The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1866-05-09
CFoR TIE oEsrnAl PnrsnrrERIAS.l ]
Rev. Samuel A. Rhea,

HoIston Presbytery, in session in New
Providence Church, April 7th, 1866,
adopted the following memorial on the
death of Rev. Samuel A. Rhea, Mission
asy to Persia:
In the solemn providence of God, we
ale called upon to append to another
name on our roll, died. There comes
floating from distant land another warn
ing, "Be ys also ready" Our beloved
brother, and missionary to Persia has
been called from his labors in the church
below, to his home on high. 1t is natu-
raj and be6tting that, by such a dispen-
sation, we should feel the fountains of
our griefs moved. But it would be
wrong to refuse consolation. The Cos
pei makes radiant with hope and glory
that lone grave in Persia.
AS we stand with that stricken widow
and those orphaned children around that
grave in foreign land, where gather so
many precious memories, and mingle our
tears and sympathis with theirs, let us
comfort one another with the Gospel of
the resurrection. Let us by faith write
upon his grave "We know that he shall
rise again; - and again, the words of
Jesus, " | am the resurrection and the
life." "For if we believe that Jesus
died and rose again, even so them that
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. F"
That grave shall be preserved fresh and
green in our memories, not only for its
precious associations with the past and
present, but for its sacred and glorious
anticipations. We will think of it as
illumined by the bright sunshine of that
morning, when from its dust shall come
forth body fashioned like unto the glo-
rious body of the Son of God.
We deem it due to ourselves, as well
as to our departed brother in Christ, to
bear testimony to his great excellence
and worth. He was born in Sullivan
County, East Tennessee, January 23rd,
1827-was licensed and ordained by
Holston Presbytery. He was a man of
more than ordinary mind, and Of fine in
tellectual attainments, combining rare
preaching talents.
But what more especially rendered
him pre-eminent was his deep piety. All
with whom he came into contact were
impressed with his heavenly mindedness.
Of but few can it be said with so much
truth, "He walked With God. His
conservation to his Master seemed to be
complete. With cheerfulness he cut the
ties, which were strong and many, that
bound him to the land of his fathers,
and turned away from the best positions
the Church could afford at home, and
went to toll in heather lands. Nor was
it in vain. The blessingof God attended
him. He was eminently successful
Through his instrumentality, many with
him will share part in the first resur-
rection. His crown will not be star
less one. It's gems doubtless will be
many. By his fifteen years labor he has
kindlcd q light amid Persia's mountains
which under God, we may humbly hope
shall brighten like the light of breaking
dav, until all the hills of earth shall be
bathed in millennial glory.
Let us then, in the midst of our afflic
ton and bereavement,
Resolve, 1st. That we bow submissive
ly to the hand that smites, knowing that
it is merciful. Clouds and darkness, for
the present, seem to surround this Prov
idence, yet by the faith of the Gospel,
we know that God will do right and will
take care of His Church. Our brothers
works will follow him. He being dead,
yet speaketh. He speaks by his life and
by his death to all the Church.
ResoEye 2nd. That we tender our SYM
pathies to the widowed wife and large
circle of bereaved friends, and exhort
them to be comforted, with ourselves,
with the assurance that our loss is his
gain. The toil-worn missionary is now
enjoying the rest promised to the people
of God.
Resolye 3rd. That this minute be en-
tered upon the Record, and that page
be inscribed to the memory of our de-
ceased brother.
Re8Olye 4th. That the Stated Clerk
be ordered to furnish Mrs. Rhea with
copy of the foregoing; also the families
of Mr.. and Mrs. Rhea.
Resolve 9th. That the Stated Clerk be
ordered to furnish copy of the same
to the Christian Observer and Central
Presbyterian for publication.
J. D. TADLoCK,
j. r. KING, Committee.