The Newtown bee., 1893-04-28

away, DleSSeu De GHe Datno oI bIl0 IOIu. Whatever the sufferings of Job, however passionate at times his expressions of grief, yet he never accused God of wrong nor cursed his Maker. His faith was un- shaken in the wisdom, justice, and good ness of God. ''In all this Job sinned not.' During the many years of my own work in the ministry of the gospel no two instances have drawn my mind so frequently to the book of Job as the long sickness and recnt death of deacon of this Trumbull church; and now the de- parture after wearisome years of failing | health of this Christian friend, whose re- mains are before us to-day. Like Job, these two servants of God were holy men and righteous, who sought to do good, and not evil. Yet they have passed through more of pain, and helplessness l than almost any of their fellow soiourn- CTS and acquaintances, until Death has | finally come with welcome voice and giv- en them release.
 There are certain ideas of right and wrong, which
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 over, and have since man was created, Do right and the conviction is you will have the appreciation of Heaven; do wrong, or commit sin and you excite the Divine wrath. Do good and God will bless, do evil and he will punish. Hence the inference has been, when men suffer, that they are bearing the penalty of sin, and the greater their misery, the great CT their guilt.
 Jobs friends reasoned after this man. ner-'Who," said they, "ever suffered being innocent" and they called loudly upon Job to confess his sins, hidden from man, but known unto God. It is a gen. eral truth that virtue brings peace, and wickedness brings sorrow; but for many other reasons than that evil comes to man for his wrong doing, does sorrow encom- pass his path.
 GOD HIMSELF COMES FORWARD after the long discussion in the sacred book and declares Job to be right and his three friends in error. Job is the per feet man; his prayers all shall avail in securing pardon for those who have false ly accused him. As at the beginning of his trial so at the end, he was perfect and upright, one that feared God and shunn- ed evil. Many are the af1iictions of life. but some persons are called upon to en- dure far more than others, and this with out any reference to their character, be it good, or bad, as if their suffering were a measure of guilt.
 Occasionally good man and a right eous must suffer more than his neighbors of less piety, while the wicked will go on without trouble, but, in the end it shall be well with him who fears not.
 MT Edwards was a man who had seen great atiliction. Jobs children were swept away by death, so with the family of the deceased. His two sons died the same year, 1868, aged 13 and l9; four years later his only daughter was taken by death, at 20 years of age, devout of heart and gifted with many graces. all
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 yet were taken thus early. When the father came to my home for burial of his daughter, he said ''This is the last call. 1 have no more children to bury" But. there was no complaint, no harsh thoughts about God; he was meek, pa tient, submissive, yet with d heart heavy yitI the thought that his children had been taught the lessons of piety and he mourn ed not without hope
 The deceased was man of even tenn perament, quiet, unobtrusive, yet often called to places of trust and responsibil- ity. He was a man of truthfulness and of marked integrity, carefully holding affairs entrusted to his keeping He was much blessed with earthly possessions, reaping the reward of his own industry. yet the same even, quiet and devout man.
 At the beginning Of my ministry in Trumbull, he was clerk of both church and society and held the position through most of the years of my pastorate, until failing health led him to resign.
 He was one of the most punctual at tendants upon Sabbath worship, and his presence at the Daniels Farms meetings never failed until his strength gave way. He always offered prayer in those devot- ions.
 At one time it was the will of the tOo o1n l.
 but he positively declined, feeling that he could serve the cause better in his more quiet way.
 HE HAS BEEN ENROLLED as member of this church for 5 years. During the same year his wife made pub- lie profession of her faith in Christ. It was my privilege to enjoy his presence in the pastors class in the Sabbath school: and he took his turn with others in teach ing the lessons. In all relating to the church and it's welfare, he was ever among the first, ready with voice, and hand, and purse to do his part, some times serving on the committee and al- ways acceptably. He also had that hap py faculty, which few possess, of being at peace with all men, and this was doub- ly blessed by peace with God and men.
 One Christian virtue worthy of special mention was his exceeding great pa- tience, and spirit of forbearance and of submission through his long sickness, ,cov- ering some eight or nine years. Mean- while the loving care and faithfulness and dean Symnathv If h;o ,,,;fo .+aa,