The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-24
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Mrs. Lottie P. Price.

bereavement seldom occurs exciting sympa-
thy so profound and tender that which has re-
Gently befallen our beloved brother, the Rev. Philip
B. Price, of this city.
He was just on the eve of departure to his new
field of labor, when he was suddenly deprived of the
companionship of one whose quick intelligence,
conciiating manners, and attractive piety, would
have rendered her an invaluable aid to him in his
Pastoral work, while the qualities which adorned
and endeared her as mother and wife would
have frightened and made happy home that was
new to him. and untried.
That one so fitted to encourage his labors and
gladden. his heart should have been snatched away,
so Unexpectedly, at such time, is one of those
mysteries the full explanation of which is reserved
for the futureike the four half lines written on the
palace of the Casars-what is to come after, can
alone complete their meaning.
Had the dear child of God whose departure has
made so many hearts and sad, been asked the
reason of her early removal, during one of those
conversations when she herself in full anticipation
of the event, spoke of it so calmly she would have
doubtless referred it, as she habtually referred
everything that deeply concerned her, to the sove
reignty of God The great truth that the Judge of
all the earth will do right, was one upon which she
delighted repose and for years, of her favor
lite expressions had been, "we are all in Gods
hand"
But there was more than the display of sove.
regnty in the last days of her life on earth. The
sufciency of Divine grace was beautifully illustrated
in her accomplishing acquiescence in the will Of
DO ~ tba &c bar, md n IN
the serene and stedfast hope of future bessedness
which found expression in many sayings which will
be preserved by survivors as among the most pre-.
cious treasures of memory.
Early in life grace began the work in her which is
now complete. The daughter of Rev. William j.
Armstrong, d. D., so widely known and beloved in
Virgins, carefully trained by pious mother after
his sudden removal from earth, from her infancy
surrounded by the happiest Christian influences
is not strange that the result should have been a
character so marked by gentleness, consideration,
and sympathy, and piety so humble, stedfast, and
earnest in active benevolence, as to make her at
once useful and dear to family, friends, and the
church to whose interests she devoted.
The grace which at first drew her to the Cross and
kept her there, and which made her life fragrant
with the gentle charities and good fruits of regen-
Grated nature, was most conspicuously manifested
when heart and flesh were failing, by keeping her
faith in vigorous exercise and her hope in joyful ex
pectation.
| Therefore it was that she could give thanks for
such merces as these, lin her own words, chiefly.
that God had given her so many friends, so many
answers to prayer so much domestic happiness
that the God of the Universe was the God of the
Bible and the author of the promises-that He had
given his dear Son to save snners-that although
she could not see Jesus with the eye of sense, she
could trust him with perfect conGdence-that Heav-
en- was sweeter than any earthly home-that in her
illness she suffered little pan and less as her end
approached, and that God did not desert her at a
time when the interests of her whole being were
involved.
How great the trial and the triumph of faith which
enabled this mother to part with her little children
without murmur calmly committing them to the
arms OF the Good Shepherd; and when, though
dying herself, she could comfort sister, sitting be-
side her, who had been bereaved of four, by remind
ing her that her children were safe in Heaven!
This was her last audible utterance, but she con-
tinued to greet those around her with smiles of re-
cognition, full of love and peace to show that
the Comforter was still in her heart, when words
could not longer be spoken by the lips.
Let us not too sadly deplore the loss of those who
thus pass from life of faith, through death Of
peace into an Immortality of glory.
NJ. D. Il.