The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1891-09-14
WILBUR y. zuRN,s LIFE
Furnishes a Theme for REV. Or. cusl
InE,s Sermon.

Furnishes Theme for Rev Dr. CuSh'
ing,s Sermon.
Rev. DR.. O. W. Cushing last night de-
livered a talk, taking for his theme,
Thoughts suggested by the life and
death Of Wilbur B. Zurn."
Wilbur B. Zurai it will be remem-
bered, was dismissed from Jail less than
a year ago, and made an effort to re-
form. Dr. Cushing took lively inter
est in him. and gave him all the assist
ance possible, and upon his becoming
converted admitted him OH probation
to the Fourth Street Methodist Church.
Last week the lNTELLIGENcEl published
several letters Mr.. Zurn had written TO
DR.. Cushing, the last ore OF the series
containing the statement that Zurn
would commit suicide because he
found it impossible 70 live and keep
from his old habits and associations,
Zurn did commit suicide and DR..
Cushing, who was mis- closest friend and
his advisor during tho last few months
of his life, and through whose efforts
Zurn almost succeeded in breaking
away from his old life, received inform
alton from the coroner to that effect.
The church was reurly filled, the con-
gregation being larger than 1t ordinarily
Is atthc evening service. In the pull
pit with DR.. Gushing was Rev DIR.
barnes, of Philadelphia, who formerly
was pastor'of tho Fourth street church.
DIR. Barnes led in prayer, after which
DIR. Cushing read chapterof scripture.
DR.. Cusliing's talk was begun with a
dissertation on the need OF human as
well rs divine help on the part Of those
who are making an effort to lead a
Christian life. Hc said that Zurn,
when he first met him, was very much
distressed about the life he had led.
He recollected his first theft. He had
stolen piece OF tobacco when he was
only six years old. From that day on
his life had been devoted to theft and
other crimes Of greater and lesser mag
ritude. He had spent good part Of
his life behind prison walls, and saw
nothing better for the future. He
made n final great effort to break away
from usual habits, and seemed to be
succeeding. He was employe as can
vasser, and seemed to be getting along
well, and was attending church regu.
larly and was very earnest in his new
life.
DR.. Cushing cited one instance of the
mans sincerity. He obtained employ
ment canvassing for scheme then
tlourishing in this city. One evening
lie called on DIR. Cushing and asked if
the concern he was working for was an
honest and legitimate affair. DR.. Cush.
ing told him the company had good
standing and seemed to be all right
Mr.. Zurn then showed DR.. Gushing the
company's prospectus and said he did
not think anybody could be honest and
pay 500 in a year for 81. He. was SO
impressed with the dishonesty OF the
scheme that he refused to continue in
the company's employ and left u good
paying situation.
: DR.. Cushing delineated the life of
Zurn from the time he left here till he
died by his own hand as detailed in the
INTELLIGENcER, and closed the talk, de-
voting a few minutes to moralizing upon
the case.
When he was through DR.. Barnes
rose and said that he was SO deeply i'm
pressed with the mans life and the let
tiers he had written that he felt called
upon to say few words on the subject.
He made an address OF fifteen minutes
duration that was full OF feeling.