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McNeish, David

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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McNeill, James H.

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McNelly, George

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a minister of the (Dutch) Reformed Church, was born in Scotland in 1820; came to this country while yet a youth; graduated at Rutgers College in 1841, and at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1844. He consecrated himself to the work of domestic missions, for which he was peculiarly fitted by his constitutional vigor and enthusiasm, by his unusual gifts as a public speaker, and by the depth and activity of his piety. He combined the "ingenium perfervidum Scotorum" with a truly American practicality, and with a consuming zeal which dared all difficulties and endured all trials "for Jesus's sake." Few preachers could be more intensely earnest and solemn in dealing with the higher themes of the Gospel, and in appeals to the consciences and the hearts of his hearers. One of his sermons on the last judgment seemed to the writer of this notice as if it were almost inspired. Its realizing power was awful and sublime. But he was equally at home in appealing to the tenderest sensibilities of the soul. Like a master musician, he could sweep all the chords of his mighty harp at will. His devotion to his missionary work in Michigan and Indiana, where all of his ministry was spent, was self-consuming. He lived for the Church of God until his earthly career closed in 1854. His great thought and last uttered wish was in full accordance with his high theological belief and experience. "Oh, that I may be made perfectly holy!" He was settled successively at Centreville and Constantine, Mich. (1844-49); at South Bend, Ind. (1849- 52); and again at Constantine (1852-54). But his influence was powerful in all the Reformed churches of the Western States, among which he was a pioneer and a master builder. (W. J. R. T.)