Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-09-01
EEl rEenA0rianl.

In the recent death of MIR. Harmon A. Sheldon
of NIiddlebury, who has been removed in the
prime of life and in the midst of active useful
ness, the Church, as well as his family and the
community, have met with q severe attliction
His worth WIS SO real and uncommon 70 unOb-
trusive AMI apt to be unnoticed by the world that
I trust you will allow friend to unveil, however
imperfectly, and for holy example, somewhat of a
quiet yet true life that was, We are persuaded,
''hid with Christ in God"
Mr.. Sheldon was of Vermont parentage, and
coming to Middlebury in early life, was thrown on
his own resources for support. BY Gods blessing
an industry which was remarkably constant,
methodical aad accurate in results,-notwith-
standil G frail constitutjon,-he secured, wi h
his strict honesty and sterling integrity, not only
a competence, but also an honorable position
among his fellow citizens in both public and pri-
vate capacities.
But Christian people and the Churcho God
for whose unity he daily prayed have special
reason to deplore his loss and honor his memory.
The Diocese of Vermont will much miss his regu-
lar attendance at her councils. To St. Stephens
parish, with which he was for many years con-
nected as Junior Warden. Treasurer and Choris-
ter, well commitment, his loss is simply ir-
reparable. 1t is not too much to say that Ver-
mont has never produced a superior layman,-if
| indeed she has his equal-in Christian character.
| churchly instincts and culture, and loyal and in
telligent devotion. The ministry he ever regatd-
ed as Gods appointment for the good Of his own
soul and the souls of all; and while esteemng
| the office more highly than the occupant he was
| on principle, loyal and faithful to BOTH In Ills
rectors prosperity he rejoiced, in his adversely he
never deserted him, but continued his heartfelt
| sympathy and friendship. For attendance at
church on weekday service, and to lead in her
inspiring music, he won leave his oceupationIin
busiest hours; and to give to her support Accord
ing to system and his ability was his delight. To
do all possible good to ALL in this and o. her WAYS
was the motive that prompted and carried him
| through, the wearisome rounds, the severe tolls
of his life work.
| He had well stored mind, and a truly refined
taste, that showed itself in many ways. He had
| the rare combination of true manlinass ans a
woman's depth and deiicacy of emotion. He was
firm in conviction of duty, yet mindful and ten
der OF the feelings of others. He was 20 modest
in disposition and retiring in manner that he
probably would not be appreciated at first; but
those who knew him best loved him most. The
quiet, consistent tenor of his daily life would
| have well illustrated Keble's words.
/ 1.-THE trivial round, the common task.
/ Would furnish all we ought to ask;
| Room to deny ourselves; a road
To bring us daily nearer God,n
he was, In Tine, noble-man by nature and
grace. We speak considerably whea ne say
that we do not expect to see Just his like again
in the militant church. He now rests in neace
and hope; having left to all who knew him the
precious legacy Of a holy and beautiful life
"Blessed are the dead who die in Lord: even SC
saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labors
and their works do follow them,n