https://archive.org/details/lifeofrevdanielw1879mcne LIFE OF H v.DanielWhite WITH INCIDENTS IN SCOTLAND AND AMERICA. o > BY DUNCAN MCNEILL. ^ - tA PUBLISHED BY EDWARDS, BROUGHTON & CO. : Raleigii, N. C. SCHOOL OF RELIGION PREFACE, x 5 %**> m ^ z. Some of the chapters of the life of Rev. Daniel White were published in the Biblical Recorder, and met with such a warm reception throughout the State, and were so earnestly called for by many in book form, that the Author and publishers have yielded to the public desire. Several new chapters are added, and the Author feels sure that the haste with which newspaper articles are usually prepared will excuse any shortcoming in literary merit; but he hopes the subject matter will call forth the attention and claim the interest it so richly deserves. The heroes in the Faith — those who by their lives and labors have been instrumental in “turning many to righteousness” — deserve to shine, as the stars, forever. Greater are they than earth’s heroes, fighting for fame, freedom, conquest or gain ; for the fight of Christian war- riors is against the “powers of darkness,” their victories for eternity, and every soul for which they contend, of greater value than a world ! Very worthy, too, are they of noblest emulation and an abiding place in the hearts and homes of the people; fop “ Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time : 4 PREFACE. Footprints that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwreck’d brother, Seeing - , shall take heart again.” Whom shall we hold up to our children as exemplars worthy of their imitation — the Ciceros, Homers, Alexanders and Napoleons, or the men of God, who, through great trib- ulations, stripes, imprisonments, spipwrecks, and to death, have kept the Faith, and fought on for the glory of God in the salvation of men ? Which would they prefer for them- selves and children — -the empty pomps and vanities, the perishing wealth and distinctions, which this world can give but for a brief season, or the Bible promise and as- surance to the finally faithful : “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.” “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever? ” Let us, then, teach our children, and seek ourselves, {l so to strive that we may win “ For we must strive if we would win; Increase our courage. Lord; We ll bear the cross, endure the pain, Supported by thy Word.” Montpelier, July, 1879, AUTHOR. Life of Rev. Daniel White. CHAPTER L Scotch Character, Scotchmen, throughout all the ages, have maintained : a character in strict keeping with Scotland, in its rugged, grand, sublime, bold and isolated outline of scenery. Her mountains, lochs and heather-covered hills stand unap- proached in their characteristics ; so, too, her sons and daughters hold a place in the world’s history which no other nation of people has ever filled. Ho Scotchman is ashamed of his land or race. Wild men of the woods (the translation of Caledonia) they have been ; but even in their wildness, they were unconquerable. The armies of the world— the Romans and the hosts of England — found it alike futile to attempt to hold them in subjection. Temporarily they might yield to superior force, but anon the clans would unite, forgetting their petty feuds, and descend like avalanches from their native heights and bury, crush or sweep away all who dared oppose them. Like the wild rush and roar of their mountain torrents, was their fierce and resistless onslaught! History and tradition are freighted with their deeds of almost super* human valor. Woe to the nation or people who wronged them or dared attempt their subjugation. Superior equip- 6 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. merits, strength of numbers, formed but poor barriers in the way of the infuriated Scots, with cross-bows, battle- axes, scythes and broadswords ; their “ red right arms”' knew no abatement till either raised in triumph or un- nerved in death. With them it was “ Scots wbo ha’ with Wallace block Scots whom Brace lias often led. Welcome to a gory bed, Or to victory l Now’s the day and now’s the hour I See the front of battle lower 1 See approach proud Edward’s powcr~~ Chains and slavery ! Who would be a traitor knave ? Who so base as be a slave ? Who would till a coward’s grave? Let him turn and lice t Lay the proud usurpers low; — Tyrants fall in every foe ! Liberty in every blow ! Let us do or die ! As in war, so in religion, minstrelsy, poetry, prose, his- tory and the arts. Far back in the dim corridors of the past, echoed the songs of Ossian, “ sweet, yet mournful to the soul,” and still they linger about the iuglesides of earth, telling of Fingal and his deeds. In poetry and prose, Sir Walter Scott, Burns, Campbell, Atoun, loom up and gladden a listening world. In history, Macaulay, McPherson, and others of like power and research, glad,' SCUTCl I CHA K ACTER. 7 den the nations ; while among the modem writers and philosophers, her gifted sons occupy the highest posi- tions. The student of Divinity finds here the ablest expound- ers of theology. Here have lived and died heroes for the Faith. Here, among her rocky fastnesses have stood forth the ablest divines — the most sturdy reformers and the ablest preachers of the pure Words of Eternal Life. The fear and love of God are not more apparent in any nation of the globe than Scotland to-day. Travellers tell us that Edinburgh, its capital city, is like a church in its sanctity and careful observance of religious rites and du- ties on the Sabbath day. Cooking is done on the Satur- day previous ; public conveyances do not lumber through the streets ; cars are still ; no door for drinking allowed open ; men, women and children wend their way pleas- antly to the House of God and back to their homes, keep- ing the Sabbath day holy, and by their demeanor, walk and conversation, rendering Holiness to the Lord. And as in the chief city, so in the towns, villages, hamlets and granges of the realm. From the cradle, the children are taught that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wis- dom; that it enduretli forever; and to honor men only for genuine worth, merit and true greatness in themselves, and not for any pomp, pageantry or outer show. Thus reared, it is small wonder that Miss Jane Porter, from the school of nursery tales, should be able to give to the world sdclx books as “ William Wallace of Scotland” and “ Thaddeus of Warsaw,” in which nobility is personified iii the characters portrayed ; little wonder that her sons. S' LIFE OF REV". DANIEL WHITE. tli us nurtured, should go into battle, fearless of numbers, show or equipments, but trusting implicitly in God and the right ! Nor is it strange that they would return “ with their shields, or upon them® Little wonder, then, that her young men, thus reared, should, when brought to a knowledge of the truth — to genuine repentance for sin and an unshaken trust in the crucified Redeemer — -prove true and strong in their entire consecration to the great work of giving the Gospel to the world. They felt the full force of the old Scotch hymn : t. Behold what witnesses unseen Encompass us around ; Men, once like us with suffering try’dl. But now with glory crown’d. 2. Let ns, with zeal like theirs inspir’d, Begin the Christian race. And freed from each encumb’ring weight. Their holy footsteps trace. 3. Behold a witness nobler still,. Who trod affliction’s path, Jesus, at once the finisher And author of our faith. 4. He for the joy before him set, So gen’rous was his love, Endur’d the cross, despis’d the shame-. And now be reigns above. 5. If he the scorn of wicked men With patience did sustain, Becomes it those lor whom he dy’d To murmur or complain ? 6. Have ye like him to blood, to death. The cause of truth maintain’d ? And is your heav’nly Father’s voice Forgotten or disdain’d 2 scotch oh a i: actek. 9 They walked by Faith and in the light of the Bible, and no power could daunt them; for they had ever before them the example of the blessed Saviour, He left the shining Courts of Heaven and came down to earth, suf- fered poverty and an ignominious death, that sinners might live ; so were they ready to suffer and die, if need be, in His service ; ready to “ go” at His command to earth’s remotest bounds — to bear persecutions or even death for His sake. As Wallace and Bruce fought:; as Walter Scott and Burns wrote; as Stephenson and Watt invented, so preached the heralds of the Cross. No king, potentate or earthly power could restrain, other than by death or a dungeon, such ministers as McArthur, White or Knox. They would preach if their tongues would utter speech. With the Scotchman, there is a distinct Right and Wrong — the one, he would die to maintain; the other, he would die rather than endure ; the one looms up, like his native Ben Nevis, into heaven, as a beacon to guide and to reach ; the other sinks down into the uttermost cav- erns of the deep, as a horror to shun and to obliterate. In peace, the Scotch are as placid and smooth as the bosom of their own Loch Lomond ; but in war they are rugged and fierce as their own storm-beaten shores, cliffs and na- tive fastnesses; terrible as an “army with banners,” w'hff the plain imprint of “ victory or death” on every feature. Such is Scotch character.. And thus they have stood through all time, “ wrapped in the solitude of their own originality.” Like Scotland, in its isolated grapffeur and sublime outline of native scenery, so has its people ever stood, a wonder untq many ! 10 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. CHAPTER II. His Boyhood. Elder Daniel White was born in Cowell, a small place on an arm of the sea, in Scotland. His parents were poor, but very respectable, and followed, from the best in- formation we can get, the business of shepherds, or herd- ing. His father by this business supported his family, and gave them a start in education. He had four chil- dren — two sons, of whom Daniel was the youngest, and two daughters. The oldest son was put to the trade of shoemaker, which he had just completed when the father died. Daniel was quite young when this event occurred, and his subsequent education, as well as that of his sisters, devolved upon his mother and elder brother. The shep- herd business was discontinued, and his mother and brother procured a seine and small boat, that Daniel, who was expert, active and very bright and intelligent, might help his brother, as opportunity offered, to manage the seine — set it at night and, with the aid of the boat, bring in the fish in the morning. This business proved to be very remunerative. Fish in abundance were taken ; and as there was a constant stream of travel by this point be- tween the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, the fish, such as they did not need, were readily sold. So his elder brother, with his trade and this added branch of industry, found it easy to support the family in comfort and give a fair education to his brother and sisters. 1TIS BOYHOOD. 11 It was not all smooth sailing with the brothers in their fishery. It was their lot sometimes to meet startling ADVENTURE on the sea. To illustrate, we here give an instance : One morning the brothers repaired to their net, or seine, and every appearance indicated a good haul. Right merrily the boys unloosed their boat from its moorings, and with little observation of the surroundings, shot out to the extreme end of the seine, at some distance in the deep arm of the sea. With light hearts they attached the ends securely to their boat. At this juncture they heard a sudden heavy “ splash” in the water, and, looking back, saw, to their horror, between them and the shore, a whale just reaching, and probably offended at the im- pediment offered by their seine, made a fierce dart for- ward, sending the affrighted boys for several moments at a fearful speed over the waters. Gilpin’s utmost endeavor upon land, in comparison, would have appeared as the pace of a tortoise. The whale at last turned about into the open sea, and the brothers escaped with joy. THE TRAVEL between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland by their aboard was a means of greatly benefiting young White in his after missionary duties. Here he formed the acquaintance of many families from both sections, who afterwards emigrated to America and were his warm 12 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. and true friends during Ids life. He was blessed with a peculiarly attractive disposition ; any one once becoming intimately acquainted with him, were likely ever after- wards to be his true friend. His nature, person and ad- dress were all frank and pleasing. The preaching of McArthur, too, had much to do in breaking down the ancient barriers between clans and demarkations of rank. Before he came, clans mingled but little, rarely intermarried, and different degrees of wealth or blood drew rigid lines of grade or status in so- ciety, over which very few, no matter how meritorious or worthy, could pass. His ministry drew all ranks and conditions together, giving people a clearer view of each other, and convincing them that all the good in the world was not confined to the “ pent up Utica” of their own particular clan or grade of wealth. He drew immense audiences everywhere he went, and young Daniel White, becoming early converted under his preaching, became himself an earnest minister and faithful co-worker with him. So conspicuous were his virtures, piety and talents, that he won upon the affections and confidence of all, broke over all the ancient barriers of the aristocracy, gained the love of, and married Miss Catherine Campbell, whose parents were land-owners — a matter of importance in Scotland — and of the blood of the renowned Clan Campbell. Who has not heard the Scotch rallying song : “ The Campbells are cornin’, O ho ! O ho ! The Campbells are cornin’, O ho ! O ho ! The Campbells are cornin’ from bonny Loch Lomond ! Tlte Campbells are cornin’, O ho ! O ho ! HIS BOYHOOD. 13 The great Argyle, he goes before, He makes the guns and cannon roar ; With sound of trumpet, fife and drum, And banners waving in the sun, The Campbells are cornin’, O ho ! O ho !” The mingling of the clans and people, thus brought together by the power of a pure Gospel, earnestly deliv- ered, was in the highest degree salutary to the Scotch there as here. Elder White found in these “ opened avenues” to the hearts of all classes of the people a greater facility of pointing many to the “ Lamb of God,” than he might otherwise have possessed. They were made to feel that “ Christ was all and in all,” and that “ In Him, -they all possessed.” Thus, by the great revival in Scotland (in attendance on which most of the Clans mingled freely together, and for- got their old feuds), many were brought to feel as well as sing : “ Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.” On coming to America, therefore, Elder White found members of these Clans, thus happily joined in heart, scat- tered here and there throughout the broad belt in which he preached. J.4 LIFE OF REV. DA XI EL WHITE. CHAPTER III. “ The Despised Sect.” One of the great evils suffered by the people of Eng- land and Scotland, in the times of which we write, was of compelling the people and laymen of the realm to sup- port a ministry imposed upon them by the State. These Ro} r al favorites — often without a semblance of piety, of depraved morals, gamblers, drunkards and libertines — were appointed to “ livings” in the kirks throughout the land, and the people were compelled to pay tribute for their sustenance. These “ reverends” rarely filled their pulpits ; and in the cases of many of them, it would have been better if they did not at all ; for they were far more at home when attending a horse-race, a dance, a fair, or a game of chance. These “ whited sepulchers,” though heartily despised by the people, and a grievous burden upon them, nevertheless lorded it over them with a high hand ; and besides living sumptuously upon the scanty and grudgingly given earnings of the oppressed people, yet exercised a censorship over their spiritual affairs, amounting almost, in the subtlety of barbaric cruelty, to the Spanish Inquisition. Woe to the layman or citizen who failed, from any cause, to contribute his exact and full quota to the support of the High Church dignitaries! They were reported, and the strong arm of the law and merciless vengeance visited upon them ! Did they dare to exhibit any want of reverence or man- 15 " THE DRPISKD SECT.” ifest any spirit of insubordination to them, then the re- finements of cruelty were visited upon them in every way. Such a clergy, elevated, as they had mostly been, by the police, and over the heads of an unwilling and even resisting people, assembled to prevent their installa- tion (for their “ living” was secured when “ installed,” however fraudulently that Was done;, could not have a fraternal feeling for their flock, or be much concerned for their spiritual or temporal good. If a true and humble follower and servant of the meek and lowly Jesus, in his eagerness to preach the pure Gospel to the almost starv- ing flock, in some sequestered mountain gorge, lonely cave or rocky glen, these “ clergy” were first to ferret them out and hound them on to banishment. Relentlessly, too, they persecuted those who attended the ministrations of these “ true lights” in secret. In vain did the gentle Christian maiden attempt to steal away, and in solitude commune alone in earnest prayer with her God ; to seek spiritual strength and guidance, “ and by faith, take a view of brighter scenes in heaven, while here by fierce tempests driven ;” for the prowling feet and prying eyes of the “ clergy,” or their satellites, were sure to find them out. As zealously as Daniel was watched, lest he should pray to any save King Darius, were these humble Scotch Christians subjected to the closest scrutiny, lest they should seek spiritual consolation from any other source than the self-imposed high dignitaries of pampered power over them. Such is a faint view of the High Church troubles in u LIFE <)F REV. DANIEL WHITE. Scotland in the boyliood days of Daniel White; nor are ■ they over-drawn. The- writer well remembers hearing Mrs. While, an eye-witness of these scenes, tell of the wickedness of the “established ministers” of that time, and how she saw them placed over an unwilling and re- sisting Hock by the police. In further verification, the writer may instance the 1 well-authenticated account of the faithful band of Chris- 1 tians, who, harrassed by persecution, sought out a place, surrounded on all sides by high mountains, where they hoped to be able to serve God according to the dictates of! their own consciences. In this deep wooded basin, through which ran a little rivulet which had its source high up in the surrounding mountains, and barely found Vent through the close fishures of the rock from the deep gorge. Sometimes, in the spring and early summer, ava- lanches of snow and loosened earth dammed the rivulet, above for weeks, and when it broke through its escaping waters shook the solid earth, descending like a wild cat- aract, with a sound as of the “Tramp of thousands upon the hollow wind;” I and on reaching the basin, filled it high up in but a few moments of time, as the vent from it was not sufficient to let off the waters but by slow degrees. To prevent a sur- prise by the waters, and to escape their relentless enemies, if they should find their hiding place, the worshipers cut out a secluded -winding path to a rocky cave, high up among the rocks, having but a small opening, and this overhung with vines and lichens. One Sabbath in early 17 “ TIIE DESPISED SECT.” summer, this little band of devout believers were con- ducting service in this still and deep asylum. The shep- ! herds and shepherdesses, the miners and the tillers of the soil were there, from far and near around, attired in their •best and with reverential mien. The aged minister, of their own choosing, had just risen from prayer and opened 5 the Bible on the rock pulpit before him, -when their soli- • tary guard, left on the heights above to watch for the ap- proaches of an enemy, suddenly appeared almost out of 'breath before them, and reported that he was surprised, l and that the armed troops were even then descending the ! only approach to them. A bonnet and the Bible were left in their hurried rush to their hiding place, high up in the mountain’s side, which they had barely reached i when they heard the blasphemy and horrid threats against them from the troops wdio had just arrived. They threat- ened death by the torture; they swore and used ribald 1 jests at the bonnet, and cursed the “ heretic Bible and its • God.” Just then, a mighty thunder, as of falling moun- tains, was heard ; the solid earth shook ; a sound as of many waters was abroad. The knees of the affrighted troopers smote together, and, looking up, they saw the white head of the aged minister, in his high cave, as he exclaimed : “ The Lord omnipotent reigneth.” In another moment the fierce foaming waters rolled in, and the troopers were all drowned ! Such is a brief narration of an actual occurrence in the stormy past of Scotland. Such were the difficulties in the way of true piety there. To be a conscientious Bible Christian, was to be one of a persecuted and “ despised 18 LIFE OF 1;I0V. DANIEL WiUTE. sect.” To be called of God to the great work of the min- 1 isfry entailed with it an utter renunciation of the world, its vanities, and all hope of preferment among men. They were henceforth to give themselves to the service of their Great King, hide themselves in Him, and seek, by faith- ful service in fear and love to Him, the true “riches, honor and life” promised to those who, in humility, fear and love, fought the good fight of faith. For their earthly king and all the heraldry of power were against them, as were also the fawning sycophants of pomp and show.! Henceforth they were to consecrate themselves and all they held dear to Him ; bearing reproach, stripes, banish- : ment — or even the stake and flame, if need be — they were ; to fight on, and leave results to God. They were to live by faith; and in the army of the Captain of their salva- tion, the} r would enter upon the mighty struggle against the “ powers of darkness,” and perish in the encounter, or j over all prevail. What wonder, then, that the true her- alds of the Cross should be “ mighty in the Scriptures,” as well as of self-sacrificing devotion ! No wonder that sin- ners were alarmed under their preaching and saints made to rejoice! There was not greater “ striving” among the Greeks and Romans, in their Olympic games, than among the devout in these stormy times in their efforts to “ win” in the great battle of light against darkness, truth against error, life against death. The power of the government — all the powers of the earth — could not swerve them from their purpose, by God’s help, of turning many to righteous- ness. They had tasted of the joys of sins forgiven and the sweets of a Saviour’s love. Little cared they, therefore, for 19 “ THE DEPISEB SECT.” the puny power that could but kill the body, but bad no power over the soul. Their kinsmen, according to the flesh, their countrymen abroad, and the heathen nations were perishing for the lack of knowledge. God’s com- mand was, “ Go !” — teach all nations; desciplethem ; feed my sheep. Could they, therefore, be idle? Ah, no! The}' would buckle on the “ whole armor,” and put forth every power of mind and body to call sinners to repent- ance and to faith in God, Such were the purposes actuat- ing the veteran Baptists of Scotland. Of such mould and frame of mind were the true, fearless, humble, devoted and mighty men of God — McArthur, White, and many Others — who forsook all for Christ in this trying epoch. 20 LIFE OF BEY. DANIEL WHITE, CHAPTER IV. His Conversion and Baptism. Scotland is a name very dear to many hearts. It if associated in the mind with daring deeds and deathless heroism. Song, history, romance and tradition, cluster about its rivers, lochs, mountains and braes. Its cities; and towns are emblazoned with inspiring memories. It is not only the “ land o’ cakes,” but also of heroes, poets and divines unsurpassed in the world’s history. Here were ■■ Great Hearts,” in the truest sense of tin! term, who, under the relentless hand of persecution, jour neyed with their faithful bands of pilgrims and “ fougbi their good fights.” In the midst of troublous times: Rev. Daniel White was born in Cowell, Scotland, about the year 1784. Under the ministration of the Rev. D McArthur, an able and zealous man of God, he was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth- This was about the year 1800. There was about this time a great re vival in Scotland. But after all, the young converts found aformidable difficulty in obeying their Lord and Master in baptism. The lion in the way was the oppressive laws os Great Britain, which placed a ban upon all forms of faith, belief, or practice not in conformity with the “Church” of England. The young converts chose tc obey the great King, in preference to king George the III., in matters of conscientious belief and baptism. The HIS CONVERSION AND BAPTISM. 21 lev. Daniel McArthur had to go to a remote part of Eng- and to be baptized in the true mode, and on his return :hose a beautiful Lake (or Loch as termed in Scotland), lurrounded by butting cliffs and mountains, to perforin he then hazardous duty of baptism to the humble fol- owers of Christ. Despite secrecy, the news got out, and Sn the appointed da} 7 , the rocky amphitheatre surround- hug the little Loch, was covered with people, rising from The waters edge, tier above tier, to a great height on the 'surrounding cliffs, eagerly watching the impressive and solemn ordinance. The day was propitious. The birds 'sang sweetly, nature was in her fairest robes, and the bright sun glanced his cheering beams from the rippling 6 waters to the faces of the happy converts, where might 'so plainly be seen “holiness to the Lord,” as they went Iowa into the water and came up out of it, Following their Lord and Master In righteousness below.” At this baptismal scene, which occurred about the year 1800, from the best data we can find, Daniel White, Alex, McNeill, J. McKellar, Duncan Campbell and Catharine Campbell, besides a great many others, were baptized. The names given will sufficiently illustrate the genuine- ness and power of the good work of grace then expe'- xienced in Scotland. The three first named above soon after became zealous and devoted ministers of the gospel, the two latter were brother and sister — the sister was afterwards the wife of Rev, Daniel White — and thousands 22 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. in North and South Carolina can testify to her faithful ness and zeal in the cause of her Redeemer, while Dur can Campbell “ fought a good fight” for the Master i Scotland. Rev. John Monroe says of this refreshin | season: “Numbers who were converted in that revivs emigrated to the United States and to Canada. The write 1 " was personally acquainted with many of them, and ca Kl testify that they were men and women of great mors worth and devoted piety.” After this great awakening w the Baptists, then a persecuted and despised sect, tool 1 ■' courage and preached and exhorted openly, “ and they con tinued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayer.” The enemiel ’ 1 of the Baptists, however, speedily conveyed information 11 of all this to the Government, and a body of troops wen 1 dispatched to take the minister, Rev. D. McArthur, anc ' have him before a magistrate where, if found guilty ol 1 preaching the “despised doctrine” against the “Laws made and provided,” to banish him at once to Botany Bay, the then abode for banned preachers. The soldiers 1 timed their arrival on the scene to a Sabbath, sons to take! the preacher in the unlawful act, and were followed by a large concourse cf ladies and gentlemen of high degree as well as of the higher “church.” Secure of fun as of the States’ protecting arm, they sported their grandest robes, with noble hats and bonnets flaunting with ribbons and plumes. They asked the soldiers to defer the arrest until they had heard some of the discourse. They came upon the scene; they saw an earnest minister proclaiming from a table in the open air the burning “ words of truth HIS CONVERSION AND BAPTISM. 23 md soberness,” to a grave and devout assembly ; they ivere conquered, for said an eye witness, before the sermon was ended the soldiers trembled and cried for mercy, the noble ladies were upon their knees and their plumed oonnets and gay robes in the very dust, while their gal- ant escorts cried, “ what shall w r e do to be saved ? ” They returned without making the arrest. A few Sabbaths afterward another body of troops ivere sent to make the arrest. They came just as the hymn was being given out; they commanded the Rev. ). McArthur to come down as their prisoner. He held the book above their guns, calling upon some one to con- dnue the hymn. An officer frying to snatch the book, his arm fell, as if palsied, to his side. Duncan Campbell md Rev. Daniel White came forward and continued singing, praying, and exhorting while the noble man of 3rod was carried away. No sooner was the brief service concluded than the devout band set about getting up the strongest petition they could to the King, asking his clemency to their beloved McArthur. This Mr. Duncan Campbell took with all haste to London. In the mean- time, the Rev. McArthur was hastily tried and condemned, md put on board a vessel to be conveyed to Botany Bay. Mr. D. Campbell, who doubtless went unto the King with feelings akin to those of Queen Esther when she ex- claimed, “if I perish I perish,” met with favor, and the petition of the devoted Christians for the release of Mc- Arthur was granted, together with the privilege of inter- cepting the vessel which was bearing him away, and taking him back to Scotland. This the dauntless Camp- 24 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. bell proceeded to do, but found, to bis surprise, that the vessel with McArthur on board was in the harbor or dock of London. It had met with a storm and was driven and tossed until compelled to go up the Thames to London. Here Campbell found and released his friend, and with him journeyed back to Scotland. Whether the success oi the intrepid Campbell was owing to the importance of the family, (they being land owners in Scotland) or to the waning spirit of religious persecution then ob- servable in England, or to the great trouble and anx- iety of the King himself about his soul, which we are informed from history was the case about that time, can- not now be known ; but certain it is that man’s vile pro- posals were met by a merciful disposal of the Supreme Ruler. About this time the Rev. Daniel White, and also Mc- Neill and McKellar, were ordained to the full work of the ministry, and all felt a strong desire to go and preach the gospel to their countrymen in America, In this Mrs. White strongly opposed the will of her husband. To gratify her, though not satisfied in his own mind, he ac- cepted calls and preached earnestly to surrounding churches. Mrs. White often spoke of a sheet of water with its transcendent beauty of surrounding scenery, over which they often passed and re-passed to one of his churches. But we all know how grand the Scottish land-' scapes, lochs, mountains and rivers are — history and song making them household words in every home. Even these scenes of his fair native land, and the need of the gospel among its people, could not, she said, draw his mind off HIS ORDINATION. 25 from going to preach to his people in America. One night she was awakened by his preaching and praying earnestly in his sleep. She saw from his language it was to an American audience. She tried to awaken him but failed. The terrible fear came over her that her opposi- tion to his inclination and God’s will had demented him. In an agony of fear she bowed in prayer and besought God to forgive her sin and restore her husband to his right mind, and she would never more oppose his desire to cross. the ocean to preach the gospel. When she arose she saw her husband, as if greatly distressed, looking upon her. “ Oh,” said he, “ I thought I was in America and doing God’s will in preaching to my people there.” And then he went on to describe the church and the people to whom he preached, and we may be permitted here to say (though by so doing we anticipate the regular order of events a little,) that some time afterwards they saw the very people and church he then so vividly described in his dream a reality, and just as he had seen it, in Amer- ica. How truly, “ God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.” From this time Elder White found his wife ready and willing to accompany him. Arrangements were there- fore made for quitting their native land, which, in com- pany with Revs. Alex. McNeill and J. McKellar, they left on the 28th of August, 1807. In our next chapter w r e will tell of -Rev. Daniel White in America, where he left such indellible “ footprints on the sands of time,” and 2 26 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. from whence he carried his golden sheaves of good works into eternity. That “ Great Heart ” and valiant servant of God, Rev. D. McArthur, with many faithful co-workers, remained to till their Master’s fields and gather the har- vests in Scotland. It cannot be a matter of surprise, therefore, that there are “Scotch Baptists,” but rather that there are not more of them. HIS VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 27 CHAPTER V. His Voyage to America. In the times of which we write, and before, there were grave difficulties in confessing Christ before men, or in taking the cross and following Him. We, in these “pip- ing times of peace,” can scarcely comprehend the real hardships by which they were environed. When the true Christian took the word of God as the man of his counsel, he found Roman Catholicism, with a power almost equal to any of the thrones in Europe, confront- ing him on the one hand with its enginery of opposition, while on the other hand the favorite “ Church ” of the King and nation, often little more than a political ma- chine, scarcely recognizing the Bible in its code, was ready to crush all who were not within its pale, or dared to go counter to its teaching. Thus the true believer found himself hemmed in on every side. If he followed Christ, Catholicism hurled its anathemas and direst ven- geance upon him, and the “ Church of State ” stood ready, backed by all the power of the King, Parliament, the army and navy, to persecute, banish, beat with stripes, or even, as in many cases, burn at the stake. He who was called to the ministry, and felt “ Woe is me if I preach not the gospel,” was confronted by appalling obstacles. The State and the Pope piled Ossa upon Pelion of hin- drances in his way on land, while upon sea they w r ere as Charybdis on one hand and Scylla on the other, ready to engulph any herald of the cross who dared to steer be- 28 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. tween them. But they did preach. They heard and obeyed the voice of God, above the rage and clamor of kings, popes and potentates — and preached, despite all, to their people, and carried the gospel abroad. What a sublimity of heroism ! What a sweet savor to the nations when “thrones and crowns shall blend in common dust!” Though man’s puny power did arrest and banish McAr- thur, yet the faith of the beholders was increased, and willing heralds ministered in his stead. Though Bunyan was thrown into prison, yet his bright light from the damp dungeon still illumines the pathway to heaven! Though Paul was persecuted, cast into prison and beaten with stripes, still he “fought the good fight.” Though Stephen was stoned to death, yet his death still preaches! May not the Christian of the present day, in contemn plation of such heroism for Christ, ask — “ Must I be carried to the skies, On flowery beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas?” The Rev. Daniel White, feeling it to be his duty, under the guidance of the unerring Spirit, to preach the gospel in America, left his dear native land, and “all the scenes he loved so well,” for this country. As was shown in a previous chapter, he embarked on the 28th of August, 1807. Besides his wife, two young ministers, Alex. Mc- Neill and J. Mc-Kellar, took passage with him. The ves- sel, which was bound for Charleston, S. C., was but a few days at sea, when they were pursued by a man of war ship, for the purpose, as w r as supposed, of forcibly impress - HIS VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 29 ing any young able-bodied men who might be on board, into the British service as soldiers or marines. This species of kidnapping, so repugnant to every sense of right and justice, was then frequently practiced. Their vessel, however, made all headway, and by skillful sea- men and favoring gales, at length entirely distanced their pursuer. Far out in mid ocean they passed a large ship wrecked, and at the mercy of the waves. There were no signs of life on board, and the conclusion was that either all had perished or some passing vessel had taken them off. No other incidents worthy of noteoccurred while at sea, and they landed at Charleston, S. C., on October 7th, 1807. Here the whole party were kindly received by the Baptists of the citjq and so favorably impressed were they with the young ministers, Alex. McNeill and J. McKellar, that they insisted on giving them a thorough course of theological training. All further intelligence that we can gather of these young men is, that they completed the course with great credit and distinction. McNeill, who was said to have been a young man of exceeding promise, soon after died, and McKellar went to preach in Georgia and Alabama. Elder White took sail from Charleston to Wilmington, to seek out and preach to the Scotch people in North Carolina. Arriving in that city soon after, himself and wife made their way across the country to Lumber bridge, Robeson county, N. C., where he found himself in the heart of a Scotch settlement. Here he preached his first sermon in America, on the first Sabbath of November of the same year. Here, and then, began a great work, the fruits of which the passing years only make more anur reins ! Go out ; tell sinners their danger — tell them God, of heaven, of hell ! Go, and God will bless you.” As Elder White’s pilgrimage upon earth drew nearer a close, his services were more signally blessed and vned of God. He could look back upon the travail ’ his soul and be satisfied at the mercy and goodness of le great Captain of his salvation. Rev. John Monroe says of Elder White at this time : In those early days, when the churches were few and eak, he labored extensively as an evangelist. His efforts 42 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. ii were greatly blessed in Duplin and New Hanover co\ ties. Among the seals of the ministry in this region w Elder George Fennell, in his day one of the most popul and useful ministers in the Eastern Association. We cannot forbear relating further of this able a worthy divine that, when a young man and preparing go the State Legislature to which he had been elect' Elder White stopped at his father’s on Saturday night have preaching at the neighboring church on Sunda Young George Fennell, though not a professor of religic said he could not attend church on the morrow, as he w compelled to make preparations to go to the Legislate “ My son,” said his pious old father, “ what is the State, t nation, or the world compared to your soul’s salvatio tion. You may never hear another Gospel sermon, n son. You must go to church.” Young George Fennt did go to church, and was on that day “convinced of si of righteousness, and of an awful judgment to come,” ar became a true and happy convert, and afterwards a fait ful minister of the gospel. Elder Fennell went and pe formed his public duties well, but returned home ful imbued with the spirit that it is “ better to be a doo keeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the ten of wickedness.” He wrote a very affecting letter to Elde White, styling him throughout as “ Dear Father,” an urging him to come up to the “ help of the Lord again the mighty;” to come over and help gather in the prodi gal sons, of which there were so many in his region, their father’s house. Thus we see how diligently Eldel White “ sowed beside all waters,” and how the rich fruit were returning to him as his “crown of rejoicing.” W SEASONS OF REFRESHING. 43 over what a wide field he set the armies of the living d in array against the powers of darkness. He waved •;h the banner of the Cross ; he buckled about them the ole armor of the unerring Word. Amidst the darkest ars and severest trials, his faith remained firm and un- iken. Unmindful alike of man’s censures or praises* fought on for God and for Truth. “ Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, And looks to that alone; Laughs at impossibilities, And cries, ! It shall be done’ !” And as his faith, so it was with him. 44 LIFE OP REV. DANIEL WHITE. CHAPTER VII. it kr A Chapter of Incidents. . There are no truer sayings than that the “ memory i the just is blessed,” and that a “good name is bett than riches.” Since the death of the Rev. Daniel Whi many events have occurred, going to prove the greatne of his life’s work, and how deeply he has moved the pe> pie among whom it was his lot to labor. But a few years ago, John Monroe Johnson, Esq., wi travelling in a buggy, in South Carolina, seventy -fh miles from home, when, seeing a feeble old lady on t highway, apparently tired out with walking, he aske ! her to ride with him. As they rode on, she spoke of t goodness and mercy of God, showing a deeply pioi nature and a heart at rest in her Saviour. Passing aver old church, she pointed her trembling finger to it, sa^ ing : “ Oh, what times of 'refreshing — what peace — pa understanding, God has given us there, under the preae ing of that mighty man of God, Rev. Daniel White Mr. Johnson informed her that he was his grand-soi Whereupon the old lady put her arms about his neck an wept upon his shoulder. She told him many of tb noble deeds and traits of his ancestor-— his faith — h power — his goodness' — his purity of heart and life, cau ing the grandson to feel the full force of the truth thi the “ memory of the just is blessed.” “bread cast upon the waters.” _ 45 Rev. E. L. Davis, of Anson, in a speech on missions be- >re the Baptist State Convention in 1878, narrated with trilling effect, that he had recently baptized an old man, •ho dated his conviction and subsequent conversion to sermon he heard the Rev. Daniel White preach in his oyhood. Not only in the times when his eloquent voice ■ ( 'as heard and his earnest manner beheld were these Reasons of refreshing enjoyed — for often then there were ,il pentecostal seasons” — but for half a century these burn- ing words have been contending for the mastery over e atural indwelling sin, and finally triumphed ! Those rords of truth, like winged arrows showered among the oves, have through all these years, kept them “flocking o the windows,” or like poor prodigals returning weak nd heart sore to their “ father’s house.” Oh the pov/er f true goodliness — the “ foolishness” of preaching! Come, saith the living preacher — After death his voice echoes come l r “ Come,” saith the Spirit ! The Bride saith “come.” “ Come, saith Jesus’ sacred voice, Come, and make my paths your choice, I will guide you to your home; Weary wanderer, hither come.” Though dead, the righteous “yet speaketh.” “Their vorks do follow them.” Their good name and holy lives jells the impenitent, “So prepare to meet thy God.” Their awakening words, long after their bodies have crumbled to dust, still whisper warning and counsel to .he wayward : “ Repent, O sinner, for you must die!" 4G LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. Oh, how many are' still preaching here, whose glorified spirits are singing praises to the Most High in the eter- nal courts above ! Who does not feel ! Jesus, lover of my soul. Let me to thy bosom fly.” Who does not desire to live the life of the righteous), that our last end may be like his? Jesus is the “ way,” the “door,” the “life,” — and can make a — “ Dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are.” Once in the Ashpole section of Robeson county, as some there desired to hear him, Rev. Daniel White, as the Baptists had no church there, asked of another de- nomination the privilege of preaching in their church. All were willing but one elder. Elder White therefore, in deference to him, declined preaching in the church, but pointing to the groves he said, “ the earth is the. Lord’s and the fullness thereof, therefore on His footstool we will serve Him.” And there in the open grove, he delivered a very able discourse. Near this place a goodly Baptist brotherhood now r assemble to worship, in a com- fortable church called Mount Moriah. Though gentle and modest in his disposition, yet while about his Mas- ter’s business, nothing could daunt or swerve him from the path of duty. If he had an appointment to preach, JUDGE YE NOT, 47 u » > ;he people well knew that only death or some similar calamity could prevent its fulfillment. Storms, tempests, fioods or opposition, formed but feeble impediments to him. The quick gathering tempest of his native land, and its fierce mountain torrents, surpassed anything here- While in Scotland he had preached in the face of banish- ment or any punishment malice could invent. What, therefore, cared he for the feeble opposition offered in a land of liberty of conscience, when the salvation of his people was concerned. Thus in many places he opened out highways, fitted up springs in thirsty lands, cheered the strong, assisted the weak, and administered consola- to those “ ready to faint.” Upon one occasion just before starting on one of his long missionary tours, Elder White found that his family were out of corn. Therefore he went for the needful sup- plies, as the most likely place to get it at once, to a wealthy but miserly and isolated neighbor, who he knew had an abundance. This man knew he had no time to look around for better terms, as his appointments were out, therefore he took advantage of the situation, and charged $2.00 a bushel for corn — almost double the then ruling price. Elder White took it and when his family complained of the extortion, he forbade them, saying they “ must not judge.” Years afterwards, the great wealth of this man, which he prized so much, was swept away, and he came to the family of Elder White for corn — 48 LIFE OF KEV. DANIEL WHITE. which they let him have at a very low figure. Sinking still lower in this world’s goods, as well as infirmities, they administered to his wants without remuneration. This incident is introduced merely to show a trait in the character of Elder White, which was never to com- plain — never to “judge,” even though injustice or extor- tion were done him. It shows, too, how poor a bauble wealth is — riches, often, very suddenly, “ take to them- selves wings and fly away.” As an illustration of the remains of intolerance against the Baptists, we may instance the case of Mr. Achibald Graham, a most estimable man, who was engaged to be married to a lady. The day for the marriage was set, and all things made ready, when just before the happy occasion his intended bride found that he inclined to im- mersion as the right mode of baptism. Not knowing that in this desire of obedience to the Divine command, he had committed an unpardonable offense, he repaired at the appointed time to the home of his beloved, to claim her as .his bride. There the company was assembled, the minister and waiters all present. All was ready but the expectant bride — an important adjunct at such a cere- mony. She could not be induced to come forward — for she ivould not marry a Baptist 1 What then ? One of the brides-maids, a cousin of Mr. Graham, an accomplished and beautiful lady, pittying, it may be, the sad plight of her cousin, and pity is said to be akin to: love — stepped forward and offered to become his bride. SPRING HILL CHURCH ORGANIZED. 49 This offer he gladly accepted, and they were then and there made one. They were a happy couple, and he was a useful Deacon and exhorter in the Spring Hill church, over which Elder White was pastor. ElderWhite was greatly pleased when Spring Hill church was organized, as he well might have been, from the ma- terial of which it was composed. They were his country- men. They were strong in the faith, and in a commu- nity where Baptists before that time were little known. They were nearly all his children in Christ. Mr. John White, a nephew of his, saw a letter he was writing to his friends in Scotland about this joyful event, in which he well remembers the passage: “ I^have organized a church at Spring Hill, North Carolina, consisting of seven mem- bers, all of whom except my wife, are my children in Christ.” No doubt the whole letter was full of love and praise to God. 3 50 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. CHAPTER VIII. His Work for Missions. Most of our readers have doubtless made themselves familiar with the lives and labors of those great and good men. Adoniram Judson and Luther Rice. They know of their having been sent by opposers of baptism by immersion as missionaries to Burmah. They know that out in mid ocean their Bibles and prayers for God’s guidance, without any human influence, brought them into the Baptist faith and belief. Therefore, cut off from the denomination by which they were sent out, they had to seek aid from the Baptists, that they might seek the salvation of those benighted heathen. They know of Luther Rice’s return for this purpose, of his success in his efforts, and of his mighty work for the Columbian Col- lege. They know, too, that the Baptists did sustain Jud- son and other faithful missionaries abroad. They know how signally God has blessed those mighty missionaries, as instruments in His hands for the conversion of the heathen. But they may not know of the ceaseless and tireless labors of Elder White and his zealous arid ener- getic wife in this direction. The Rev. Luther Rice often G? made the home of Elder White his abiding place in his missionary tours through the country, and in him and his family he found congenial spirits in his noble efforts for the spread of the gospel in heathen lands. Elder White’s labors in this direction were indeed herculean ; and so great was the impetus by which his eloquence and HIS EFFORTS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. 51 example imbued the Baptists throughout the whole broad belt in which he preached, that they have abated but lit- tle till this day, and such a name as “Hardshell” we do not think exists in it. Nor was his wife any less zealous in her humbler sphere. She inaugurated a Woman’s Missionary Society, all being required to make systematic contributions for Foreign Missions. The} r secured funds mostly by the sale of chickens, eggs, butter and such like articles as they could sell at McLeod’s Hotel, on the stage road between Fayetteville, N. C., and Cheraw, S. C. They even believed that these things increased on their hands in the ratio of their sales, and that they still had as many chickens, &c., after all their sales and contributions to missions, as did those who did not sell or contribute any- thing. We can readily believe it for the widow’s flour was something like that. Mrs. White also enlisted the young people — boys and girls of the neighborhood — to do what they could for the poor heathen. The children in the Children’s Missionary Society were to contribute ten cents quarterly for this object. Both of these societies, under the guidance of Mrs. White, were successfully conducted, and contributed much to the aid of Foreign Missions. To show the alacrity with which the children entered into the work, we may in- stance the case of a poor family, by the name of Watson, in their neighborhood. Mrs. Watson — an earnest, zeal- ous Baptist and faithful worker — taugh her children in the way they should go ; and Hugh, her son, a member of the society, took great pleasure in contributing when he could get the means. One day, almost desponding of securing his quarterly mite, he brought, as a present, a 52 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. few fish he had caught to Mrs. White. She gave him a shilling, “ and,” said she, “ he leaped about like David before the Ark, with joy, exclaiming, ‘0, I can give this to the poor heathen.’ ” This Mr. Hugh Watson was afterwards a pillar in the church, and was greatly pros- pered in his home, near Selma, Alabama, where he took his mother and the family. Afterwards, on a visit to his native State and to Mrs. White, he informed her that from that early age he had resolved to give as the Lord increased him, and he was then giving fifty dollars yearly to the cause. The writer well remembers his manly figure, benign countenance and touching address, as, on one of his visits to North Carolina, Rev. John Monroe asked him, after service on the Sabbath, if he would not say something. He arose, and in melting language portrayed the joys of Christian fellowship and reunion, quoting a verse of Burns : “ It heat9 me, it beats me, It sets me on flame, It warms me, it charms me,” &c., to be in His church and among His people. The name of Jesus is sweet, is precious here, but how glorious it will be to be with Him and His redeemed in heaven ! “ Oh,” said he, “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Such were the children reared under the teaching of Elder White and his wife, and in the true nurture and admonition of the Lord. Besides the Missionaries Socities, Mrs. White organized a Wednesday night meeting, held in rotation at the HIS LAST JOURNEY. 53 houses of the members of the church. These meetings were continued through a period of about forty } r ears, and they were the means of introducing the gospel, in its pu- rity, to many in the neighborhood of members who, but for this means, would have been almost without it. In these meetings, too, the members did not neglect the as- sembling of themselves often together, and the good fruits were seen and felt through that long period. ELDER white’s LAST JOURNEY. For some days before he started on his last missionary tour, Elder White, although apparently in his usual good health, expressed his belief that his work on earth was nearly finished, and manifested unusual anxiety for put- ting “ his house in order,” and in arranging for the well- being and future comfort of his family. He advised his wife of his premonitions, and asked her to accompany him. She urged the press of business in preparations for an Association at Welch Neck, South Carolina, which he was to attend immediately on his return from Duplin and New Hanover counties, and to which she and other mem- bers of the family would accompany him. After bidding his family farewell and going to the gate, where his horse awaited him, he returned to the house to ask his wife if she could not accompany him. She replied that, though she wished much to do so, she could not. He then bade all an affecting, and what proved to be a last farewell upon earth. Elder White went out through Fayetteville and down the Cape Fear to his field of labor in the Cape Fear Asso- 54 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. ciation. He engaged in earnest preaching, and in the midst of one of his sermons he was stricken down by sick- ness. He was removed by gentle and loving hands to the house of Mr. Henry, where, after two days of fever* which they did not consider dangerous, he suddenly grew worse and died, in the full assurance of a blissful immor- tality. Here ended the earthly life of this great and good man of God, in the year 1824. In the mean time his wife had heard nothing of his sickness or death. The preparations for the Associational trip were completed. The family were all in the eager anticipation that night of the return of the loved hus- band and father. In the evening, Mrs. White called upon a sick neighbor, intending to be back home in time to meet her husband. That evening Mrs. Gilchrist received a letter for Mrs. White with the black seal, indicative of death. Opining its sad import, and believing no one could so gently break the news as herself to her friend, she took the letter and found Mrs. White at the sick neighbor’s. As Mrs. White prepared to leave, Mrs. Gil- christ accompanied her, and when some distance on the way, she handed her the letter. Mrs. White read, and dropping the letter, fell helpless into the arms of her friend. Mrs. Gilchrist soothed her as best she could, and then accompanied her home, evincing a degree of sensi- tive refinement which only true hearts contain. Another shock to the bereaved family was the return of the horse and empty saddle. Now they felt all the bitterness and pain of their mighty loss, but consolation came in the knowledge that he had battled bravely and fallen glori- SICKNESS AND DEATH. 55 ously in the service of the Great King, to whom he had committed them, and with whom he was now gone to live forever and ever. Elder White’s concern for his family before his last journey was not unnoted by Him wdio numbers the hairs of the head and bottles up the tears of his saints, as well as “ tempers the winds to the shorn lamb,” notices every sparrow that falls to the ground, and hears the young ravens when they cry for food. Every member of his family w 7 ere early gathered into the fold and nurtured under “the tender Shepherd’s care.” His family, too, were abundantly blest in “basket and in store,” and how 7 sw 7 eet and “ precious was the gift He to his loved ones gave — The stainless memory of the just, The wealth beyond the grave.” Some years aftenvards, Mrs. White and her son-in-law 7 , Charles Livingston, placed a tomb-stone over the dust of this noble man of God, and did all that loving hearts could to decorate his last resting place. Here, then, where his peaceful body will rest till the last trump will summon all nations to the judgment, is it not w'ell w 7 e should ask “ What think ye of Christ?” Elder White thought Him “ the chief among ten thou- sand, and the one altogether lovely.” In Him he trusted, for Him he labored, and for that labor of love he forsook home, country, friends, and all his heart esteemed so dear, and in Him yielded up his spirit, in the blissful assurance of a glorious eternity. Over death and the grave he could cry out in the triumphs of victory : “ I know that my Re- deemer liveth.” 56 LIFE OF EEV. DANIEL WHITE. How awful, in comparison, the death scenes of Voltaire, Paine and the wretched infidels who went shrieking away, without “ God or hope in the world.” How with poor Queen “Bess,” who lived only for glory? “My kingdom for an inch of time.” With Lord Chesterfield, who lived only for self and formal vanities? In sub- stance, he exclaimed : “ I have estimated life at its full value; I have counted the cost; and though I have wo hope in the future, yet I would not live over life again.” With Lord Byron, who only lived for fame and vanity? “ My life is in the sere and yellow leaf, Love’s pleasures gone — For me the canker and the grief Remain alone !” With Paul, who lived for Christ? “ I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the work Thou gavest me to do. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which God, the righteous Judge, will give me in that day.” Thus die the believers and those who believe not in Jesus. “ The battle of our life is brief : The alarm, the struggle, the relief, Then sleep we side by side.” Jesus, in the depth of his love for our fallen race, cried out in his last agonies : “ Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” From the high courts of heaven He came down to suffer poverty that we might be rich ; and, oh, wondrous love ! while we were yet enemies, He died that we might live. CONCLUSION. 57 Though the Ingersolls, Darwins, Huxleys and Tyn- dalls may raise their feeble arms against Him, let it be ours to cleave the closer to Him — to attempt each day to love Him more and serve Him better. He is our Saviour — the way and the life — the door to heaven. With Him, we have a right to the tree of life — to go in through the gates into the city. Without Him, we are lost with all the nations who forget God. He loved us. He died for us : “ Only Jesus, only Jesus, Can do helpless sinners good.” Like Elder White--like the good and true men through all the ages — let us attempt to be faithful servants in His vineyard ; and in word, thought and deed, do all we can for the Master, that at last, with the glorious throng at His right hand, we may hear the welcome plaudit, “ Well done, ye blessed of my Father.” CONCLUSION. We have given, dear reader, a brief and imperfect sketch of a great and useful life, the contemplation of which can only tend to good. Elder White was about 40 years old at his death, and his bereaved widow survived him forty-two years, devoting that time to the further- ance of her Redeemer’s kingdom ; and at her death, which occurred on January 29th, 1867, it was found that she had (out of the wreck left her by Sherman’s army) be- queathed $50 to Foreign Missions, $50 to Wake Forest College, and $100 to her beloved pastor, Elder Monroe. 58 LIFE OF REV. DANIEL WHITE. Of her, how truly it may be said : “ Thy soul, renewed by grace divine, In God’s own image, freed from clay. In heaven’s eternal sphere shall shine A star of day.” Mrs. Catherine White. Events in Scotland. A few incidents and events may here be given, in illustration of the great awakening and manner of preach- ing in Scotland about the years 1799 and 1800. A rumor was heard from a distance in the Highlands, of a mighty preacher turning things upside down by the power of his ministry. Some said he was mad — and those who heard him partook of his malady. Some said he was of God — because his preaching was like that of John the Bapt st in the wilderness of Judea. Others held that he must be possessed of a devil — from the power he had over assemblies, and from the authorities not taking and banishing him though he had been heard of in sev- eral quarters. Others again, believed that his work must be pure and good — because it was said men notoriously wicked had been changed about to excellent men after they had heard him. Thus conjecture, surmise, wonder and doubt were abroad in the land — and many, led by curiosity and other causes, managed to hear him. Very many of those who went with light and frivolous views, returned after they had heard him under a mighty GO MRS. CATHERINE WHITE. burthen of unpardoned sin — with the keen arrows of conviction impelling them to cry for mercy. Among others, Duncan and Effie Campbell, brother and sister of Catharine Campbell, (afterwards Mrs. White), were at a distance from their home in Rosneth, and heard him and were both brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. They returned home, “ renewed in the spirit of their minds,” greatly to the mortification of Catherine and her gay, dancing school companions. Efhe and Duncan took no delight in balls and dancing parties now. Catherine and her companions, or dancing school mates, determined they would make Effie attend a ball, which was at a neighbor’s house, beyond a pool of water. For this purpose they watched their opportunity, they surrounded her and took her by main strength, de- spite her efforts to the contrary, until they reached the pool of water, where, being attracted by the thickness of the ice, they left their prisoner, for the moment, and went to skating upon it. While they were absorbed in this amusement, Effie slipped away, and they had to go to the ball without her. A few weeks after this, Catherine was thrown into con- sternation, by learning that her brother Duncan had in- vited the great McArthur, who had stirred up Scotland, to preach at their house on a certain night. She first de- termined she would attend dancing school that night — but was over-persuaded to remain and hear him — much as she disliked to. He came, and she took her position in a corner behind him, to see and hear, but not be seen, “but,” said she, “ he saw me and all the company in that MRS. CATHERINE WHITE. 61 sermon, and all were won by him — he was so sincere, strong and true — and several were brought under deep convic- tion.” A Mr. Lamont was at their house that night, and a few days afterwards she heard that he had been BORN AGAIN, and Mr. McArthur would preach at his house the next night. Amazed beyond measure (for she was not a Bible reader,) she determined she would go — the man after the change of such a marvellous nature being the main ob- ject of her curiosity. The only change that she saw was that Lamont looked happy and at rest, whereas he had always before been wild and boisterous ! The next appointment was at an old ruin, near by, where, as it was to be in the day time, she and her dan- cing companions concluded to get on the old crumbling w r all, that formed part of the enclosure and have rare fun all to themselves. “ But,” said she, “ I could think of nothing but the sermon — the burning words of truth and soberness — and before it was over, I was fain to hide my- self under the shadow of the wall, and weep and cry for mercy upon my sin-burthened soul.” Rev. John Monroe says: “Through the instrumentality of Daniel McArthur, a faithful and zealous young minister, God w r as pleased graciously to revive His work in Scotland about the year J 800. Many were drawn from a distance, together, by the reports of the good work which spread rapidly through the country. Among those w^ho came through 62 MRS. CATHERINE WHITE. mere curiosity, was Mrs. White, who was soon made to feel the quickening of the Holy Spirit; and after a season of pungent conviction, and unfeigned repentance, she was enabled to believe in tbe Lord Jesus Christ, and to rejoice in Him with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” The revival was great and wide spread ; the preaching of a high order, and awakening in its pathos and power. God gave an abundant increase. We can plainly see, too, how in His wisdom, He was bringing from darkness into light a strong, influential, self-reliant nature — full of energy, zeal and power, for the arduous and trying hard- ships and responsible duties of the missionary life be- fore her. All who knew her know how well and faithfully she performed her part in the great work here in America. They know with what zeal and energy, after the death of her husband, she kept up meetings, missionary societies, family prayer-meetings; riding out long distances, hold- ing prayer and religious conversations in families — en- dearing herself to old and young alike. Even little chil- dren would run to meet her — to tell her of their pet schemes; their play-houses; their birds and squirrels — as the writer well remembers doing in his early boy- hood — in all of which she took a lively interest; won the young hearts and then pointed them to God, in His beauty, greatness and love — to Jesus, his precious Son, “ the way and the Life,” who died that sinful man might live. Through a very wide circle her influence for good was seen and felt, alike by young and old. With her the song of the redeemed was always welling up : CONVERSION AND CHRISTIAN WORK. G3 “ 1. Canaibh do’n Tigheara’ oran nuadh, gach aon tir, canaibli dha. 2. Seinnibb do Dkia : ainm beannuicbibh nochdaibh a shlaint’ gach la. 3. Am meafg nam fineach aineolach sior thaisbeinnibh a ghloir : Am measg nam poibleach innisibh a mhiorbhuile ro-mhor. f TRANSLATION. ] 1 O, sing a new song to the Lord — Sing all the earth to God. 2. To God sing, bless his name, shew still His saving health abroad 3. Among the heathen nations His glory do declare, And unto all the people show His works that wondrous are.” Beside her great life-work in America, who can esti- mate the good of her example and teaching to her com- panions and associates after her conversion in Scotland. There, as here, her influence was great. Before conver- sion, she was the leader in gaiety. She was the pettied child of her family. Bouyant and fun-loving in her tastes, lively and animated to an unusual degree, she could ill brook restraint. The Light shone in upon her dark- ened mind, and she was changed. Her companions saw the marvelous change; they heard her melting words of love to God, and saw her earnest desire for their salvation and the salvation of all. As the saints first distrusted ihe converted Paul, from their remembrance of the persecut- 64 MRS. CATHERINE WHITE. ing Saul of Tarsus, so must her companions have first distrusted her, till they saw that her whole mind, life and strength was devoted to good, righteousness, truth — to Jesus and His love. Then they felt that there was a reality and a mighty power in the religion she professed. Mrs. White was a strong support to her husband in his great work. She left a hallowed memory of a well-spent life. She was always willing and ready to be about her Master’s work. She sought in everything His name’s glory and the advancement of His Kingdom, and she was ready at last, when the bridegroom came, with oil enough, and her lamp trimmed and burning. Now in Heaven — the beautiful Zion of her love — she i-s forever at Home. Date Due ^'R 14 1 $ . L. B. Cat. No. 1137 A06993920Q sauaiqn AijSJOAjun e>|nQ