George Paxton (minister)
George Paxton | |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 April 1762 |
| Died | 9 April 1837 Edinburgh |
| Buried | West Kirk |
George Paxton (2 April 1762 – 9 April 1837) was a Scottish secession minister and poet. He was the professor of divinity of the 'New Licht' Anti-Burgher General Associate Synod.[1]
Life
Background
Paxton was born on 2 April 1762 at Dalgourie, on the edge of
Education
Sir Hay sent George to Kelso to learn
Ordination and secession
In March 1788 George received his licence to preach and was ordained as minister of the joint parishes of
In the 1830s he is listed as living at 12 Archibald Place, off Lauriston Place, near to
Death and memorial
George Paxton died in Edinburgh on 9 April 1837 and is buried in the "West Kirk" burial ground, generally now known as St Cuthbert’s Churchyard. The tall monument stands against the south-west wall. The stone is eroding and the lower text is now lost, but the whole memorial was transcribed in the early part of the 19th century and read:
The Rev. GEORGE PAXTON D.D. Sanct. Theol. Prof. late senior minister of Infirmary Street Congregation of Original Seceders, author of "Scripture Illustrations" etc., died 9th April 1837 aged 75 years.
His ardent and powerful mind was refined and polished by learning and liberal art; by vital religion were his manly virtues exalted into Christian graces. In the theological chair he taught and trained his pupils with wisdom, dignity and affection. In the pulpit preached a pure gospel in mellow strains of nervous eloquence, 'from house to house' counselled and comforted with a pastor's lowly assiduity; in all the walks of life, devoted to the service of his Master, taste and talents, decision and energy of character, descending into the vale of years with the firm peaceful aspect of faith and hope, he left a dying testimony to Scotland's solemn vows in behalf of religion and liberty; and bade adieu to the field of warfare, honoured in not putting off his armour till called to put on his crown.
Surbase: In memory of a respected and beloved pastor this stone was erected by the members of the congregation.
Base: MARGARET JOHNSTON his widow, died 4th May 1850.
Family
Paxton married Elizabeth Armstrong of Kelso in 1790. Their marriage was cut short by her death in 1800. Together they had two sons and three daughters.
His daughter, Jean, married the Reverend John More of Cairneyhill in Fife.[8]
His son, George, became a doctor and rose to fame in India.
Paxton married a second time, to Margaret Johnstone, daughter of a Berwick farmer.
Publications
- An Inquiry into the Obligation of Religious Covenants upon Posterity (1801)
- Healing the Divisions in our Church (1802)
- The Villager and other Poems (1813)
- Illustrations of the Holy Scriptures 3 vols (1822)[9]
References
- ^ Shaw, William Arthur (1895). "Paxton, George". In Lee, Sidney (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 44. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: George Paxton
- ^ Richard M Smith, Auld Licht, New Licht and Original Secessionists in Scotland and Ulster, page 118
- ^ City of Edinburgh Council: Listed Building records
- ^ Richard M Smith, Auld Licht, New Licht and Original Secessionists in Scotland and Ulster, page 120
- ^ The Edinburgh Almanack, Or Universal Scots and Imperial Register, ... Oliver & Boyd. 1828.
- ^ "Edinburgh Post Office annual directory, 1832-1833". National Library of Scotland. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
- ^ "Reverend John More". www.genealogy.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
- ^ The Christian Spectator. Howe & Spalding. 1822.
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