Connecticut western news., 1876-09-22
Bishop James Deads

Edmund Storer James. D. D. u. D., senisr Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, died on Monday, September 18th, at his home in New York city. He has been a great sufferer and patient endurer for years. Three weeks ago his chronic ailiment took decided and dangerous turn and prostrated him. From that time he has endured almost constant pain until a few hours before his departure.
 He seemed to be aware of his approach ing end. When his son-in-law, Rev. Charles E. Harris, went to his bedside shortly after his final prostration, the Bishop said; 'I have done my praying; l can't pray now, I am too sick. It is all right" In response to the question, Bishop, how do you find the valleY2 Are you supported9" He re- piled, II am not disappointed" These were among his last words.
 The bishop became insensible early in lhe morning. and continued to sink gradu- ally until seven minutes after l p. m., when he expired.
 The bishops final moment found him in the midst of bis loving children. When a few days ago they were gathered with him about the bed of their dying mother, they little thought so soon they should meet thls sore bereavement. This honored servant and his companion have walked and work ed together so faithfully and happily for so many years that the Father thought it we'll to keep them together. He wanted to please His servants and has ordered this in their interest. Hand in hand it has been with them all these years, up and down the vineyard; now it is hand in hand all years. 1t was not poorly ordered that the bishop should tarry few moments longer than his beloved wife-long enough to close the blinds and lock the door then step round the corner and walk with her in the beauti- ful city.
 He was born April 27th, A. D. 1907, in Sheffield, Berkshire county, Mass. He taught school from 1924 to 1880. Three years of this time were crowded with close attention to law, which he studied with the intention of practising it as hls life occu- patton. But God had other and better work for him.
 He was received on trial in the Philadel phia conference in 1880. For six years amid the active duties of the pastorate he studied theology with great care. After such course he took up the study of med icine, which he pursued with no intention of following it, but for the strength and culture it would give him for his own work. Two years he was agent for Dickinson Col lege, and was thus brought closely into sympathy with the educational interests of Methodism. He was ordained deacon in 1882 and elder in 1884. In May, 1S4O, he was elected financial secretary of the Amer can Bible Society. This brought him into personal contact with the whole church. His. principal field of labor was in the south. We have met not few who speak of his journey through the south as among the wonders of that old time. He was an orator of the highest order, and all the land felt the inspiration of his breath.
 In 1s44 he was elected bishop. He is the last of the great pastors who received the undivided vote of the church.
 He was never member of the General Conference, but he has impressed the church as much as any man since Bishop Asbury. At the time of his death he was president of the Missionary Society. also of the Board of Church Extension, also of the Sunday School Union and Tract Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was also one of the managers of the American Bible society, director of the American Colonization Society, trustee of the Wes. leYan University at Middletown, and of Drew Theological Seminary, and president of the Minard Home at Morristown, N. J. -Neso Fork Witness.