Armstrong, Robert Leslie

Armstrong, Robert Leslie a Congregational minister, was born at Carlisle, Cumberland, England, Nov. 9, 1803. He was religiously educated, but his aversion to religion was very great; he therefore engaged in most of the follies and sins of his time. Removing, however, from Carlisle to Wigton, his manner of life was somewhat changed. He here became greatly concerned for his soul's welfare when about fourteen years of age. He was converted, and at the age of fifteen he joined the Wesleyan Society, and became at once a class- leader and local preacher. On account of his youth, which excited sympathy and astonishment, as well as his preaching and addressing large audiences, he became extremely popular in that district. These efforts proving too great for his strength, his health gave way, causing him to retire from active life for a time. Upon his recovery he joined the Independent Church at Wigton, and for a time labored at Brompton, Blennerhasset, and other villages. He now entered the academy at' Idle, in 1822, and left in' 1826. Having been invited to Wortley, he accepted the call on leaving school. He entered on his duties with courage and hope; and during his ministry of twenty- five years he paid off the debt, enlarged the chapel, built a new schoolroom capable of accommodating three hundred children, and increased the membership to one hundred and thirty-five. He was seized with apoplexy, and died July 4,1856. See (Lond.) Cong. Year- book, 1857, p.165.