Daily Yellowstone journal., 1886-07-28
IN MENInRIAM.
Sermon Delivered by Rev. I. c. Armstrong,
sunday, July 25.

Sermon Deiiyeredby Rev. I. &. Armstrong
sunday, July a5.
A large and sympathetic congrega
ton assembled at the Presbyterian
church, last sabbath morning, to at
tend the memorial services of the lat,
Rev. +. p. Linnell. The pulpit wa,
appropriately draped, upon which the
ladies had placed this motto: "SoldeI
of Christ; well done.n The following
is a brief extract of the sermon by Rev.
T. e. Armstrong:
Mr.. Linnell's native place was Gran.
vile, Ohio. His pastor in youth was
Rev. Jacob Little, ID. ID. That lie was
from a Cody parentage is evident
from the fact that he was named for
Edward Payson, the prince of New
England divInes, aud one of the most
devout and consecrated men of his
day. He was an alumnus of Hamil-
ton college, New York state, and OF
Union theological seminary. New
York city. He graduated at the latter
institution in 1874, and was iminedi.
ately settled at German Valley, New
jersey. Here he labored until the
summer of 1882, when he was sent AZ
home missionary to Miles City, Mon
tana. He accomplished a noble work
with this church and in this place.
His name here is a household word,
and precious is his memory. Brother
Linnell was man Of affairs, capable,
earnest, aggressive, judicious. This
handsome and commodious church
edifice stands as a monument to his
energy aud devotion. The years of
his ministry here were years of toll
aud trial; he laid the foundation deep
aud strong; his work was well done;
this was characteristic of the man.
Three and half years of his life were
given to this church in securing a
house of worship aud in laying a
foundation of Christian worth for the
future. HIS zeal in this enterprise
into which he threw his whole ener-
gies is illustrated by the fact of his
working with his own hands In the
stone quarry when the foundation was
being prepared, but not only In ma
terial, but also in a spiritual sense, was
the foundation of this church well
laid-laid deep and broad. l have
been impressed with the completeness
with which everything WAS done con-
nected with Brother Linnell's duties
aud work. He loved his work; he was
faithful, consecrated minister of
Christ; the light that shone from his
character was strong and steady rather
than brilliant and flashing; II was "a
light that you felt satisfied through
divine grace would never be extin-
guished; the clear strong light of u
sublime confidence In God, and in the
divine promises. and the careful, con-
scientious discharge of all Christian
duties. He was not so demonstrative
as some, but no one that knew him
could doubt the depth of his feeling,
or the sincerity of his utterances.
Brother Linnell was a symmetrical,
well-rounded, well-balanced man. 1t
is a pleasure, and will be, to remember
the man for his virtues. He was am
bilious, possessing the true spirit of
ambition, desirous Of doing the work
committed to him In the best manner
possible, ana yet with no oostentation-
an humble, straightforward, manly
man. When you heard him speak IN
the pulpit, or elsewhere, you felt that
behind his utterances there was
strong personality that gave weight
TO what he said. We admire the
strong, sturdy oak of the forest as We
look at IT, its roots running too deep
down in the soil to be upturned by the
fierce winds that blow upon II, and so,
as we behold the character of a man
like Edward Payson Linnell, We also
admire, impressed with that solidity
of character that will not be turned to
the right or to the left by any breeze
of popularity or other tempting cause.
Let us emulate his virtues. In his
daily life he was exemplary and cour-
teous-a Christian gentleman. In the
pulpit he was an instructive preacher,
solemn and earnest in presenting the
claims of divine truth upon his hear
ers. He had but Just commenced an
important work In the territory. In
the eight months he was engaged as
superintendent of missions, he had
organized three churches, assisted in
protracted meetings, visited nearly all
parts of the territory In exploring new
fields, introduced several new men to
fields of labor, visited the east in the
interest OF our Montana work, and at
tended to very extensive correspond
ence. Men die but their influence
lives after them. OF odr departed
brother 1t may be said as of righteous
Abel, He being dead yet speaketh.
Long will his memory be fragrant in
the hearts Of this people. The ipfiu-
ence of his Christian life and ministry
will remain years to come. He left us
rich legacy of Christian character
and life. To-day we are mourners:
we lament the loss Of tried and true
friend; we all felt We had in Mr.. Lin
nell true. sincere, unselfish friend.
But God has called him home. Peace
to his ashes, and tear for his men,
ory. Soldier of Christ; well done.