xt7ngf0msx7b https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7ngf0msx7b/data/mets.xml Hansbrough, Lucinda Victoria Blair, 1852- 1908  books b92-42-26783428 English Cumberland Press, : Nashville : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Blair, Robert Downey, 1821-1897. Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair  : with sketches of his pastorates and tributes by friends who knew and loved him for his noble Christian character and his sturdy type of moral manhood / by one who knew and loved him. text Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair  : with sketches of his pastorates and tributes by friends who knew and loved him for his noble Christian character and his sturdy type of moral manhood / by one who knew and loved him. 1908 2002 true xt7ngf0msx7b section xt7ngf0msx7b 



















































F" M -mm n W-To-w-OMT - --             , I

I'lux. 111. 1.

 This page in the original text is blank.

 































































F(IU  \EY HA1 Ii.

 





                 LIFE



                    OF



Rev. R. Downey Blair


                   WITH



Sketches of His Pastorates and Tributes by Friends Who
   Knew and Loved Him for His Noble Christian
       Character and His Sturdy Type of
              Moral Manhood






                  BY
     ONE WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIM



      NASHVILLE
THE CUMBERLAND PRESS
        1908

 























COPYRIGHT BY THE AUTHIOL
         igS.

 









                 PREFACE.

  The favor with which the many friends of
Mr. Blair have kindly received the notice that
his biography would appear in book form, and
placed before the public, has greatly encouraged
the author to prepare a work that would be both
interesting and instructive. The frequent in-
quiries made why his children had not had
such a work prepared, together with the calls
for information and particulars of his death,
and also that of his sons, led to this under-
taking.
  If asked, "What constitute the most interest-
ing features of this work " the author would
reply, "Clearness and simplicity have been the
aim." In the Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair
the narrative is based on facts, and not drawn
from imagination. Many of our older citizens
are acquainted with most of the facts, while the
younger have simply heard of them.
  The author acknowledges obligations to the
various sources of help in preparing this work,
especially to Rev. C. K. Taffe, of Louisville,
Ky., for the kindness shown in criticising and
     (3)

 




4       Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



adjusting the work. By some it will be much
appreciated, by others severely criticised and de-
nounced as inelegant and unrefined, and every-
thing the busy critic can conceive. But the aim
of the writer has not been to give offense. On
the contrary, every item that might stir up strife
or cause hard feelings has been carefully omit-
ted. The author has aimed to make the volume
a story of earnest consecrated effort. It is the
tribute of a daughter to her father's memory
and she has endeavored to have the narrative
well planned and proportioned.
  Some of the chapters are devoted to historical
sketches of the church in its early struggles, and
of Mr. Blair's missionary labors in the moun-
tains of Kentucky. He deserves to be remem-
bered as a faithful worker, as a minister, mis-
sionary, teacher and uplifter of humanity. Hl!
life may also help display the variety of circum-
stances under which ministerial and missionary
work must be done. All that was good and
noble of Mr. Blair, that was available, it is
sought to publish in this volume.
  Trusting that the book may fall into the
hands of some who may deem it worth while
to emulate his unselfish example, and knowing
that God blesses humble and awkward instru-

 





        Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.     5

mentalities, we beseech him that it may be so in
this case; that this little volume may be a bless-
ing to the reader.
  To the sacred memory of our Father and
Mother this book is tenderly and lovingly dedi-
cated.                        THE AUTHOR.

 This page in the original text is blank.

 











                CONTENTS.

                   CHAPTER I.
His Early Life . . . .  .  .  . .  .     .  g
                   CHAPTER II.
Beginning of Religious Life. .  . . . . .     I6
                  CHAPTER III.
His Work as a Missionary in Kentucky .  . .   23
                  CHAPTER IV.
His Second Charge of His Former Churches . .       29
                   CHAPTER V.
His Temperance Views .  . . . .   . . . .     34
                  CHAPTER VI.
Close of His Pastorate at Pleasant Grove . .   .   38
                  CHAPTER VII.
His War Experiences  ...   ...  .    .  ..    43
                 CHAPTER VIII.
His Home Life.5. .5. .     ..     . . . . 5
                  CHAPTER IX.
Fictitious Literature Prohibited.. . . . .     6i
                  CHAPTER X.
The Latter Part of His Life. Second Marriage   .   70
                  CHAPTER XI.
Beautiful Tributes of Friends..  . . . . .     77
                 CHAPTER XII.
Death of His Son and Tributes from Friends . .

 






8                  Contents.

                 CHAPTER XIII.
Tribute to Rev. J. C. Gilliam, His Most Intimate
     Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . lo,
                 CHAPTER XIV.
History of Old Pleasant Grove from Its Organi-
     zation to Present Day. . .      . . . I06
                  CHAPTER XV.
Bethlehem Church  ..    ..   . ..    . . .120
                 CHAPTER XVI.
His Correspondence   ..   ..    ..   . .     1.132
                 CHAPTER XVII.
"Gleamings of Thought" from Mr. Blair's Note-
    book ...   .  .  . .  . .  .  . .    .  i4o
                CHAPTER XVIII.
Sketch of the Works of Rev. Samuel A. Noel . i6o
                 CHAPTER XIX.
Sermon by Rev. Samuel A. Noel . . . . .175
                 CHAPTER XX.
Sketch of the Rev. Laban Jones . . . . . .214


 










Life of R. Downey Blair.



               CHAPTER I.

               HIS EARLY LIFE.

  On the seventh day of October, i821, Robert
Downey Blair was born in Shelby County, Ken-
tucky, of humble parentage. He was the son
of William and Jane Blair, who combined the
sterling qualities which command the admira-
tion, respect and approval of mankind-good
sense, strength of character, sympathy, deep
piety;-"diligent in business, serving the Lord."
His mother was a virtuous, pious gentlewoman,
and one that feared God above many.    She
looked to the ways of her household, prayed
with them daily, and taught them the good knowl-
edge of the Lord betimes. His father, William,
was a man who ruled his house in the fear of
God and trained up his children in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. No wonder this
son Robert found great happiness in having
such parentage, humble in the world's estima-
     (9)

 




10      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



tion, but rich in the things that pertain to faith,
righteousness and the world to come.
  There can be no doubt that, having been born
of such pious parentage, this son was a long
way on the road to success. Hlow natural that
there should appear in him early inclinations
both to learning and piety! He was endowed
with very fine natural gifts, and soon in life he
learned that if ever he achieved success it must
be by his own efforts.  "Per ardua ad alta"
is the familiar motto of the old Romans.
"Through difficulties to the heights." How true
it is that most of our great men of all ages and
climes have toiled through arduous paths to the
pinnacle of success!  Adversity is the school
where rigid rules are enforced, and he who is
disobedient and faint of heart will never learn
the alphabet of success. With a determined
will, tender yet inflexible, Robert D. Blair went
to work to overcome the difficulties that lay be-
fore him. With a fine physique and a sound
mind in a sound body, with a hopeful disposi-
tion, he was well equipped to meet the worst of
enemies that might dispute his progress.
  The earliest records of his ancestry are not
available. He did not take credit to himself for
their successes, and felt in no way humiliated by

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



their shortcomings.  As pioneers they were a
hardy stock, capable of great physical endu-
rance, and of hard, continuous labor. His Puri-
tan ancestors could not have left a more valu-
able legacy than a deeply imbued religious senti-
ment. They were among the early settlers of
Kentucky, where for almost two hundred years
the Blairs have been residents.  His mother's
family, the Downeys, also possessed a goodly
share of Puritan pluck and piety.    Robert
Downey had every reason to be justly proud in
signing his name R. Downey Blair, for both fam-
ilies were types of highly religious enthusiasm
and unsullied character.
  His parents, William and Jane., were blessed
with seven children, two sons and five daugh-
ters. The two eldest children were daughters,
while Robert Downey was the third child. His
father was a cripple and lived on a farm, where
the children received their life's training. To
give some idea of the hardships through which
they passed, in common with their neighbors, in
those early days would fill a volume. Church
attendance was a rule in the family. The chil-
dren walked barefoot, carrying their shoes and
stockings in hand, putting them on when al-
most in sight of the church. Frequently they



I I

 




12      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



carried their dinner, and stayed all day, hearing
the two sermons and attending the Sunday
school. Being engaged in hard work and hav-
ing to walk several miles to church on Sunday,
and being in extreme poverty, they never mur-
mured or complained. All through his life, Mr.
Blair looked back with deepest gratitude to this
rigid custom, that taught him to remember the
Sabbath day to keep it holy, by attendance upon
the worship of the house of God and making
use of the outward ordinances. Tedious as the
hours passed, still he considered them a bless-
ing because they formed the habit of church at-
tendance.
  When Robert was seventeen years old, his
father died, thus leaving much of the care and
support of the family to devolve upon this eldest
son, until his younger brother could share the
responsibility. The father possessed his home-
stead, but had little besides to leave his family,
which practically had no means of support. A
less courageous heart than his widow's would
have been overcome by the dark prospects for
the future, yet with undaunted courage, and
with a strong faith in God, she faced the battle
against poverty.
  The advantages of even a common school edu-

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



cation in those days were very limited. Books
were few, and very expensive. A poor boy had
a hard struggle to obtain an education, yet R.
Downey Blair had the courage, ambition and
perseverance to obtain a practical education. He
worked on the farm during the spring and sum-
mer months, and attended the public schools in
the fall and winter. At the age of eighteen he
taught school, teaching school and studying
while he taught, laboring for many years to
gain the equivalent of a college course. He al-
ways spoke of those days of hardship with the
most tender reference to his brave mother and
sisters, who by their self-sacrifice, industry and
devotion had enabled him to pursue his studies.
  It was an early characteristic of MIir. Blair
that when determined to accomplish his purpose
he was not easily thwarted, and to keep a prom-
ise was one of the first principles his parents
taught their children to observe.  All through
his life he sacredly kept his promises. Often he
has been known to have been detained by storm
or swollen stream; yet if he had promised to be
at home, he would brave the elements, ride far
into the night, reaching home in safety but thor-
oughly drenched. He was determined to obtain
an education, but how to procure the necessary



13

 




14      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



books was a difficult problem. The family li-
brary contained less than a dozen books in his
early school days: a large family Bible, which
contained the family records, the catechism, and
a few well-worn testaments. After the children
had learned to read, the small testaments were
the only available material which they carried
with them to school.   But even with such a
scanty supply of literature, the tender hearted
mother permitted no fault-finding or complain-
ing of their lot. "Trust in God," was the brief
creed of this Christian mother, and many evi-
dences of the thoroughness with which this les-
son was taught to her children were found in
their early experiences, as well as in their later
lives, all of which were "stepping-stones" to
greater possibilities.
  This son was thus greatly blessed in having
such a mother, who was to him as Lois and Eu-
nice were to Timothy, acquainting him with
the Scriptures from his childhood, and com-
mending all of his ways to him who, like an
earthly father pititth his children, would also
pity him and cause his face to shine upon him.
With such an atmosphere of piety and sweet
resignation to God's will, with such a healthy
moral home influence, and surrounded by the liv-

 




        Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.     I5

ing example of the godly life of his widowed
mother, we are not at all surprised to see this
young fatherless boy begin to turn his thoughts
seriously to the ministry as his life's work, and
to build his character upon the "Rock Founda-
tion" without whom all life must be in vain, but
in whom we can do all things, for he strength-
eneth us. Thus it is seen how the dews of heav-
en softened his heart by degrees, and from these
early experiences, and the lessons learned at his
mother's knee, he was constrained to "seek first
the kingdom of heaven," knowing that all other
things needful should be added.

 




i6     Life of Rev. R. Dow'ney Blair.



                CHAPTER II.

         BEGINNING OF RELIGIOUS LIFE.

  By his early training MIr. Blair was religious,
but he had never made an open profession of his
religious sentiments. At the age of eighteen he
made a public profession of religion, and united
with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, un-
der the ministry of the Rev. David Robinson, of
precious memory. From the time he accepted
Christ his whole life changed, and shortly after
his conversion he felt that God had called him
to preach the gospel and so deeply was he con-
vinced that he, like Paul, exclaimed, "Woe is
me if I preach not the gospel." His means were
inadequate to enable him to enter Cumberland
College, but to the brave nothing is difficult.
  It was not an unusual occurrence in those
early days for many of our ministers to receive
their instruction in private families, under some
of our older ministers. The first ecclesiastical
act of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was
to receive a young man under care of presbytery,

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



and to direct him in his studies, preparatory to
ordination to the whole work of the ministry.
  The presbyteries were diligent and in earnest
in the control of the young men, requiring them
to pursue their studies privately; the older min-
isters rendering valuable assistance, often mak-
ing their homes a school. In the absence of a
college course, the probationer received a prac-
tical preparation for his life-work. Frequently
the system of private studying ripened into a
high grade of scholarship. Rev. Laban Jones,
one of our pioneer ministers, gave private in-
struction in theology to Mr. Blair. He lived in
the home of Mr. Jones for several years, and
was treated as a member of his family. Here he
was a diligent student, studying laboriously ear-
ly and late, until he felt prepared to preach. He
began his preparation for the ministry in the
year i839, and was ordained to the full work of
the ministry in i848.  Rev. David Robinson
preached the ordination sermon.
  In i852 he was called to take charge of a
group of churches as permanent pastor-Beth-
lehem, Jeffersontown and Pleasant Grove, all in
Jefferson County, Kentucky-preaching once a
month for each congregation. It was at this time
that Mr. Blair purchased a small farm, which
     2



17

 





i8      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



later became his home. A barren little tract, near
Pleasant Grove church, was offered at this time,
at a moderate price, and he bought it, intending
to locate in the country, for the sake of his wife
and children.  Gradually his interest in his
churches increased, until they became the scene
of his greatest activities and most lasting work.
He lived on this farm more than forty years,
preaching for these churches the greater part of
the time,
  In the early part of Mr. Blair's ministry the
question of salary did not interfere with his pas-
torates. The denomination was young, and its
churches few in numbers, as well as in member-
ship. Its ministers were compelled to labor in
the face of opposition and many other discour-
agements. Very little was done in a systematic
way, because money was necessary and the peo-
ple had but little of it. His churches were un-
able to give him much in the way of salary,
hence it became necessary to teach school and
work on his farm, when he could do so without
interfering with his pastoral duties; and in this
way he provided for his family. Pleasant Grove
was the weakest of the three churches he served.
I don't believe he ever received a salary from
that church. He was often asked how much

 




Life of Rev. R. Doumey Blair.



Pleasant Grove congregation paid him. He
would answer, "I never charged the congrega-
tion for my services." Some of the wealthier
members paid him some money from time to
time, we know, but the majority were unable to
pay anything. He was always very modest in
regard to this matter, realizing it was the wisest
course to accept what the membership could
give. We will never know in this life how much
or how lttle he received. If his sermons, his
counsel and example helped men and women to
better lives he was satisfied. It was his chief
aim to better humanity. Eternity alone can re-
veal the vast amount of good he accomplished.
No one living ever knew or ever will know the
amount of financial aid he gave the worthy poor.
  He always called himself a poor man, and in-
deed he was, in the early part of his ministry.
He was a hard student all his life. Early in life
he began to purchase such books as he needed
and which his small means allowed, and con-
tinued to do this almost all his life. So at the
time of his death he owned quite a library of
good and valuable books. He was a thoroughly
self-made man and encouraged other young men
to become so.



I9

 




20      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



  There were a number of very ambitious young
men in his neighborhood, who were unable to ob-
tain a college education, and who earnestly
begged Mr. Blair to take the public school, in or-
der to assist them. He not only taught them in
the schools, but gave private instructions at
night to quite a number of these young men.
Most of these became honored Christian cit!-
zens, some entering secular professions, and
some becoming ministers of the gospel. He was
unable financially to aid young men at this time.
A young man by name of William Davis, with-
out home or means, but very anxious to obtain
an education, asked to be taken to Mr. Blair's
home, to attend his school, and receive private
instruction at night, offering to work nights and
mornings to pay for his schooling. Although it
was almost impossible, under the circumstances,
to take this extra labor, yet he made the sacri-
fice, and gave the young man all the assistance
in his power. He obtained a fair education with-
out cost, Mr. Blair also furnishing him books.
He became a successful business man and reared
a family of intelligent children.  One of his
sons, who was named for Mr. Blair, became a
minister of the gospel. Mr. Blair assisted many
a young man equally as much as the one just

 




Life of Rev. R. Douney Blair.



mentioned, though not in a time when life was
a struggle. Large numbers of our best citizens
who are living to-day owe much of their success
in life to him, for the assistance and encour-
agement they received at his hands.
  Some conversions occur suddenly like that of
St. Paul on the road to Damascus, or like the
penitent thief on the cross. Again there are
those whose conversion is a process of many
years' growth. We ought not to lay too much
stress, however, upon sudden conversion or our
knowing the exact time. With many this is im-
possible. Who can know when or where or how
the Spirit worketh Who can so soon be aware
of the daybreak or the sprouting of seed sown
The work of grace is better known in its effects
than in its beginning. The blind man accosted
by the Pharisees, who were so critical in exam-
ining the recovery of his sight, said, "This and
the other I know not concerning it, but this one
thing I know, that whereas I was blind now I
see." So it seems to have been with the sub-
ject of this memoir. It was but the sprouting of
the good seed sown in early childhood by the
hand of pious parents. At last the day of ordi-
nation had come, the day when the good seed
should begin to bear fruit a hundred fold and



21

 




22      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.

more. Putting men into the ministry is the work
of Christ, and, like Timothy, he was thankful
that "Christ Jesus our Lord had enabled him,
for that he counted him faithful, putting him in
the work of Christ."

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



                CHAPTER III.

  HIS WORK AS A MISSIONARY IN KENTUCKY.

  In i868, after serving the congregations at
Jeffersontown, Bethlehem and Pleasant Grove
for sixteen years, he believed a change of pastors
would be beneficial. Accordingly at the close of
the services he tendered his resignation, which
was reluctantly accepted. He urged the session
to lose no time in employing a pastor. When
he took charge of these churches in I852 his faith
in their future prosperity was great. From fee-
ble, struggling churches, with but a small num-
ber enrolled as members, they had become self-
supporting, and their future prosperity was as-
sured.
  Rev. J. B. Madden assumed charge of these
congregations after Mr. Blair's resignation,
serving a few years. It was in the same year the
American Sunday School Union issued a call
for missionaries for the United States.  Mr.
Blair enlisted as a missionary for Kentucky. He
labored faithfully throughout the state, but was



23

 




24      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



always in touch with the work in his churches.
It has been said by many that the best and most
enduring work of his life was accomplished
while he was engaged as a missionary. His work
was much harder and required him to be away
from his home sometimes two or three months
at a time, enduring many hardships and priva-
tions, such as only a missionary is acquainted
with. His work extended into the rough moun-
tainous districts of the state, where ignorance
and vice prevail to an alarming extent.
  He organized Sunday schools, supplied them
with all necessary literature, distributed books
and tracts, lecturing on the importance of Sun-
day schools and preaching the Word to the des-
titute in schoolhouses and homes. In many in-
stances the "home" contained but one room.
Many were turned from lives of idleness and
vice to accept Christ as their portion. His work
as a missionary was a revelation. The methods
he employed in getting children to attend Sunday
school were unique.  He always carried with
him books and leaflets suited to children, which
he distributed. At first these only excited curios-
ity; but he seldom failed to interest the children,
so that they gladly attended his meetings and
entered the Sunday schools.  Having secured

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



their attendance, he was equally as earnest in his
efforts to retain them. Once on the rolls, he
looked after them, visiting their homes, and tak-
ing such a warm and practical interest in them
that they became devotedly attached to him.
  The reports of his successful work in the
state were very encouraging, as is indicated in
the following extract from a letter to his wife:
"The Lord is blessing my labors. I am driven
more than I ever was in my life. I have crowded
houses wherever I go." He often spoke of the
"continued blessing that rested on his work, as
a token of God's approval." "No place is so bad,
no class so hardened, as to be despaired of," he
often said. He sometimes took his daughter with
him on his long tours, to sing in his Sunday
schools, to help him to attract the children and
interest their parents.  He wrote monthly re-
ports, or letters, of his work and sent to the
Board of Missions of the American Sunday
School Union, always, however, keeping a copy
of each report, which he filed away, telling one
of his daughters they "might find use for them
after he had finished his work here." These re-
ports were very interesting, and literally sparkled
with gems of religious truth. If published in
book form, as we believe was his intention, it



25

 




26      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



would stand high on the lists of missionary li-
braries for years to come, and "by it he being
dead yet speaketh." The old home was destroyed
by fire several years before his death, and as the
reports were stored in a closet upstairs, seldom
used, they were probably burned.
  In all his travels and labors among the worst
classes of people I never knew of a single in-
stance where he was injured or molested in any
way. The servant of God who goes forth to en-
gage in gospel work is defended by the right
hand of his omnipotence. Mr. Blair's Bible was
the only weapon he was ever known to carry. He
believed inr the power of prayer, and sought di-
vine guidance and protection in all his under-
takings and journeyings. He prayed believing
he would receive that for which he asked, and ac-
cording to Divine promise, and in the success
attending his ministry we are assured that he
obtained answer to prayer.  The same loving
Father will equally bless and protect all who
call upon him believing.
  After laboring as a missionary for several
years, he was compelled to tender his resigna-
tion, on account of being needed at home. His
wife, who had not been strong for several years,
was now in feeble health.  The care of their

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



large family, and looking after the affairs of the
farm, were more than she was able to attend to.
Hence he very reluctantly gave up the good
work which was, as he himself expressed it,
"scarcely begun."
  Mr. Blair was soon after again called to take
charge of the churches he served before engag
ing as a missionary. These churches, if they
did not originate with him, at least received a
great impulse from him, for he gave them
strength and momentum. It seemed impossible
for these churches to secure a minister who
could remain more than a few years with them.
There had been frequent changes during Mr.
Blair's missionary activities, and the congrega-
tions gladly welcomed him back. He worked
like a general and had a warm place in the
hearts of these people, who were among the best
friends he ever had, and on whose sympathy he
could always count.
  His work as a missionary was likewise a
means of increasing his knowledge and love and
other graces, and thus it abounded to a good ac-
count. The sphere may have been too narrow
for such a burning and shining light, yet this
humble servant of God had such low thought
of himself and such high thoughts of his work



27

 




28      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.

and the worth of souls, that he laid out his work
himself with as much diligence and vigor here as
if he had the oversight of the greatest and most
considerable parish in the country. Indeed, the
work of a missionary afforded him rare oppor-
tunities for sowing seed in desolate places, of
expounding the Scriptures to those who seldom
heard the blessed truth, and of discoursing fa-
miliarly with sinners concerning the things of
God, to their mutual edification, and emulating
the example of the apostles, who though they
had the liberty of public places, yet taught the
flock from house to house. Thus he knew better
how to preach to them and pray for them, and
they to pray for one another.

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



               CHAPTER IV.

 HIS SECOND CHARGE OF HIS FORMER CHURCHES.

 In again assuming pastoral charge of these
 churches, his work, in many respects, was like
 that of his first labors among them. It almost
 seemed that he took up the work where he had
 left it a few years before. He had, as he ex-
 pressed it, "higher hopes, and if possible greater
 faith, than he had when he first took up the
 work." In being told that many of his members
 had left the church, and "gone back," he said:
 "Some have told me that my work in these
 churches has not lasted; I want to say that I
 have been all over the state, and in several other
 states, preaching and working for the cause of
 my Master, and wherever I have gone I have
 found the fruits of my work among you. They
 told me they were converted under my preach-
 ing." How many he won to Christ cannot be
 estimated. When asked if he had any idea how
 many souls had been led to Christ under his
ministry, he answered: "I do not know. I have



29

 




30     Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



never tried to keep a record. But I feel sure
there are many whose names are recorded in the
Lamb's Book of Life, who have told me I had
led them to Christ."
  Mr. Blair resided in the community near the
churches he served more than forty years, as we
have said, which was a longer period, perhaps,
than any minister engaged in active church
work, either before or since his residence in
Kentucky. His influence was great, and held
wrong-doers in check. That community in
which the servant of God is permanently located
is wonderfully blessed. It is of the greatest im-
portance that country churches have their minis-
ter located near their fields of labor, and watch-
ing over their flocks, instead of residing in the
cities, reaching their appointments by river or
rail once or twice a month.
  Most of the churches in the country have
preaching only once a month. Twelve Sundays
out of fifty-two! Is it possible to save a sinful
world on this plan Is it any wonder so many
of our young men are visiting the dramshops,
and rushing peilmell into drunkards' graves
Is it to be wondered at that it has become the
universal fashion for many of them to become
experts at the gaming table Attending church

 




Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



once a month, and in the gambling dens and
barrooms forty Sundays a year! What would
become of our flocks and herds if we attended
them only once or twice a month Some will
answer, "The Sunday school is watching over
and training the young people in the absence of
the pastor." In some instances it is, and we ad-
mit the Sunday school is doing a grand work;
but it is not reaching all.
  We wish to call attention to the fact that
pastors should be impressed with the church's
responsibility for the religious education of chil-
dren; that family training can no longer be de-
pended on, as we are told it once could. The
Sunday school, even at its best, cannot do all
that ought to be done. Let pastors locate in the
country near their churches, not expecting too
much in the way of a salary. The pastor should
consider the value of souls as greater than sil-
ver and gold. Let him labor with his hands for
a while, which will help materially, and we will
find that the number of church members will in-
crease, the work of the Sunday schools will be
far-reaching, and in time the remuneration will
increase also. The founders of our churches
were not discouraged by small incomes. Their
work was not retarded nor did they seek broader



31

 




32      Life of Rev. R. Downey Blair.



fields of labor that they might obtain larger sal-
aries. The greatest good to any community or
church can be accomplished only by persistent
and earnest efforts and permanent pastorates.
We believe permanency in a pastorate is per-
haps one of the foundation stones which must
be laid before much else of permanency can be
erected.
  The frequent and numerous changes, after
Mr. Blair closed his first pastorate, go to show
that much more could have been accomplished
had the pastors felt a strong inclination to re-
main and labor amid hardships and discourage-
ments as lie d