Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-02-17
LEWIS JENKINS

Died In Fairlee, Vt. February 9TH. 1877,
aged ~ years and 0 months. Mr.. Jenk-
ms had lived on the farm where he died
ever since twelve years OF age. For
forty years no had been an exemplary
member of tho NJ, Il. Church ut Brad
. ford, w., and for many years Steward,
joyfully doing his duties and sharing Its
burdens. In nm especial sense did he
find that call things work together for
good to them that love God" The wife
of his youth survives him after fifty years
of most happy welded lite, God gave
them seven children. and the death-mcs-
senger had never entered the family I'M
til 1t came for the father. For years
there has been five prosperous homes Of
the parents and children In which all
the family lived Farmers homcs) and
the land Of the different farms We're all
connected, so that in an hours time when
the father was in health he could visit
hisrwholc family, An ailectionate father
and devotedly attached to his children he
greatly priced this privilege His town
appreciated his ability and flithiuness
to duty by calling him to places of re-
sponsibility. He had served her rs rep
resentative to the Legislature, and in
nearly all places of public trusts in her
gift. Living so faithfully to his God so
many years, he expected the sustaining
power OF Christ when it would be es-
pccially needed, and he was not disap-
pointed With sublime faith and trust
he came to his last sickness. And rs his
hold weakened here, his grasp upon tic
eternal became stronger. There was no
shrinking, no apprehension. ale long
ed to 60" lie knew death would be
gain" He was often heard to say "Now
Lord take me-" Precious in the sight |
of the Lord is the death of his saints"
p" He was not, for God took HIM"
Early in life he identified himself with |
the Masonic fraternity to which he re-
manned stcadfastly and devotedly attach
ed to the hour of his death. period Of
filty-two years. lie was one of those
who imbibed and practiced the true
teachings of the order, and in this re-
spect was model and eXamplar His
ardent love for the institution of Mason
ry was fully indicated by his life and
public utterances upon the subject. In
all stations in which he had been called
to labor he has shown himself Jealous,
prompt and faithful in the discharge of
all his Masonic duties. lie was buried
with Masonic honors by Charity Lodge,
Feb. 9th. assisted by brethred from IIav-
erhill, Oxford and West Fairlec. Our
esteemed brother has passed down thro'
the dark clouds that envelop "the valley
and shadow of DEATH" and is hidden
by the deep, enshrouding gloom from
our mortal sight, But with the firm and
abiding faith that those clouds are "sil-
YER lined "upon further shore, let us
brethren, take up the implements which
he most worthily used. and with every
duty faithfully performed. calmly await
the stern, imperious mandate to which
wo all must yield.
Farewell, our brother, oh, farewell!
The shroud thy cold clay hides;
Thy spirit S upward scared to dwell
Where tn Supreme Architect prcsiles.
Rest, brother, rest nobly thou
Thine earthly work hath done,
Free from care and sorrow now
Go, wear the crown thou hast won.
Thy dealings with the Brotherhood
Were ever upriaht aud fair;
Stcadfast by the Golden Rule thou stood,
Ever walking on the Square.
Thy Faith in God was true and strong ,
Thy Hope cheering inlue nee she'd;
Ger repentant brothers wrong
Thy Charity mantle spread
Wise in the council was thy word
Strongly thou battled for the right
When Beuuty's pleading voice was heard
Praying aid in liie's unequal fight.
Brother, fsrewel thou art now
In that Celestial Lodge above
Where we, if faithful to our vow,
May come thro' our Great Masters Z
love. B.Fs,