THE CAMBRIAN. Now, go write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever THE LATE ROBERT LEWIS, ESQ., NEW YORK CITY. BY REV. HUGH DAVIES, NEW YORK. The late Mr. Robert Lewis, New Welsh-American communities as a York, whose portrait appears above, successful merchant, a cultivated and was so well known throughout our benevolent Christian gentleman, as Rev. R. Williams, Aberdovey, who was engaged in the drapery business. one of the most able and efficient sea and entered the establishment of ruling elders of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, and as a bright ornament of many social and religious circles in New York City, that a tribute of respect is due to his memory, and a brief sketch of his life may be useful and encouraging to the readers of THE CAMBRIAN. Mr. Lewis was born at Rhydonen, Towyn, Merionethshire, N. W., Nov. 2nd, 1834. He was the youngest of five children born to Lewis and Eliza beth Lewis. His mother who was an estimable lady of fine qualities and godliness, died when he was but a year old,so that he was deprived of the inestimable blessing of a mother's love and nurture in his most tender years. For the ensuing year the care of the child devolved upon an aunt, his father's sister, who assumed charge of his fathers's household affairs at this time. After which his eldest sister, Jane, Mrs. Griffiths, Prospect, Oneida Co., N. Y., succeeded as housekeeper of the family, and cared for her infant brother and for whom he entertained a most affectionate respect, as a beloved sister that had been to him instead of a mother in early years. As to the character of the home we know only that it was maintained and governed under devout religious influence. Divine worship was regularly held, and religious instruction imparted to the children. Leaving school at the age of 13 years, though with a limited and meagre preparation for life's great struggle, he began to earn his own living as a cabin boy on a coasting ship. He evinced at this early age, however, the characteristics of the self made man, which he afterward became, in availing himself constantly of every opportunity to make up the deficiency, and supplement his fund of knowledge. After a year he left At the age of 17, in the year 1852, he left the land of his birth and came to America, joining his sister Jane who had already settled in Oneida Co. Here in the new world, enlarged opportunities awaited him, and quickly perceiving his advantages he availed himself of that which to his mind seemed the best that presented itself. His first movement here was to apprentice himself in a tannery carried on by the late Mr. William Owen, of Remsen, to learn the currier trade, and by industry and perseverance he achieved considerable success. There are certain stages or turning points in the history of every young man when he begins to form his character, and shape his destiny, and it is of supreme importance that he should be guided and directed by heavenly light on the right path. The tremendous interests of eternity depends upon the moment he decides what he will do, or what path he will take. The powers of the invisible world watch with eager interest until the decision is made, and the initial steps are taken, anxious to know whether he chooses to serve God or the world Mr. Lewis from infancy was surrounded by religious influences, and educated in the doctrines and duties of the Christian religion. He also experienced deep religious impressions in his early years, but it was after coming to this country that he made. a public profession of faith in Christ. He joined the W. P. Church, at Peny-caerau, near Remsen. N. Y. In the midst of the solemn realities of eternity, he dedicated himself as a living sacrifice unto God, and entered into a solemn covenant with his people at this small country church. In doing this, the young man from THE LATE ROBERT LEWIS, Esq. Towyn, Merioneth, showed that he desired to live aright, and that by the help of God he was determined to walk the paths of righteousness. Ever afterward he was devoted to the Saviour, and inspired with the spirit of true religion, carrying with him the strength of his convictions, and the enthusiasm of a warm heart to serve Christ. The broad avenues to wealth and pleasure opened before him, yet he kept the sacred resolution to walk the narrow way that leadeth unto life. We believe that his successful life may be traced to, and should be explained by this action, firmly taken at the commencement of his career in the new world. From a true starting point his life proceeded to a successful issue, while a mistake here might have proved fatal and destructive. At the end of his first year's work at the currier's trade, he found himself in ill health, and was advised to take a sea voyage. Believing that he would be benefited by the change he took the advice, returning after three months greatly improved in health and strength, but convinced that his vocation in life was in another direction rather than on the sea. In 1856, he came to New York to seek employment of a more congenial nature, and for the remainder of his life he became a resident of this city. For two years he met with many discouragements that young men in general encounter at the beginning of their career in a large city. He availed himself, however, of every opportunity that was likely to lead to his improvement and advancement. In 1858, he was employed by Os As the reward of dili 67 business. His experience in this position helped to develope the business qualities with which he was naturally endowed and in which he exelled in later years. In 1862, he married Miss Ann Jenkins, daughter of the Rev. Thomas Jenkins of Utica. Seven children were born unto them. No husband and wife were ever more devoted to each other, and no home more congenial and happy. They dwelt together in love. In 1868, mainly at the solicitation of Mr. May, his former employer, he entered business for himself, but on borrowed capital; and the enterprise proved so successful that he was able to proceed the second year on his own capital. In the third year the firm of Lewis & Tenney was organized and continued until 1876, when it was dissolved after a prosperous co-partnership of nine years. His next business enterprise was at the head of the firm of Lewis, Hendel & Mohn. He continued in this connection until he was compelled by ill health to retire permanently from active business pursuits. His career as a merchant was honorable in every respect and prosperous. During this active period of his life as a business man, he was also devoted to the cause of the Redeemer. As soon as he became a resident of New York, he joined by letter the W. P. Church, which worshipped at that time on Allen St., and where he remained a faithful, active member for 35 years, until he entered within the veil, to join the church of the first born in heaven. His connection with this church continued through the most momentous period in its history, and no one was more devoted to its interest, or did more for its welfare. There was no position of usefulness in which he born & May, house, and commenced in a subordia large wholesale hat nate position. gence, faithfulness and efficiency, he was rapidly promoted and remained with them until they retired from the did not, at some time or other, serve acceptably and faithfully. When the present edifice was erected on 13th street, he rendered efficient service in aiding the pastor, Dr. Wm. Roberts, in different ways in collecting funds to defray the expenses connected with building. The organ which has done good service in the church ever since, was paid for from funds collected by his own individual efforts from merchants in the city, together with his own contribution. For a number of years he was leader of the singing, superintendent and teacher in the Sabbath school, member and president of the Board of Trustees, and rendered good service in every direction. For the last 18 years of his life he was a ruling elder in this church, for which office he was in every way well qualified. With keen perception of right and duty, extensive knowledge of men and things, depth of personal experience, and power of utterance, his service was of inestimable value to the church. His business tact and experience qualified him to be presiding officer of various social and religious gatherings, so that it was an honor to have him in the chair, and his conduct was always marked by courteousness and dignity. He was able to lead in any discussion, and decide matters of controversy, and secure peace and harmony. His personal experiences enabled him to counsel the weak and unstable, and comfort those in distress. In the face of many trials and discouragements his steadfastness had a salutary influence. The older members of the church respect his memory and recall his many virtues when he came here a young man, and the younger members always felt his power and influence for good. During his later years he was intimately connected with the church work of the Madison Avenue Presby Although his health had so declined that he was compelled to retire from active business pursuits, yet his work as a philanthropist continually increased on his hands, so that he was always a busy man. With a fertile mind and a liberal heart, he extended a helping hand to every good cause. Elected a Director of the American Bible Society he rendered efficient service to the Board. All work entrusted to his care was thoroughly accomplished. He was held in high esteem by the other members of the Board. A series of resolutions were also adopted in recognition of his worth and service, and in token of sympathy with the sorrowing family. (See Bible Record, July). He was also a member of the following institutions: Society for the suppression of vice; New York Museum of Art; Evangelical Alliance; and the Presbyterian Council. An active worker in the cause of Home and Foreign Mission; member of St. David's Society; an honorary member of the Cymmrodorion Society of Chicago, &c. that Mr. Lewis was in many respects a remarkable man, dignified, and and symmetrical in appearance, everywhere he impressed men he possessed a noble manhood. His mind and character also were of beautiful symmetry. A man of strong common sense, unusually sound and clear judgement, and intuitive insight into the character of men. Characterized by probity and perseverance, assiduous in every business enterprise, he was reserved and cautious, yet when the decision was made his tact and executive ability, accelerated the movement of every THE LATE ROBERT LEWIS, Esq. enterprise to a successful issue. In all, he was faithful to his sense of duty, and subjected all his powers and conduct to the control of religious principles. Moreover, he was tender, affectionate and sympathetic, and drew many hearts to love him on account of the natural and Christian kindliness of his nature. To our young men his life is a model and a worthy example, showing in the first place that prosperity is the reward of righteousness. Coming to the country poor he became remarkably successful, accumulated riches and left his family with abundance, and many will be ready with the inquiry how? By energy and constant application, wise methods, and strict regard to the principles of honesty, and integrity in all his transactions; above all by religious dependence upon God for his guidance and blessing upon all his undertakings. Thus he succeeded, and this enabled him to enjoy the reward of his toil with a serene mind and clear conscience, without any apprehensive fears to disturb his peace and corrode his moral feelings. He was pre-eminently a religious character, and started every business enterprise with prayer. Religion permeated all his life and his doings, and was the controlling principle and motive that guided all his actions. Secondly: In the wise disposition he made of his wealth. He did not treasure unto himself but regarded it as a trust committed to his care to be used in the service of Him who blessed his undertakings. As a faithful stewart he dispensed largely and continually for the good of his fellowmen, and to promote the cause of the Redeemer. He realized his responsibility to use his talents and his means for the glory of God. He loved doing good. Thirdly: His worldly prosperity 69 did not lead him to forsake his religious duties. If he was diligent in business, he was also fervent in spirit serving the Lord. He was prompt and faithful in his attendance upon the or dinances of divine worship, and always ready to render any service within his power, and often more than he was physically able. He indentified himself with his own nationality and the cause of religion among them, humble, respectful, social and courteous toward all. Mr. Lewis died of heart and kidney disease, June 15, 1891, at Cliffside, his summer home at Lake George, N. Y., where he had gone to recuperate his health, expecting to return to New York in few days to attend to some business before settling down for rest in his summer home. But unexpectedly the summons came to enter the heavenly home, and he passed peacefully from earth surrounded by his immediate family and his brother-in-law, Dr. I. A. Jenkins, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who was his medical attendant. Although his sufferings were severe he was patient and submissive in spirit, calmly trusting and resting on the Saviour whom he loved, and murmuring to himself the words of Rev. Rowland Hill: |