Daily Republican., 1881-11-02

with his people, he il specially presen
with the dying Saint. Stephen saw
more of God in the last few moments
OF his life, thar altogether previously
He supplies special grace, 30 that nc
evil is feared. Two Toys were looking
at picture representing the ascension
of Elijah in the frey chariot; one aske d
The other, "would you not be afraid to
ride in such chariot" He replied,
mo, not If God drove" SO we will not
fear if God is with us.
The past week it was our privilege to
witness a departing Saint, for ! regard
our departed brother, VIM. J..Purner, a
Saint.
Brother Purner was about 80 years Of
ag., during the last five of which he
was consistent memb,r of this church,
and during the last few years Stew
ard and also District Steward. 1t is
not necessary shat | should say we
have lost valuable man, all who
knew him are aware of this. He was
% good citiz"n, a good neighbor, q good
church member, and good in every lot
in which he found himself placed.
There are several prominent traits of
character that should be remembered
and emulated by us.
His religious life This, though com
paratively hriefand unlemonstrative,s 80
far as noise is a demonstration of re-.
ligion, was nevertheless very deep, aud
was never questioned by aoy. He was
nnoblrusive, modest, humble, meek,
quiet, sincere, and yet his life spoke
very loully-louder than words. He
was noted as an honorable, charitable,
even tempered man even before his
conversion, and after that his lite was,
If possible, still more beautiful.
He was very faithful i'll the perform
ance Of his religious and church 2bliga.
tions. TIE means Of grace were care
fully and Conscientiously attended to
indeed he often attended when too un-
well to do so with profit. The various
demands for money from the church
were literally and prompLly responded
to. Indeed he never waited with his
contribution until asked for it or
called upon by his leader, but with
conmenuabe zeal and promptness he
sought him to pay his money. He was
of course faithful in fulfilling his
promises. He never disgraced himself
or subscription list by neglecting or
refusing to pay what he had promised.
May others take due notice of this and
govern themselves accordingly,
His faith was bright and clear. His
spiritual perception was un0bscured.
His hope was firm y anchored in Christ.
1t was privilege to visit him dur
ing the few days of his confinement. On
several occasions asked him the
plainest questions regarding his hope
and experience generally, TO which he
invariably responded promptly and
most satisfactorily. The evening be-
fore his death, seeing that his end was
near, asked: Well Bro. Purner how
is it now" He repliel, CAL is we'll"
Then | asked: 'Do you really feel as.
sured that you are saved through
Jesus Christi" His eye, already
CLASSY, frightened moment as he
unfalteringly and unhesitatingly re-
sponded with full confidence and as
surance; "Oh my, yes. l will never
forget the emphasis with which this
dying saint uttered these words.
Though he was conscious that the
end was near, he cleared no evil" for
God was with him and comfOrted him,
and death was to him no grim mon
sser," no "king of terrors." His death
was "precious in the sight Of the
Lord"
Hewas Saint, He has graduated
triumphed-gons home-been promot-
ed. The Community has lost an hon
orable man, the State has lost good
citizen. The Order Of which he was
an honored membe has lost tried and
true brother. The Church Militant
has lost bright and shining light.
But our loss is his gain.