Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-09-29
FoR THE AMERICAN.
OBITUARY.

|
] 9th inst, Rev. VIM. r. SMITH, pastor of the
Presbyterian congregations of Northumberland
and Sunbury, aged So years.
He is gone. The beloved pastor who for
more than twenty FIVE years ministered to his
little flock has been summoned home-cal-
led to his reward-,aken where he so much |
longed TO be = to happiness and heaven
sThen how wilt thou do in the swellngs Of
Jordan'' were the words Of this beloved pas.
tor to his people as they gathered around him
on the last sabbath he mnistered 10 them in
the sanctuary. Little they dreamed they
were listening 10 the last warning, that voice
should ever sound to them on earth, that the |
hand so often raised in kindly expos,ula,ion
and reprooT, would 40 soon be cold in death
,ha: those eyes that had so often wept bitter
tears over their backslidings and sins, would
weep no more for them for ever. The last
warning was sounded The last prayer offer
ed and consigning his beloved charge 10 his
heavenly fathers caIe, the faithful pastor tur.
ned his face TO the wall and lay down upon
his bed of death. His work was all done
his mission was fulfilled the silver cord was
loosened--the pitcher broken at the fountain.
In Gods mysterious Providence, example was
added to the precepts he had endeavored to
instil into his peoples hearts. Their pastor
was TO be their bright guide through the deep
waters of Jordan TO the gates of the celestial
city.
The earthly ties tha, knit our pastor 10 his
heople are all broken nor, they were of pecu-
liar and enduring strength, he was endeared
to many hearts. The young had grown old
under his srations-unconscious infancy
whom he had blessed in his Fathers name,
had sprung into vigorous manhood-the gray
hair had deepened into white on the brows
OF the aged. For long years he had gone in
and out before his people he had buried
their dead, baptized their children and had
welcomed them to the table Of the Lord his
Mas,cr-he was their spiritual guide cndeared
by countless associations and sabbath after
sabbath for many years had stood before his
people, pointing TO the Saviour whom he low
ed and in whose bosom we believe he is now
reposing.
In retired quiet nook, separated only BY
the Church wall from his old pulpit home and
in the very spot his own hand had marked
out, rests all that was mortal of our departed
pastor. The first summer leaves had only
began to fade, when those who had so loved
and revered him while living, were called
by the slowly ,olling bell, 10 consign his body
to its mother earth, Up the aisle where nev.
er more his footsteps would sound--he was
once more borne and his body rested for a
little time under the shadow of the very pull
pit, (now draped in mourning) from whence
his warnings had been so often and so faith
fully been proclaimed Under the pleasant
shade of trees his grave was made and with
fearful eyes and troubled hearts, the many
who had loved him here, his bereayed friends.
his sorrowng hrcthern in the Lord and his
stricken people, consigned him to his last
long home,
The falling leaves like him too are passing
away. Spring will come again with fresh
buds and blossoms; but the SHOWS of many
winters will fall, the suns of many summers
shine upon his grave and he will no more re-
turn TO US. God grant that when we are sum
moned to pass the swelling waters of Jordan
the flock for whose conversion he so faith
fully labored ON earth may be jewels in his
crown OF Glory--and shine like stars for ever
and ever. d.
Sunbury, Sept. %, 1919.
In Point township, on the 18th inst. Miss
MARTHA HAMMER daughter of John Ham.
mer, aged 81 years.
The deceased for number of years pas;
resided in the Borough of Northumberland
where she was dearly beloved by all with
whom she was acquainted, and but few
days previous TO her death, she was removed
to the residence of her father, where she dice
of consumption. Miss Hammer was an ex
emplary member of the Presbyterian Churcl
and has gone to enjoy the reward Of wei
spent life.
In Chilisquaque township, on the l2th inst
rather suddenly, Mrs. MARY RlSllEL, wifi,
of Jacob Rishel, aged about 40 years.
In Rush township, on the 14ih ult, CATH
ARINE MARY CAMERON, daughter of Vim
d. Gearhart aged one year two months anC
twenty days.