For many years the burden of the
closed church in Howard Valley had
rested upon his heart, but last winter,
through his instrumentality, the
church was opened, a Haptist pastor
installed, and the work begun, and
when that was started he felt as if
his life's work was done. For the
past 20 years he had lived with his
daughter, Mrs. Susan Howe, in (he
Valley, near the little church, and
when it was again opened for wor
ship he felt as if God's blessing had
come into his life.
He had been unusually active dur
ing the past few months, his mind
was clear, and he took an active in
terest in the subjects of the day. up
to his illness of less than a week,
when, in spite of skillful and loving
care the silver cord was loosed, the
golden bowl broken, and the spirit
returned to God who gave it, just as
the early sunlight streamed into the
room and fell upon the open Bible by
the side of his bed. I
The day before his mind wan- I
tiered to his pastorates; he was '
preaching agaiu, and dwelling upon
the little church in the Valley. Often
he begged those around him to let
him go from home into eternity. Ills
last words were calling for his
mother and commanding his family
! to "rejoice with me,” for indeed he
| was on the threshold of eternity and
home lor him was no more for he I
was entering upon the life of re- !
joining and did not wish his loved i
ones to mourn for him. who was I
soon to be With the God he had I
loved and served for So years.
