presence by saying, Oh, I wish he was my father." 
 " In some respects," says a brother, "he was always a child." 
 Put him with young persons — he was at home and they were 
 entertained in a pleasant and profitable manner. On this point 
 he sometimes used this remark : "I expect to remain a boy as 
 long as I live." Put him with grown persons — the learned and 
 the ignorant, the rich and the poor, the soldier in camp, leading a 
 rough, noisy, reckless life, or the feeble, aged pilgrim in the sick 
 room, who craves gentleness, tenderness, and comfort — they were 
 all delighted to be with him. Even the gay and thoughtless 
 worldling found something in his manner and conversation that 
 attracted as well as benefited. But oh ! for his brethren in the 
 ministry, it was a joy to be where he was. With them, his 
 thoughts could find entrance into minds that were engaged in the 
 same work with himself, and his feelings could move other hearts 
 in the great interests of their common employment. Nothing 
 pleased him more than to talk with others on religious experience, 
 interpretation of Scripture, and the general work of the Church ; 
 and fortunate was that man who came under this influence. 
 
 However strong and sweeping these statements might be 
 regarded by those who were strangers to him, we are sure that the 
 facts will bear them out. 
 
 It would puzzle us to attempt a complete analysis of his social 
 nature. There was a peculiar mingling of humor, seriousness, 
 and tender sympathy, moved by the surroundings — all of these 
 elements working together and regulated by his one great desire 
 3 
 
14 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 of doing good; and being a good judge of character, he knew 
 well how to adapt his manner and conversation to others. It was 
 his custom to answer questions by asking others, which would 
 enable the interrogator to help himself through the difficulty. 
 In thisVay he taught men to think their own thoughts, and it 
 made him, in a very high sense, their kind benefactor. 
 
 He was naturally grave and serious, and it might occasion sur_ 
 prise with some to learn that, under that sedate face, there was a 
 vein of rich humor; but " there were times," as a devoted friend 
 expresses it in striking language, when Banks would unbend 
 and the Scotch wit flew abroad in sparkling jets." He was the 
 soul of modesty, but very comm.unicative with those he could 
 fully trust, and earnest in proceeding when an opportunity for 
 doing good was presented. His manner was such as not to repel 
 but to attract, and he possessed, in a great degree, the valuable 
 art of leading men, unsuspectingly, into religious conversation. 
 No wonder that he was so useful and so much beloved. 
 
 4. Moral powers. The qualities already mentioned were 
 sweetly tempered and regulated by the moral tone of his life, and 
 that made him true and pure and good. He was careful in making 
 promises, but faithful to his word when given. He was uniformly 
 governed by conscientious principles, honest purposes, pure mo- 
 tives, and cautious judgments — always faithful to his convictions 
 of the truth and firm in his attachment to that which is right and 
 honorable and good. These principles, moreover, were cemented 
 and established by habit from childhood, and that gave to his 
 character a charming consistency. He acted what he thought 
 and felt, and his example was a living epistle to be known and 
 read of all men. It has been said of him by a good father in the 
 ministry, who speaks with deliberation, I never knew Brother 
 Banks to say or do a wrong thing." There must have been 
 something remarkable in him to call forth such a remark from 
 such a man. But the most important element of his power — the 
 crown of all — is yet to be mentioned : — 
 
 5. Spiritual qualifications. Here, brethren, we delight to 
 dwell. This it was that mellowed, and sweetened, and exalted 
 the man in the exercise of his natural gifts. It was the Spirit of 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 15 
 
 the blessed Saviour which he caught by living near the cross. He 
 walked with Jesus ; he leaned upon his bosom ; he learned the 
 sweet lessons of redeeming love at his feet, and hence, as a Chris- 
 tian and as a minister, there was gentleness, meekness, kindness, 
 and charity, not only in his heart but beaming in his very coun- 
 tenance. Like a bucket let down into a well and coming up 
 overflowing in streams of pure water, so he seemed to come full 
 and overflowing from the living fountains, to refresh and comfort 
 thirsty souls. Here was the secret of his power and usefulness. 
 He was, by nature, "quick, impulsive and impatient, but grace 
 so completely overcame these defects that his name was a syno- 
 nym of the opposite qualities." With this to rule in his mind 
 and heart, he became, in all positions, a wise counsellor, a prudent 
 adviser, a pleasant companion, and, above all, a godly man. If I 
 were asked for the prominent features of his religious character, 
 my reply would be, ''Faith, love, and prayer." Faith estab- 
 lished him upon the Rock, strengthened him in his work, led him 
 to Jesus, and there you found him at prayer. This was his 
 reliance in every emergency, such a constant exercise, that he 
 frequently indulged in ejaculatory prayer while engaged in other 
 work. As an illustration of this important point, one or two 
 incidents of his life are here introduced. 
 
 On one occasion he happened to be in the company of several 
 young men where angry Avords and excited feelings prevailed. 
 After they had talked awhile there came a pause, and they seemed 
 to be waiting for Brother Banks to speak his opinion. He felt 
 that it was a critical moment, and he must act carefully — hesitated 
 a few seconds — and then said, " Young friends, let us pray.'' 
 Then followed an earnest petition to the throne of grace for peace, 
 harmony, and love, which had the desired efi'ect, and accomplished 
 far more than his arguments could have done. Prayer efl'ected 
 what reasoning could not do. 
 
 At another time he was preaching to a people who had ap- 
 pointed that day for fasting and prayer, because of a distressing 
 season of drought. Prayer had been off*ered, and he was almost 
 through his sermon, when the noise of thunder was heard. 
 Stopping instantly and in the midst of a lofty flight of eloquence, 
 
16 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 he listened in silence, and then said, "■ Methinks I hear the answer 
 in the distance." The services closed, and this godly man went to 
 his room in search of rest and for qoiet meditation. The clouds 
 collected and the shower of rain was soon falling. It w^as sug- 
 gested to me that Brother Banks should be aroused from sleep to 
 see the rain. Approaching his door I knocked, but there was no 
 answ^er. It was opened, and, to my surprise, instead of sleeping, 
 he was at the window^, his ejes filled with tears, and a heavenly 
 smile playing upon his face. He was overflowing with feelings of 
 gratitude and praise, which words could not express. Thanks for 
 favors were always sincere and abundant from him to any one, 
 but they completely overcame him when these proceeded from 
 God's mercy and love. The impression it made upon me shall 
 never be forgotten. Neither of us said a word. I closed the 
 door, feeling that he was too near the throne of Jesus for me to 
 disturb him, and too far above the earth to talk with mortals. 
 Now we may mention, in addition, 
 
 80ME OTHER FEATURES. 
 
 1. There was a beautiful simplicity in his thoughts, expressions, 
 and actions. He never assumed superiority in language or con- 
 duct. The simplest and most child-like manner of proceeding 
 y^as always his chosen method, and yet he was truly serious and 
 dignified. With this he carried truth to every heart, and moved 
 the feelings of vast audiences. 
 
 2. Humility was a prominent characteristic. He never ap- 
 peared to think of himself as worthy of wearing honors, or 
 capable of holding high positions and executing important trusts. 
 He was all the time advancing others to offices of honor and 
 responsibilities, though he never shrank from duty when called in 
 a proper way to perform it. This feeling, doubtless, carried him 
 too far in that direction, and made him distrust his own powers 
 and fitness for work. It helped to produce sad moments of dis- 
 couragement and despondency in his religious experience as well 
 as in his studies, interrupting his progress, and going so far at 
 one time, in the Seminary, as to make him think of giving up 
 
"REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 IT 
 
 the ministry. It kept him from rising to the elevated position 
 which he might otherwise have occupied in the Church and in 
 the world. The whole power of the man was evidently never 
 drawn out. His intellectual power, force of character, social 
 qualities, and thorough cultivation, fitted him for wearing the 
 highest honors, if he had given them full exercise. There was a 
 latent force in William Banks which extreme modesty kept con- 
 cealed and inactive. This may be called a weakness, but it 
 certainly had many advantages in enabling him to avoid other 
 extremes that are far worse. 
 
 3. We may also notice his warm sympathy with surrounding 
 circumstances, by which he could enter into the spirit and feeling 
 of other persons. Whether it was the little child in joys or 
 troubles, or the young man in his interests and struggles against 
 great difficulties for education and advancement in life, or grown 
 persons in their efforts for improvement, or the sick and afflicted, 
 his heart always moved him to instruct, to comfort, and to help. 
 It may be said that in this is discovered another weakness, and 
 that his feelings were sometimes allowed to control his judgment. 
 But if he was ever betrayed into such a position, we may be sure 
 that his error was always in the head and not in the heart. 
 
 4. Then there was his sincere, unfeigned, overflowing love for 
 all his fellow-men. Their souls, in their temporal and spiritual 
 welfare — in their eternal interests — were near and dear to his 
 heart. For them and for the glory of our dear Redeemer he 
 loved to think ; he delighted to work, and to that exalted em- 
 ployment he consecrated his life. 
 
 We might gather a great many expressions which he used, and 
 relate many incidents of his life that would fully illustrate these 
 principles, but that would carry us far beyond the limits of a 
 sermon. We must pass on, therefore, to the next division of the 
 subject. 
 
 II. HIS WORK. 
 
 We are prepared now to understand that his conception of a 
 man's employment in this world would be as broad and compre- 
 hensive as were his views on other subjects. He had no narrow 
 or contracted ideas, either in theory or practice, but seemed to 
 
18 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 consider his duties in view of all the relatiom in which God has 
 placed us. 
 
 1. In the family. It is not for us to attempt a description of 
 what Brother Banks was in the sacred retirement of home. Pic- 
 ture him in your imagination as he carries that gentle nature — 
 those tender feelings and warm affections, which made him a 
 favorite even with strangers — within the walls of home, where, as 
 a husband and father, he could let his mind and heart have free 
 and untrammelled exercise, and overflow in gushing streams of 
 kindness and love. How sweet must be his memory there! We 
 may remark, however, that it was his special aim to have a happy 
 home — a place where lo7e, and cheerfulness, and good deeds, and 
 religious influence, should be seen and felt by all who came within 
 its limits. Especially was he devoted to works of improvement 
 and comfort. Visit his old home, near Catholic church, where 
 he lived so long and spent so many happy days of his life, and 
 see there the works of his hand. The orchard, the garden, the 
 vineyard, the shrubbery of his own planting — ^all of them tokens 
 of industry and a spirit of improvement. Go to his last earthly 
 home, and see the labors he had commenced, and which ceased 
 only with his death; for his last work was in his new orchard. 
 In all this he was not preparing comforts for himself, because he 
 knew very well that it would not be his privilege to enjoy the 
 fruit, but, like the dear Saviour, he was making ready a place for 
 others whom he would leave for awhile behind him. His thoughts 
 on this subject, as he expressed them in his last letter to his son, 
 were that he would not live to eat the fruit of those trees, but 
 while his children, and grandchildren, and friends, were enjoy- 
 ing the results of his labors, he would be eating the fruit of the 
 tree of life in the paradise above. Oh, with what consolation 
 and delight must those words be cherished now ! 
 
 2. In society, his efforts were for the advancement of every 
 good enterprise, and he was prompt to act in it, particularly in 
 the matter of education. He was chosen to serve several years 
 as School Commissioner of Chester District. He felt that edu- 
 cation was an all important consideration, second only to religion. 
 In his estimation, churches and academies vyere unmistakable 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 19 
 
 evidences of a healthy and elevating tone in the community. His 
 influence and energies were thrown earnestly and heartily into 
 these causes, and many good men to-day rise up to call his 
 memory blessed in their hearts, because his advice and help made 
 them what they are. One of them expresses himself in this way: 
 ''Alas, I feel that I have parted with my good right hand." 
 Having had to work for his own education, he knew what it was, 
 and while being a strong advocate of self-help in young men, he 
 was ready to encourage and assist them with his counsels and his 
 means. Then, as a neighbor, helper, and friend, his place in any 
 section would be hard to fill. 
 
 3. To his government and country he was true and faithful in 
 all his duties as a loyal citizen, exercising the right of private 
 judgment in all matters, but willing to yield any peculiar views 
 of his own for the common good of all. Cautious and slow to 
 utter his political opinions, but firm and resolute when duty called 
 to action. In common with the Southern people, he espoused 
 their cause, as they chose to support and defend it in the late 
 war; and. mingling his patriotism with his desire for the salva- 
 tion of men, he became a chaplain in the army, and underwent 
 the trials and hardships of a soldier's life. At' the close of the 
 struggle, when our hopes were crushed and our country bleeding 
 at every pore, he returned to his dear old home of precious memo- 
 ries, with health impaired, from which he never entirely recovered, 
 to find his library greatly injured, his books and papers scattered 
 or burned, and a general work of desolation, sad to behold. 
 Enfeebled by disease and prostrated, to a great extent, by loss of 
 property, he began, under these disheartening circumstances, to 
 build up again. 
 
 4. Let us now look at his ivork for the Church. Here, too, 
 his views were broad and liberal, and his labors correspondingly 
 extensive. These efforts were commenced in early life. Imme- 
 diately on making a profession of religion, he went to work in 
 prayer-meetings and Sabbath-schools,* wherever he happened to 
 be, and in this were displayed the same noble traits which dis- 
 tinguished him in after years. He left the Theological Seminary 
 
20 
 
 m MEMORIAM. 
 
 in 1847 with bright anticipations and high expectations from his 
 friends. 
 
 (a) For pasto7'al work, we might judge from what has already 
 been said of him that he was preeminently well suited. With 
 sound judgment and prudence, he dealt with difficult cases of 
 careless souls ; with extreme caution and tenderness, he attended 
 to matters of collection and discipline among his members, but 
 it was always hard for him to press such things far enough ; with 
 kind feelings, he sympathised with the afflicted ; with love and 
 gentleness, he approached all, and with earnestness, he carried 
 the message and promises of Jesus to the homes of his people, 
 and there they learned to love him. These things may have pre- 
 vented him from taking a firm stand, in opposition to others, but 
 they certainly made him a lovely pastor. Now look at the extent 
 of his pastoral charge. From some experience in it, I know what 
 his work cost him in physical elfort and mental anxiety. More 
 than twenty miles from border to border, rough roads to travel, 
 several creeks to cross — yet he went to the houses of his congre- 
 gations catechising, comforting, instructing, praying with the 
 sick and sorrowing — a bright example to all his flock. There 
 were none, even to the children and servants, who did not love to 
 see him coming. Nor was this confined to his own special charge. 
 He frequently rode many miles to visit the sick in other neigh- 
 borhoods where ministerial services were needed. These features 
 fitted him well for evangelistic work, and, at one time, he mani- 
 fested some inclination in that direction. He thought seriously 
 of undertaking a mission to the Indians, including the charge of 
 Spencer Academy, but finally abandoned the idea. 
 
 (b) Preparation for the pulpit was not neglected. These duties 
 were faithfully and energetically performed. He was careful and 
 thorough in his studies, and tried to take, at least, two days of 
 the week for this purpose, though he was often interrupted by 
 necessity for pastoral visitations. To his appointments he was 
 very punctual, sometimes to his own injury. As to the matter oi 
 his sermons — it always evinced careful study. He combined exe- 
 gesis, doctrine, and exhortation in his preaching, which was always 
 simple in thought but rich in truth. Here his aim was not so 
 
EEV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 21 
 
 much to strike deep on one point, as it vras to spread the truth 
 for all to enjoy it. And, accordingly, his happiest efforts were 
 in preaching on the Parables, or other extended pass;)ges of Scrip- 
 ture, where he could indulge in expository thoughts. His ser- 
 mons were made forcible with illustrations and incidents of real 
 experience furnished by reading and observation — all of it clothed 
 in language plain and simple. 
 
 The substance of all gospel preaching must be ''Christ and 
 him crucified," but the subject is capable of a great variety in 
 the form and presentation of thought according to individual 
 peculiarities. Brother Banks loved that arrangement of the doc- 
 trines as found in the standards of the Presbyterian Church, and 
 in this way he preached them as he believed and felt them — not 
 so as to offend others of different views on our peculiar statements 
 of the Word, but in such a way as to commend them to the hearts 
 of the pious and to the consciences of the careless everywhere. 
 God's sovereignty he preached with reverential awe. Our fallen 
 condition he described with sorrow and pity, as he depicted the 
 guilt and danger of the sinner. Bub his all-absorbing theme was 
 God's love, which his tender soul experienced, and which he pre- 
 sented with melting heart and flowing tears. Jesus, our Redeemer, 
 with his invitations and promises — in all his relations to his people 
 as Prophet, Priest, and King — this was the distinctive feature of 
 his preaching. It made him a sweet talker on communion occa- 
 sions and wherever consolation and comfort were needed. He 
 loved to linger at the Cross ; and, having felt the droppings of that 
 love and mercy himself, no wonder that he spoke with unction, 
 powerfully moving the souls of his hearers and filling pious hearts 
 with gratitude and joy. He not only saw the truth, but beheld 
 "its beauty, and glory," and power. Feeling its influence him- 
 self, he made others feel when he preached. There is scarcely 
 any one so hardened and unfeeling that he cannot be touched 
 with such tender preaching. Here was the great element of his 
 power and the secret of his popularity as a preacher. All loved 
 to hear him, because he struck a common chord of sympathy, 
 whose vibrations were felt in every heart, whether it yielded 
 or not. 
 
 4 
 
22 
 
 m MEMORIAM. 
 
 This brings us naturally to the manner of his preaching, and 
 that is not easy to describe. It was usually without notes, or 
 with these only as a guide to his thoughts. His voice was full of 
 gentleness and tenderness; tone slow and moving, as it were, in 
 carefully "measured steps," except when he became warmed with 
 his theme and soared upward. Coming near the mercy seat, the 
 shining throne, and the living fountains, he ran, in rapidly flow- 
 ing words and heaving emotions, carrying you with him and 
 placing you at the feet of Jesus. There was a pathetic, trem- 
 bling, pleading tone in his voice that was eminently fitted to 
 move and melt his hearers, and in which he was scarcely sur- 
 passed by any one. This, with his earnest and affectionate 
 appeals, made his preaching hard to resist. He reached the 
 minds and consciences of men through their feelings. He set 
 them to thinking by making them feel^ and he was " master of 
 the art." Those onk who knew him and heard him can fully 
 appreciate his power in this respect. 
 
 Extent of his preaching. Besides the regular appointments in 
 his churches on the Sabbath, he was frequently at private houses 
 or stations in the neighborhood, holding services during the 
 w^eek. This he always regarded as a very important work, and 
 as a good means of reaching many whom the public and formal 
 preaching would not. Then his preaching was extensive through- 
 out the bounds of our Presbytery and beyond them. In addition 
 to that, he was frequently engaged in assisting neighboring 
 brethren of other denominations in their meetings ; for he loved 
 to meet and worship with Christ's people of every name. In- 
 deed, there is scarcely a church in this entire section where his 
 voice has not been heard and his efforts blessed in the salvation 
 of men. No one place could claim him exclusively — ^no one 
 community appropriate him, for he belonged to all the people. 
 It would be a pleasure to know the number of times he preached. 
 This was his great work ; the necessity of it urged him on ; and 
 for this, he said, he desired to live. It was his custom to turn 
 the attention of pious young men to this work, as opportunity 
 offered, and many were brought into the ministry through his 
 instrumentality. 
 
HEV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 23 
 
 {c) His work as a Preshyter. The rule by which he was 
 guided in this was, "punctuality and readiness to perform duty." 
 He rode sometimes many miles through winter's rains and snows, 
 and through summer's heat, and against many other hindrances, 
 to attend Presbytery and Synod, and to Davidson College, as a 
 faithful trustee. " ^ly Master's work must be done." That was his 
 idea ; and during his entire ministry of thirty -five years, he was 
 absent from only one regular meeting of Presbytery, and was 
 ahuays present at Synod. In these deliberations, his counsels 
 and prayers and encouraging words, were highly valued and ap- 
 preciated. It is not strange, therefore, in view of this and other 
 qualifications, that the attention of the brethren turned to him 
 when important offices were to be filled and responsible commis- 
 sions executed. Although he never sought honors, yet his con- 
 scientious and thorough discharge of duty won the confidence of 
 his brethren, and induced them to choose William Banks for 
 places of responsibility and trust. Duty was performed first, 
 and then the honors followed, as will always be the case. We 
 find that, besides the private work which Presbytery often put on 
 him, he was for many years a director of the Theological Semi- 
 nary, in Columbia, S. C, by appointment from his Synod. For 
 twenty years, from April, 1847, he was Stated Clerk and Trea- 
 surer of his Presbytery, "serving without fee or reward, save the 
 opportunity of doing good." Seven years past, he was Stated 
 Clerk of the Synod of South Carolina, as successor to Dr. Girar- 
 deau, in which office he wrote the last letter of his life, makino; 
 application for the volumes of the lost Records of Synod, which 
 had been kept at Philadelphia since the meeting of the General 
 Assembly in 1861. For twenty-five or thirty years he was a 
 trustee of Davidson College, an institution greatly indebted to 
 him for its success. He loved and warml}- supported it with his 
 prayers and efforts; and at the time of his death, he was chairman 
 of the Board of Trustees, and ex officio chairman of the Execu- 
 tive Committee. 
 
 To him also were entrusted many important duties by commis- 
 sion from Presbytery. He was several times a member of our 
 General Assembly ; and especially was his presence wanted when 
 
24 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 delicate and responsible interests were to be managed. He was 
 sent to the Independent Presbytery by his brethren in 1863, to 
 promote and secure a union between that body and his own. His 
 address on that occasion is said by those who heard it to have 
 been one of great eloquence and power towards the end in view. 
 
 These things required much thought and devotion to duty, and 
 also an abundance of hard work; and they indicate, at least in 
 the estimation of his brethren, talents and acquirements of no 
 ordinary kind. In the light of these facts, we can form an idea 
 of his life and labors. Now let us briefly examine — 
 
 THE RESULTS. 
 
 It is impossible to sum up accurately the results of such a life. 
 How many streams of good influences he started, and how many 
 forces he put in motion in all these relations, which he, or we, 
 will not know until the great. day of revelation arrives! — streams 
 that w^ill continue to flow down the line of generations yet to 
 come ! The power and good works of such a man, as he toiled 
 from day to day, and from month to month, through more than 
 fifty years, are far beyond our ability to estimate. Even what 
 we do know cannot be compressed into a sermon. He preached 
 a short time in Union District, but not long enough to notice any 
 visible results. In Catholic and Pleasant Grove congregations, 
 where he labored for so many years, his efforts were abundantly 
 blessed. When he came to Catholic, they reported two hundred 
 members on their roll, but there were not that many active mem- 
 bers — not more than one hundred and fifty, and about thirty at 
 Pleasant Grove. In the first ten years the aggregate in the two 
 churches reached more than five hundred, notwithstanding four 
 emigrations from them to the West during that time : one to 
 Mississippi, one to Tennessee, one each to Arkansas and Georgia. 
 These formed churches where they went, and one or two of them 
 were strong enough to invite Brother Banks to be their pastor, 
 but he declined. During his stay with Catholic and Pleasant 
 ^ Grove, he. received more than seven hundred members into the 
 Church, six of whom entered the ministry; baptized over eleven 
 hundren, (including children ;) performed nearly three hundred 
 
REV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 25 
 
 marriage ceremonies, and served at many funerals. The people 
 grew up with him as their pastor and regarded him almost as a 
 father. They gathered around him at church, and loved to hear 
 him talk or preach. He lived to marry those whom he had bap- 
 tized in infancy, and the hearts of the people were bound to him 
 by many strong and tender ties. How natural it was, therefore, 
 for them, and for Presbytery, too, to oppose and resist his appli- 
 cation for release, when he was convinced that duty bade him go 
 elsewhere! How great and terrible must have been the struggle 
 of his own heart, as he thought of leaving this charge, of so many 
 delightful memories! He, however. Avas firmly persuaded in his 
 own mind that he ought to go to a new field, and give place to 
 some other man. who might be able to accomplish more in this 
 large field than he, in his feeble health, was doing, and, after two 
 or three applications, they let him go. He preached his last 
 sermons, before leaving, in February, 1871. But whatever may 
 be thouo;ht of his action in this matter, let us consider it in the 
 light of what followed, and we may be able to see that God's 
 hand w^as in it. In Williamsburg, whither he went first, his labors 
 were blessed as a peace-maker and healer of long-standing divis- 
 ions, restoring harmony, and placing the churches in good 
 working order. This was a peculiar power with him — harmo- 
 nising different and even opposing elements, and thus removing 
 friction. It made him a gentle guide, rather than a .positive 
 leader. Peace and harmony were, in his opinion, as necessary 
 to successful work as they were to happy association with others ; 
 and, in the army, his great work was to bring different denomi- 
 nations of Christians into united labors for the cause of their 
 common Saviour. At Waxhaw, and Six Mile, and Providence, 
 he was successful in greatly strengthening the churches ; and, 
 lastly, at Unity, the change wrought, through his instrumentality, 
 was truly wonderful. The church was raised almost from death 
 to life ; the membership more than doubled; Christians quickened 
 and drawn together in active work, and, at his death, it was one 
 of the most promising fields in our Presbytery. Brethren of 
 Unity, well may you moui'n and weep ; but take up the fiillen 
 5 
 
26 
 
 IN MEMORIAM, 
 
 banner ; let not his work be lost ; be faithful, and the Lord grant 
 you another under-shepherd in his own good time. 
 
 Add to this the effects which cannot be gathered up, but which 
 we know must have been great in other churches which he occa- 
 sionally visited and where he preached and mingled with the 
 people, and we can thus form a conception of his great work, and 
 be ready to thank Grod that he gave us such a man — -but oh, the 
 responsibility of him upon whom his mantle, in God's providence, 
 must fall ! Brother Banks was not perfect; he would not allow 
 me to say that he was, if he were here. We make no such claims 
 for him, or for any other one of Adam's fallen race ; but we can 
 say that he was so far on in that direction as to be, in every re- 
 spect, worthy of our highest esteem, and in very many noble 
 traits of character, a model man. 
 
 CLOSING SCENES. 
 
 He died on Wednesday, March 17th, 187-5, aged sixty years, 
 ten months, and twenty-one days, leaving a wife and two chil- 
 dren — -the son now livino; at Fort Mill, S. C, and the daughter 
 is the wife of Rev. J, B. Mack, of North Carolina. Let us not 
 forget in our sympathies and prayeri^ ^'the widow and the father- 
 less in their affliction." 
 
 For some time previous to his death his health had not been 
 good, and he was subject to attacks of some heart affection which 
 produced smothering sensations of a most distressing kind, but 
 there was no alarm, and no physician called in. He himself no 
 doubt thought that his end might be near; that the Lord would 
 
 come quickly" and take him away suddenly, for he expressed 
 his fears of dying on the roadside, with no person near him ; but 
 still he worked on as usual, preaching at Unity and Providence, 
 which was twelve miles distant from his home. He rode to the 
 latter church in the rain to preach, ten days before he died, and 
 never relaxed his ministerial efforts ; thus having his special desire 
 gratified, to wit : tha;t he might die, if the Lord willed, " in the 
 harness," and not be laid aside as an invalid, which he greatly 
 dreaded. Another wish was granted — that he might be able to 
 
KEV. WILLIAM BANKS. 
 
 27 
 
 secure a home for his family and make a certain provision for 
 their benefit, when he had passed away. In one hope, ho^vever, 
 he was disappointed — that he might live to visit the "old Catho- 
 lic" church again. He expected to go there as soon as the weather 
 became more pleasant, but the Lord was pleased to deny him 
 that pleasure. 
 
 These attacks became more severe and frequent during the 
 last month of his life, and, on the day of his departure, after a 
 restless night, but a sweet morning sleep, he was in the orchard 
 eno;ao;ed in settino- out fruit trees. The blow came in an instant, 
 and our dear brother sank upon the ground, to rise, of his own 
 strength, no more. His wife was summoned : she came, and to 
 her he said, "Well, I have seen the last of it now ;" evidently 
 meaning that his work on earth was done, and that the last attack 
 was then on him. With some difficulty they took him, on a 
 horse, tc the house, where he suffered intensely for two hours, 
 and then took his flight for the world of glory. 
 
 It is a matter of regret that we have no connected words froui 
 the dying lips of such a man. But his life plainly indicates what 
 he must have been in death, and into what happiness he was 
 ushered — ^ 
 
 " An honored life, a peaceful death, 
 And heaven to crown it all.'' 
 
 Like the Apostle Paul, in approaching the closing scenes of 
 his life on earth — standing, as it were, between the two worlds, 
 he could say, I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, 
 I have finished my course ; henceforth there is a crown of righte- 
 ousness laid up for me." The impression made upon a friend, 
 who stood by his bedside, was, that he was entirely taken up with 
 heavenly things ; for when he did not seem to be conscious of 
 anything around him, he was uttering a broken sentence of prayer, 
 something like this — Comfort — me — Father — in — this — trying 
 — hour. 
 
 During his last years, he had become more spiritual and 
 heavenly-minded. There was more unction and tender feeling 
 both in conversation and preaching. Especially was this mani- 
 fested in devotional exercises and at. the family altar. His talks 
 
28 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 on personal and experimental religion were more frequent and 
 earnest, and in his discourses there was always " some reference to 
 death, judgment, and eternity." God was rapidly preparing him 
 for heaven. His last sermon, which is said to have been very 
 solemn and impressive, was preached in Unity church, from He- 
 brews ix. 27-28 : And as it is appointed unto men once to die, 
 but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered ^o bear 
 the sins of many ; and unto them that look for him, shall he ap- 
 pear the second time, without sin, unto salvation." After that, 
 his thoughts appeared to go within the veil and dwell upon the 
 scenes beyond this world, for he left among his papers the MS. 
 of an unfinished sermon on the subject of lieavenly recognition. 
 The Lord did not permit him to preach it, but took him before- 
 hand to ex]oerience the inexpressible joys of meeting father, and 
 mother, and others, "in that happy land." 
 
 In the cemetery at Unity church his remains are resting in 
 hope of the glorious resurrection. Let the evergreen grow upon 
 his grave, and be watered with our tears of . affectionate remem- 
 brance, as we continue our work, and hope to meet him in a better 
 world. 
 
 ■ CONCLUSION. 
 
 Truly, brethren, our loss is great ; it will be felt for a long 
 time to come ; and we realise to-day, more, perhaps, than ever 
 before, that Brother Banks is 2;one ! There are many thino-s in 
 the midst of our brotherly greetings and pleasing surroundings 
 at the present hour, to painfully remind us that he is not here. 
 He was such a regular attendant at every meeting of our Presby- 
 tery, that it was as natural to look for him as it was delightful to 
 meet him. That cordial grasp of his hand ; that face, beaming 
 with love and tenderness ; that gentle voice, so familiar to our 
 ears ; those counsels ; those sermons ; those prayers — oh, how we 
 mJss them ! " Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth; for the 
 faithful fail from among the children of men." 
 
 The very name of William Banks is dear to us all. The mere 
 mention of it thrills our hearts with tender thoughts and memo- 
 ries. But while we mourn over our loss, let us rejoice in his 
 
KEY. WILLIAM BA]S"KS. 
 
 29 
 
 gain, as we think of him wearins: his starry crown, strikino- his 
 golden harp, and singing '•'the song of Moses and the Lamb" in 
 the upper sanctuary. Oh. ''what must it be to be there?" Who 
 would call him back again? Behold him. in his pure white robe, 
 sitting with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; see him walking with 
 Peter, and James, and John, in scenes of glory unspeakable ; and 
 then, in the climax of his joy. and in the shouts of xllleluia as 
 they pass from saint to saint, until every mansion rings with the 
 sound — he joins that innumerable company of the redeemed 
 around the Saviour's throne, and they together 
 
 " Brino- forth, the royal diadem. 
 And crown him Lord of all.'" 
 
 Oh, methinks if we could hear him speak from the spirit land, 
 he would say to us, ''Wipe away your tears that are flowing for 
 me: weep not for me. but weep for yourselves; talk not so much 
 of me. my brother, but warn this dear people who are the objects 
 of my tender alfection and love — warn them of death and of 
 judgment; tell them, for me. of the love and faithfulness of Jesus; 
 I know what it is, for I behold him now in all these glorious 
 realities. Prepare to meet me on this happy shore."' 
 
 And now. with the application *of that thought, I close. 
 
 One by one, brethren, we are passing away. The names of 
 Walker, and Adams, and Davies, and Bishop, and Banks, and 
 others, that have adorned the pages of our history, are now on 
 the list of the departed. As they ascended in their shining- 
 chariots, they threw back " great streams of light for our comfort 
 and direction." Some of you who walked hand in hand with 
 them and enjoyed the benefit of their counsels and labors are. 
 for a few days, left behind to finish your work. Some are now 
 tottering upon the brink and must soon cross the river — then to 
 join them in the heavenly world. 
 
 Sinner, beware I The realities of eternity are certainly before 
 you! That voice which warned you, and plead with you, and 
 prayed for you, is hushed in death, and on to the grave you are 
 following him I Your days are numbered that you cannot pass. 
 You are approaching the judgment bar of Grod. and you are un- 
 6 
 
30 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 prepared! I appeal to you, standing as I do between the living 
 and the dead — I appeal to you as an intelligent, moral, responsi- 
 ble creature, as a fellow-traveler with me to those tremendous 
 scenes where you and I must stand or fall — by the mercies of 
 God; by the love of Jesus; by the strivings of the Holy Spirit; 
 by the glories of heaven and the woes of hell ; yea, by all the 
 interests of your immortal soul for time and eternity, I beseech 
 you, stop, and turn, and live ! 
 
 Note. — In preparing this memorial, I was kindly assisted by the widow 
 and other relatives of our deceased brother; also, by a few of his friends 
 and brethren of the ministry, who took great pleasure in contributing 
 facts and suggestions. Their service is hereby gratefully acknowledged. 
 
 Since preparing the sermon, and writing the note on page 7, I have 
 learned that Brother Banks is said to have united with God's people at 
 Athens, Ga., while he was a college student there ; and that it was prob- 
 ably from the Athens church that he was transferred to Concord. 
 
 The date of his leaving the Theological Seminary, on page 20, ought to 
 be 1840. J. S. W. 
 
Date Due 
 
 J 
 
 I 
 
975.7 Z99 V.19 
 
 S4615S 
 
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