1918 Cedrus Yearbook

19 18 his students, took personal concern in them, and had their implicit con- fidence and genuine affection. His reputation as an efficient and exemplary pastor began with his ministry in Coulterville, grew with the passing years, went beyond the confines of his parish through the bounds of the entire denomination and came to the ears of the congregations of other denominations. In his ministering to all classes, the old, the middle-aged, the youth; the ignorant, the learned; the high, the low; the rich, the poor; the churchad, the unchurched;the white,the colored; his ability and tact to adapt himself to all and render them a real and lasting good was unexcelled and seldom has been equalled. On account of his superior talents and traits, congregations of other denominations sought his service; but while he appreciated the oppor- tunity thus extended, he preferred to remain true to the church of his choice and keep his covenant vows, though by so doing he sacrificed materially. He served the Lord, but not for any worldly gain. For that end he was absolutely beyond thought and'temptation. Dr. Chesnut was not a doctrinal preacher, nor was he a practical preacher. He was both. He so blended doctrine and duty and delivered his message with such power and geniality as to hold readily the atten- tion of his hearers and imbue them with a true regard for God's word, a firm resolve to serve. He loved to preach and to minister; and it was only by the utmost persuasion that he was induced to refrain from his labors when his physical ailments had so fastened upon him as to render him unable to discharge his duties. Through several years, Bright's disease, with complications, insiduously fastened itself upon him, and began to attain its climax about a year ago. As the weary weeks, with their anxiety, pain and tossing, grew into long months, it was seen that his recovery could not be expected. Notwithstanding his long illness, utter physical weakness betimes, and his intense suffering, especially in the past few weeks, during it all he preserved that genial, whole-hearted spirit which characterized him through life and made him the joy of every person who knew him and of every social circle he entered; and yet he realized to the full the approach- ing end and all that it would bring in the breaking of well-meant and laudable plans. We turn to the Scripture for words forming a fitting commentary on his life and personality. The Old Testament would bring these: "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" While the New Testament offers these: "He was a good man, and full of • the Holy Ghost and of faith." And well we might have exclaimed with Paul, as like him he approached the end: "I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteous- ness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." Fond husband, loving father, faithful pastor, loyal churchman, true friend, genuine Christian brother, farewell, "until the day breaks and the shadows flee." DR. W. R. MCCHESNEY. 54