Rev. Robert Stockton

LIVES OF VIRGINIA BAPTIST MINISTERS, by James Barnett Taylor, 1859

ROBERT STOCKTON.
Robert Stockton was born Dec. 12th, 1743 in Albemarle county [until 1744 this was Goochland County, Virginia], of parents who were connected with the Presbyterian church. Before he reached manhood, he professed religion, and became himself a member of this body. Having been thrown into the society of Baptists, he was led to the examination of believers’ baptism, and to the belief that it was his duty to be immersed according to the example of Christ. He was baptized by Mr. Harriss, 1771, in Henry county. Immediately after his union with the Baptist church, he began to testify to the truth that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Nor was he content to be called a minister of the gospel, without faithfully performing the duties of this office. His labors were abundant. He is said to have been one of the most distinguished ministers of his day for activity and faithfulness. Though his influence many souls were won to the service of Christ. He was among those who were most active in the formation of the Strawberry Association. Eleven of the churches which compose this body, were constituted mainly by his instrumentality.

Elder Stockton possessed excellent colloquial talents. These were well employed in his journeying from place to place. Referring to this subject, Elder Semple states, that he “had always an inclination to travel: and, perhaps, no man ever travelled to greater advantage. Possessing invincible boldness, it was altoghther unimportant to him what kind of house he went to, whether saint or sinner, friend or opposer. He never failed, wherever he went, to enter largely into religious conversation; and having great command of his temper, and much presence of mind, he often made religious impressions upon those previously prejudiced. It was an invariable rule with him to propose, and if permitted, to perform family worship. In doing this he would often exhort a half hour or more. It was very entertaining to hear Mr. Stockton relate the various adventures of his live respecting things of this sort.”

For may years he was chosen Moderator of the Strawberry Association, and filled the office well. His influence was as merited as it was extensive. It is true, that his sermons were not remarkable for originality. He did not astonish by the extent and variety of his knowledge, nor gain admiration by the elegance of his style. But he possessed a heart full of compassion for dying men, and an unquenchable zeal in seeking their salvation.

In 1800 he removed to Kentucky, and settled in Barren county. About this time the Green river Association was formed; Elder Stockton was called to the chair, and continued to preside over this body for many years. He was regarded by the Kentucky churches no less than by the Baptists in his native state. About the beginning of the year 1825, he was called by his heavenly Master to give an account of his stewardship. In the early part of his sickness, he suffered much from the fiery temtations of the adversary, but was enabled to gain the victory, and died in full assurance of hope. He had reached his 81st year, having been fifty-four years a preacher of righteousness.