The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1870-08-30

Sheldon, OF Middlebury, who was removed
in tn e prime of life, and in the midst Of
active usefulness, the church, as well as
his family and the community have met
with a severe aiiliction His worth was
so real and uncommon so unobtrusiye,
and so apt to be unnoticed by the world,
that, trust, you will allow friend to
unveil, however imperiectly, and for no.
ly example, somewhat Of quiet yet TRUE
life, that was, we are persuaded, ibid
with Christ in Cod
Mr.. Sheldon was Of Vermont parent
age, and coming to Middlebury in early
life, was thrown on his own resources for
support BY Gods blessings or an in
dustry, which was remarkably constant,
nethodical, and accurate in Renaissance
withstanding frail constitution, he
secured, with his strict honesty and sterl-
ing integrity, not only competence, but
also an honorable position among his fell
low citizens, in both public and private
capacities.
But christian people aud the Church
Of God, for whose unity on earth he
daily prayed, have special reasons to de-
plore his departure and honor his memo
ry. The diocese Of Vermont will much
miss his regular attendance at her coun-
ellis. TO St Stephens parish, with which
he was for many years connected as Junior
warden, treasurer, chorister as well as
commitment his loss is simply irrepa-
Bile. 1t is not too much to say that YER
mont has never produced superior lay
man, if indeed she has his equal, in
christian character, in churchly instincts
and culture, and in loyal and intelligent
devotion. The ministry he always re-
garded as the divine appointment for the
good Of his own soul and the souls Of all !;
and while esteeming the Office more high
ly than its occupant, he was on principle,
loyal and faithful to both. In his rector's
prosperity he rejoiced, and in his adver-
sity he never deserted him, but continued
his heartfelt sympathy and friendship.
For attendance at church on week day
service, and to lead in her inspiring
music, he would leave his occupation in
busiest hours, and to give to her support
according to system and his ability, was
his delight To do all possible good to
all, was the motive that prompted and
carried him through the wearisomc
rounds, the severe task Of his ife.work.
He had well-stored mind, and n truly
refined taste which showed skill in many
ways, His was the rare combination of
a true manliness, and Il womans depth
and deicacy of emotion He was firm
in conviction Of duty, yet mindful and
tender of the faiings of others. He was
80 modest in disposition, and retiring in
manner, that he would not probably be
appreciated at first; but those who
knew him best loved him most.
The quiet, consistent tenor Of his ideal
life would have well illustrated Kebe's
words
The trivial round, the common task
Would furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves; a road
To bring us daily nearer Cod
He was, in fine, nobleman, by nature
and grace. We speak considerably when
We say that we do not expect to meet just
his like again in the militant church He
now rests in peace and hope having left
to all who know him the precious legacy
of a holy and beautiful life,
" Blessed the dead who die ia the Lord !;
even so saith the Spirit for they rest from their
iabors; and their works do follow them"
Mindful Of that Jerusalem the Gold
en-" of which he often and sweetly sang
and praying for our lot with him at the
blessed reunion of the saints in the cees-
tial city,we add the words of the Church
poet:
90 then the glory and the bliss
When that panied seemed ami-s,
Shall melt with sin and earth away
When all saints beneath their Saviour eye,
Filled with each others company
Shall spend in love III eternal day"
Aug. -, 1870. CON.