The Russellville Democrat., 1885-04-30
OBITUARY.

"kebecca Jarratt ErWln (nee) fO1n- dexter, was born in Hardin county, Tenn, Sept. 10th 1S29." (Died fin Rus sellville. Ark, at 80 a. m. Wednesday, April 22d lSS5). "Was raised by pious parents. Was baptized by Rev. Oliver Brown of the N. c. Conference in 1880, was born again June 22d 1846 under the preaching of E. B. Abcrnathy, in Har- din county, Tenn, joined the M. F. church south the same day, and have lived as near Christian as 1 could for my opportnnity---was married to J. B. Erwin Dec. 2d 1S46 by Rev. c. Laxon in Pergamos Chapel, lived in Hardin county until 1857. Came to Arkansas, lived here until the spring of 1864, moved to Indiana contrary to our de- signs, then back to Ark, and in 1871 settled in Russellyille, among the m ost sociable people we have found in any place---love them dearly, wish them we'll for time and eternity---am the mother of seven children, five on earth and two in Heaven, am still able to dc most of my work for which am very thankful te my Heavenly Father who giveth me SO many blessings"
 The above, is an utO-biographical sketch of our dear sister Erwin, who left us for the Glory land on Wednes- day 22d inst. As is we'll known, she has been a great sufferer, with rheuma- tism, for four long years, confined to hef bed and unable to move, except when assisted by some one of the fami- ly, who gave her every attention neces- sary during her leng sand weary con- finement. But notwithstanding her great affiiction, she was patient, and never lost confidence in c. AA The storm of life was fierce, and her little bark was tossed here and there, but the needle of her faith maintained its DO larity in Christ, the great Polar Star, and though the voyage was perilous, she was never driven off the main course, but steered safely OCT life's tempestuous sea.
 And few hours before her death she became calm, work ceased, and as vessel drawing near to shore, ceases operation and glides into haven, of Its own momentum; so she seemed at once to cease to work and suffer, and glided into the haven of eternal rest.
 No doubt there was great rejoicing ion the other shore" when the old shiE landed, bearing the suffering mother o those two angel children.
 Sister Erwin told me once, that ont hour Of her experience upon her bed ol affliction, amply paid her for all hei suffering. An if ONE HOURS experi ence with the Lord on earth, in tht midst of suffering. is worth so much what will 1t be to spend an eternity with Him in Heaven, where we car join our friends again, never to part And where sickness, sorrow, pain ant death are felt and feared no more. Int reward that she Is now reaping for al her sufferings, is beyond our concep tiOn. St. Paul assures us that our sui ferings, here "are not worthy to b' compared with the glory that shall bt revealed in us." And our dear sister ever seemed to have this reward II view. No wonder therefore that sh' refused to murmur or complain, bu suffered heroically, as only Christian can suffer. 1 visited her often ans talked with her much, and l nevel heard the first word of complaint, bu always found her cheerful and enjoy ing good hope of blessed immor tality.
 In the death of Sister Erwin, th' church and community have sustained 8 great loss. Earth is poorer but heav en Is richer.
 The husband and sons have lost al alTectionate and devoted wife and moth CT; but the tie that is loosed on earth Il fastened in heaven, and offers th' strongest inducement for them to b' faithful to Gsd and emulate the exam pie she left them.
 My dear mourning ones, may Gos help you to tread in her foot prints, ant you will most assuredly find the pearl, gate. The only thing she ever said t. me that indicated impatience, was, tha she regretted not being able to go t church to worship. But that spirit to be commended rather than condemn ed. But she now worships in the grea sanctuary above. She leaves husband, five sons Gal christians), several grand children an' host of friends to mourn her loss.
 God help us all to be faithful am meet her In heaven.
 ALFRED F. MELTON. | Anril 12 I225