Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1831-07-28
REV. JACOB BEECHER.

in our hearts, and their example should be
esteemed the most precious legacy TO the liv-
ing. Although "they rest from their laboursn
in the silence Of the grave, they still continue
to speak with persuasive eloquence in favour
Of God and of truth--and instead Of enter
tanning a wish TO recall them from the smiles
of their Creator, TO mingle again in the mis-
| cries of human life, we should give all dill
gencc TO secure an interest for ourselves in
| that faith which sustained and soothed them
| in the day of attiction and in the hour Of
death.
For those who throng the eternal throne,
Lost are the tears we she'd,
They are the livisg. they alone,
Whom thus we call The dead.
Rev. JACOB BEEcHER wa. born near Pc,
| tersDurg, Adams county, Pa on the I'd day
Of May, A. ID 1899, and continued to reside
10 the place of his nativity until the spring
of 1914, when his parents removed with him
to Hagerstown in Maryland. Sometime in
1872 he commenced his studies in the Acad-
envy at Hsgerstown; and at the expiration
| Of twelve months repaired to Jefferson Col
lege, aud became member Of that institu-
ton. 10 the fall of 1924 he completed his
College course. and Immediately entered the
Theological Seminary in Princeton, N. Jer.
sey. For about eighteen months he pursued
Ills theological studies in connexion with that
Seminary; when declining health compelled
him to relinquish the duties of the institu-
ton and retire. AT Carlisle, Pa. he afterwards
spent about six months IN the study OF the
German language-and in the fall oil 1926
he was set apart and ordained 10 the gospel
ministry by the Synod Of the German Re
| formed Church, which held its sessions Ia
Fredericktown, Md. He Immediately recei
| we'd aud accepted call from the German Re
formed Churches of Shepherdstown, Mar
| tinsburg, and Smithheld, to become their
Pastor In this charge he continued to la
| bour for the space OF about five years--altho
his labours were frequently interrupted by
| the declining state OF his health. He was
absent FROM his people at several different
| times in the pursuit OF bealth-but ne was
| not idle in the service of his heavenly master
He united the works of beneyolence with the
pursuit Of health; and twice engaged ia the
tolls Of a responsible asency, and twice re-
tufred to his pastoral care with increased
strength and brighter hopes. OaIy few
weeks have passed away since he returned
from extensive usefulness abroad, to close his
days in the midst of the flock over whom God
had made him spiritual Waterman lie
died at his residence in Shsphefdstown on
Friday morning, July 18th, about O'Clock
In the death Of Mr.. Beecher society has
lost a most valuable member; and the church
es over which he presided have lost faithful
friend. and Jealous pastor. Ills plety was
oil that humble and unobtruslve kind which
finds its home at the foot of the Redeemer's
cross; and in his walk aud conversation he
adorned the doctrines which he pToiessed
and advocated. His exemplary department
and bis labours Of love are deeply embalmed
in the hearts Of the friends he has left behind
him and the cheering success which attend
ed his abours abroad is too well known aud
appreciated by the churches TO need the voice
of eulogy. lie was indeed man Of God,
who in every situation IN which he was pla-
ced. aud under all the circumstances of life,
possessed 10 patience his soul, and maintained
an intimate Communion with the Saviour.
| Seldom has it fallen 10 the lot OF the writer
OF this humble memorial 10 witness such I'M
broken calinness and such strength Of hope
in prospect OF death. His mind was entirely
composed and submissive; and bis views were
sometimes rapiurous. tie seemed to be fully
einptied Of self, and lost Ia adoring centem-
plations of the riches oil divine grace. In
the course Of sone OF his last conversations
| with friend, he exclaimed with the deepest
| emphasis and feeling, il is all u grace When
he spoke of his approaching exit, smile
was seen to play upon MS lips; aiiording an
assurance that death had beru disarmed of
| Its terrors. All his wishes about longe life
| on earth were lost in the will OF God and all
| his worldly interests he was happy TO trust in
| the hands OF his redeemng Creator. As the
| last CLEANS of thought were streaming from
his eye, he turned to one who waited beside
his bed and said, the day Of niy redemption
dratceth nigh. These were almost the last
words that broke from his lips, and in few
moments his soul spread It's wing for immor-
tally. Farewell, watchman OF Zion, .'thou
hast fought good fight-thou has flushed
! thy course, and kept the faith! 1t is gorl-
Gus sight to see christian soldier die on the
walls Of ZION with bis armour Onto see him
like watch worn and weary sentinel fall in
| the arms of victory, crying as he SINKS, oh
death aohers is thy sting; oh grace rchere as Thy
| vlesNy.
The circumstances which attended the
death Of Mr. Beecher are we'll adapted TO i'm
print lasting impression upon all who knew
him. Especially TO those who enjoyed the
privileges of his ministry, and met with him
around the sacramentai altar, this dispense
ton should speak the language Of solemn
| warnins-Bc ye also ready. When the god
ly man ceaseth"-when 1.-THE faithful tall from