The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-08-10

their labors were not in vain in the Lord;
for in the language Of his surviving mother.
he was always an obedient and affection
ate child. He was known TO pray often in
secret. when but a child. These early inn
pressions assisted, in forming his charac-
ter, and regulating his life; and in Janua-
ry, 1845, at protracted meeting held by
Rev. Pardon Cook, he sought and found
the pearl of great price, and united with
the M. E. Church. And so consistant
was his life and promising his talents. that
at the close Of his probation, the Leaders
meeting recommended him for license to
exhort. Shortly after he embraced reli-
gion he was joined in marriage TO Miss
E. MANAHAN. She also enjoyed religion,
had been well trained by pious parents,
and proved to be good hel lp-meet for him
through life.
Brother Ross was a man of superior
mind, and passionate fond of study.
He was good Greek and Latin scholar,
and had well-nigh mastered the German
language. He had passed through the
study Of Law, and was popular and sue
cessful practitioner at the Woodsfeld bar
and in his death the bar and community
have sustained greatloss. Notwithstand.
ing the ffattering prospects, of worldly
character, which lay before him, yet his
mind seemed to be turned in different
direction. From the time ofhis conversion
up to his death, he felt that it was his duty
to preach the Gospel. And had he no,
been constitutionally feeble, | have no
doubt he would have been in the Itineracy.
AT our last quarterly meeting last year, he
was licensed to preach, and recommend
ed to the Annual Conference as a suitable
person for the travelling connection. He
promised great usefulness 10 the Church
His death was sudden and unexpected
The circumstances, as near as can recol-
leCt, are as follows:
About two weeks before his death, he
and his lady started on visit to Baltimore
to see some relatives; and having business
at Marietta. he went that way, and on the
next day after his arrival there, was taken
sick. perhaps with dysentery. Having a
feeble constitution. he was soon pros,rated.
and in the course of eight or ten days,
death had accomplished his work No
pen, or painters pencil are adequate to a
luli vi tu6 llluillpuS Vi HIS
last hour. On Sabbath morning, abou,
one or two o'clock. it became manifest
that death was making rapid advances.
and hopes of his recovery were given up
Hitherto he had not been apprised Of his
danger. His physician informed him that
he could not get well; and notwithstand-
ing this news was sudden and unexpected.
(for his own opinion was that he would
recovery yet he received it with entire
calmness, at the same time intimating, that
although death, had no terrors, yet he
would liked to have lived until his children
were educated. He asked his wife to pray
with him, she knelt at his bed side, he join
ing in the prayer, heartily responding
His companion said to him, "Oh, Archy.
if you were only at home." "My dear,''
said he, "you always look at the dark
side of the picture; look at the bright side,
and do not grieve. God, is as nigh to me
here as he would be if | were at home.' -
lie exhorted all that came in the room to
prepare to meet him in heaven; and sent
special message to his unconverted
friends and associates in Woodsfield, to
prepare for death, Oh, that they would
take the admonition, and fee from the
wrath to come!
Rev. Ross, OF the Ohio conference, came
in to see him, and in conversation asked
him what the state of his mind was, with
reference to eternity. "Oh." said he,
''there is not cloud to darken my sky
Just before he died he wrote few lines to
his widowed Mother; letting his pen fall,
he said. "the will of the Lord be done''
He took leave of his companion, told her
what to say to the children, and as they
were not present TO receive their father S
dying blessing. Kiss them he said "many
times for me.'' His locks were now seen
swimming in the cold waters of Jordan. and
a smile passed over his countenance which
seemed to say, "Oh, death, where is thy
sting" "Mark the perfect man, and be
hold the upright for the end of that man
is peace" Brother Ross has left wife
and three interesting little boys. Never
was there more affectionate father. OIL
kinder husband. Let them have place
in the prayers of the Church. And may
the God Of all grace sustain them in theil
afflicton. He has also LETT an aged and
widowed Mother, who has followed mum
ber Of her family TO the grave. May the
Lord sustain her by his grace. that she
may follow them up to Glory, where kin
dred ties shall not be severed.
J. J. McILYAR.
WooDsFIELD. Aug. 8. 1858.