The mention of the “Old
Framed Meeting-house” has suggested the idea of sketching the Preachers
who laboured in Canada West thirty years ago, especially those who
preached in the chapel referred to, who have passed off the stage of
action, and are now where they cannot be affected by the praise or blame
of mortals.
The first we shall call
up in memorial, is William Slater. He was on the York and Yonge Circuit,
at the time the writer set out for heaven, and was present in the very
Love-feast in which he joined the church. Mr. S. was then comparatively
young, and yet single; nor would he be among the very oldest if he were
still alive. But death, u the insatiate archer,” who “loves a shining
mark,” laid him low in the midst of his days. He was from old England;
and a noble person of a man he was—tall and well proportioned, with
florid complexion, and full, open, strong voice. As a preacher, he was
considerably above mediocrity for his day, though not very moving. His
preaching was plain, lucid and able, but truly practical. Some of the
texts he used to preach from are as fresh in the recollection of the
writer, as if he had heard them preached on but yesterday. Pardon him
for reciting a few of them. They may do us good. a Whom having not seen
we love; and in whom believing, though now ye see him not, we rcjoice
with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” "Almost thou persuadest me to
be a Christian.” "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which
no man shall see the Lord.” “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of thy law! These four furnish a pretty fair sample
of the kind of texts on which he loved to dwell; plain and full of
gospel truth. Although by no means a canting, long-faeed person, but the
very reverse; yet there is good evidence to believe he was a man of
sterling moral worth and piety. The writer being then a, boy, never had
the pleasure of being in his company but once; on that occasion, he
remembers his conversation ta hare been intelligent, serious, and
characterized by manly sense. He died from home, and rather suddenly,
but, h^ believes, in great peace. The messenger did not find him
unprepared. The friends on the Ancaster Circuit, with praiseworthy
consideration, erected a tombstone to his memory, which may be seen in
the rear of the “old chapel,” in the now city of Hamilton; then one of
the preaching places in the above-named circuit, in which Mr Slater
fell.
*At the time the writer
first saw him, and also the following year, Mr. S. was the colleague of
our present [1854] much respected Co-Delegate; and he has reason to
know, he remained his attached personal friend till the day of hi?
release from earth. How joyful will be the meeting of such fellow
labourers, in the “rest that remaineth for the people of God!" |