The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-02-07
IN MEMORxAm.

1t is sad to have to record the death OF beloved
friends under any circumstances; and II is with
feelings OF deep sadness especially that record
the carly death Of our gentle pous and accomplished
friend, MRS HELEN MERRILL, the loving and be-
loved wife of Hampden Osborne, Esq, Of Columbus
Miss, aged about 30 years.
We have been acquainted with this excellent
Christian lady for twenty-five years. ever since she
was about eleven years OF age, when she came 10
reside in this city; her father, Prof William Mer-
rill being in 1861, elected as Principal of the Mis-
sssippi Institute for the Blind located here Here,
among US, she grew up to awomanhood, and while
yet in her teens she became efficient teacher in
our Institution for the Blind; and remained dur
ing her fathers lifetime, and also while her ac-
complished mother Mrs. s. b Merrill, held the office
Of Principal, until the summer of 1873.
The deceased had received a solid and thorough
education and was eminently fitted for the work Of
imparting instruction both by her requirements,
and by her kind and amiable disposition. She was
especially attractive to children and youth. Her
skill In music was superior, and she could impart
knowledge Of 1t, with ease to herself and more
pleasure to those she instructed, than any other
person we ever saw. She seemed to have great
est delight in sacred music; and never will the
Presbyterian Sabbath School in Jackson forget the
sweet kind, and gentle face Of Miss Helen Merrill,
while pupil teacher Of the then existing school
remains alive. We never heard music in any Sab
bath school that superior to that of ours while
she led the children in singing She took especial
pleasure in this work. 1t seemed to be no trouble
TO her whatever at any time during the week when
she had leisure to meet the children and instruct
them, and she never seemed happier than when
surrounded by crowd OF children teaching them
to sing the high praises of God. In this respect,
especially she has left memorial Of herself in
memories and in our hearts, that shall never fade
from our grateful recollection as long as we live.
Alas, how sad for us to know that our kind and
gentle friend has 30 early gone to her grave! Yet
we are greatly comiorted by knowing that the grave
to her is hallowed and blessed rest. Ever since
she was ten years old she was follower OF her
Saviour, and a member OF His church, in which
relation she ever lived with consistency and use
fulness.
In 1874 she was united in marriage TO Mr. Osborne,
to whom she was most faithful and loving wie,
Indeed, in every relation, whether that OF wife,
mother, sister or daughter she all in the way
Of genteness and affection that could be expected
in this imperfect world And to those who feel her
loss most keeny to her dear ones so sadly bereaved
we tender our most heartfelt sympathies For some
considerable time before her death she was great
sufferer both from i'll health and bereavement II
pleased God year ago, less to call to HIM
self her only child, her darling boy, bright, beauti
| full and promising. Her very soul was bound up In
that OF the child, and though in faith she sub
missivc to her Fathers viii, and though she knew
she would go to her darling in Gods good time, ye
the blow seemed as il it broke the gentle mother
heart She never fully recovered from the strok,
which as a cross seemed to raise her up nearer t.
God. Before us now lies an unfinished letter to he
youngest sister some ten days before her decease
which seems to breathe the very air OF Heaven. Sh
fingered along, while her husband and friends wer
hoping for the best until she peacefully fell aslee
in Jesus. Her work is done, and she has gone to he
darling above, while all that was mortal OF lie
is laid to rest in the grave till the morning Of tn
resurrection.
| g Asleep in Jesus peaceful restl
| Whose waking is supremacy blessed,
No fear--no woe, shall dim the hour
That manifests the Sayior's power"