Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1877-01-19
"reminiscences of Mr.. Bliss.

Mr.. Bliss was born 10 Clear6ed county,
Pennsylvania, July 0, 1898. My FIRST knowl.
edge Of him was as popular music teacher
in the West, somewhat prominent in the
musical conventions conducted by Bradbury,
Root, and others. lie afterwards became a
successful conductor Of such gatherings and
devoted much time 10 that branch Of labor
until as the intimate friend Of Mr.. Moody,
the way opened for engaging in the evangel-
istic work. Meantime he had become more
widely known as a writer Of pleasant Sunday
school and prayer.meeting songs, sometimes
both words and music, some Of which attain.
cd to remarkable popularity as for instance
"l am so glad that Jesus loves me-" which
went like sunbeam round the world and
ALMOST Persuaded" which has been won.
derIully useful in seasons Of revivals wher-
ever the English language is spoken. His
hymns and music generally appeal to the
emotional nature OF the masses rather than
to the sympatbies Of hymnologists and mus.
ical critics, and should be judged by their
proved usefulness in the sphere for which
they were designed. Such song as "Only
an armor.bearer," or "Let your lower lights
be burning will do more towards rousing
sluggish hearts to immediate action than a
grand TIE Deum rendered in the most arts
tic manner aud it God chooses to honor
PLAIN and simple song in kinding enthusiasm
for his work, why need any one object Are
VIC not told that "God hath chosen the fool.
ish things Of the world to confouul the wise
and God hath chosen the weak things of the
world to coufound the things which are
mighty" q Cor. l.. 27.)
In person Bliss was noble specimen Of
physical manhood OF commanding presence,
naturally dignifel in movement anl Of easy
address. Eminently social in his habits,
with vein of pleasantly and innocent droll-
cry in his nature which was never tiuged
with impurity, he possessed in rare degree
the elements of personal popularity which
always attracted the attention Of the multi.
tudc whenever he appeared in public, and
won hosts Of friends who held cosy place
in his great loving heart. In Short he was
n genial, Christian gentleman, in the true
sense Of that phrase, against whose character
| never have heard a word, and upon whose
reputation there is no stain to be covered
with the mantle Of charity. His life had
been consocratej to the service of the Mas.
ter, aud was being filed with distinguished
usefulness. With all the adulaton of en-
thusiastic friends, Bliss was not spoiled
with ilnttery," and amidst the thronging
temptations of the social ilo in which he
was carly thrown, he kept his integrity aud
purity unsullied aud unquestioued, never
yielding principle to custom or impulse. He
devoted his time and varied talents to useful
purposes, living modestly and economically,
with constantly increasing income from
copyright books which would soou have placed
him in enviable circumstances, and which
will now be source Of revenue to the little
ones so suddenly left iathcrless aud mother.
lcss--but not friendless, thank God
Mrs. Bliss was a modest, lovable Christian
woman, real hcIpmeet for him. Possessing
fair share of musical ability, good cou.
tralto voice aud excellent taste, she supple.
mented her husbands labors most admirably,
never thrusting herself before the public, but
kindly aiding whenever there was anything
she could do. | should write her cpitaph-
true Christian wife, loving aud faithful
mother and sincere friend and
-''hand in hand
They passed into the silent land"
and together began the new song.
think the last time | joined in song with
them VIC were under tho grand old trees at
Chautaqua. A sister of Mr.. Bliss IA soprano),
with Mr.. aud Mrs. Bliss aud myself, made
up the quartette. They were about leaving.
We turned to his song, "Meet me at the
Fountain" aud Bliss sang with UNUSUAL
sweetness the solo,
OWN you meet me at tho ountain
Whom roach the glory landP
And when we together responded for the last
time, ayes, I'll meet you at the fountain"
the emotions were too deep for utter.
auce, while with uncovered heads we bowed
at the rustic seat and Mr.. Bliss offered fer
vent hut peculiarly sweet and tender prayer
that il we shoHld not stand to sing again on
the banks Of the beautiful lake which shin.
mered in the sunlight before US, We might
meet, "bcyond the river, by and by"
But Mr.. Bliss work is not yet done.
His songs will sing themselves into many a
weary heart; will awaken many a dull Chris
tian to new zeal; will alarm the careless,
carry sweet messages Of homo love to the
prodigal, encourage the timid and be the
means Of WANING many souls to Christ.
And so it shall long be said of him, that,
"being dead, he yet speakoth' throughout
all Christendom. 1t will be a glorious re-
suit if tho usefulness of his life aud the sud-
denness Of his death shall prove lesson that
is needed by all as it should be, quckening
the impulses, kindling the zeal and purifying
the motive Of those who remain to work in
the harvest field where the efficient laborers
are too few. Bliss went home with sheaves !;
what shall our harvest be
s-------
TuP UIsToRy or posTAag SrANps The