Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1872-11-02
FOR THE AMERICAN |

Mr. EDITOR :-Several weeks ago yonr coll
umns announced the death of w. e. Z. Mettler
of Upper Augusta, and | should have written Il
few words in connection Herewith, ut once, had
not hoped some abler pen would perform this
token of regard.
He was a young man Of unusual promise, and
endeared to many by his noble qualities both OF
mind and heart. Among his large circle of
friends there were few, perhaps, who knew him
so intimately as myself. Our relation was pecu-
liarly calculated to develop both the power and
character Of his mind, and enable me 10 know
more of his heart.life than could be known ny
any ordinary acquaintance. He had reached his
twenty-siXth year, and though the great outside
world had seen little of him. he was preparing
himself for 4 career OF influence and usefulness
that would have made his native county proud of
him. As a student he probably had few living
equals fur thoroughness. All his Investigations
were logical, all his deductions were sound.
Prompt to act when thrown upon his own re-
sources, his modesty was such, where others
were interested that he was often deierential to
his Interiors. He was one of those young men
seldom found, who was not only trust
worthy in business sense, he could even be
trusted with the folies and frailties of his ac-
Quaintances. No rumor ever grew through the
medium of his efforts, and not one OF his mates
was ever known to speak word to his detriment.
He was the only earthly stay of his parents
and who shall say how desoate their house was
left They. with few others, were watching
with fond hopes for the day when, with armor
complete, he should enter the arena to battle for
truth and justice. Often when the labors of the
day were ended, We talked of the future--of the
better life beyond the borders of time. and though
his reverence for sacred things rendered Lis
pressions few, his clear views of fe's duties and
the means of salvation, gave his listeners assu-
rance that all was we'll
We naturally inquire why we are called upon
to part with cherished friends. Why one endear-
ed was the subject of this brief sketch, should
be called away just as such great promises were
beginning to be realized by those who had SO care
fully cultivated his powers. But in the midst of
our sadness and murmurings comes the joyous
thought of the better world above-of the life
where servants are kings and priests, and whence
the loving voice of the Master is heard by the
faithful-"Frend come up higher" With this
belief we bow our heads in submission. Our
friend has gone, but when we reach that haven
where his barque is moored, we shall find he was
called because his place (prepared by the master)
was ready, and there was uobler work awaiting
him than this life could afford. Then it is not
for us to mourn, but to grd our armor firmly,
and to quit ourselves like those who know their
Captain To be invincibe, aud able to fulfil every
promise he has made to his followers. And
when our summons comes, may We find our
selves prepared to enter that sphere where all
hopes are realized-where no aspirations fail, and
where partlugs never come. n. +. b.