The Newtown bee., 1893-02-03
Trunnbull.
AN ADDRESS

AIN AODhESO Delivered at the Funeral of Mrs Mary E. Gregory
 at Trumbull Ct., by Rev N. T. Merwin of Po-
 quonnock, a former pastor of the Trumbull
 Church.-Mrs Gregory died at Bridgeport, Jan
 uary 16, 1893.
 We are called once more into the pres ence of death an event which some day must come upon us all. We know not how long we may live, nor where, nor when, nor how we shall die (of which this departure gives emphasis). But one truth is enforced upon us by all the les sons of the past. Man thou art mor- tal." 'trhou must surely de."
 The present life is given us to prepare for another and higher life; and this world is intended as a school of disci- pline for the future world.
 He is the wise man who uses his tal- ents well, keeping in view both the life which now is, and that also which is eternal
 NATURE WHISPERS,
 but revelation speaks aloud, pointing the way and holding forth to all faithful ones large recompense of reward.
 These inward longings after immortal ity, and strivings after it, and fitness of the souls powers for a higher existence, are largely proofs of the same, and also still greater things, which the gospel reveals. and are yet to be mans inherit ance.
 Life does not end with death and the grave no more than time ends with the year. The years come and go, but time keeps right on; there is no break; so with the soul.
 Death is the gateway to continued life :; and in that future state man reaps as he has sown upon earth.
 But, with the good man all shall he well. The upright hath hope in death. God is his friend. Life and immortality come to us through the gospel. Saliva tion is by Jesus Christ, "who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto living hope by his own res urrection from the dead, to an inherit ance, incorruptable and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, to be revealed in the last time.''
 To-day in the presence of our own dead, |, we mourn, but not as those without hope. When I began my work as minister of gospel in Trumbull our deceased friend was then bright and happy girl in the Sabbath school of this church. just en. tering her teens.
 Her presence cheered the home life, added grace to the social circle, and gave increased interest with others to the pub lie services of the church. At the age of l5 she made profession of faith in Christ, and was ever an active and consistent member. AS THE YEARS WENT ON an acquaintance, which ripened into | an abiding affection, resulted in a union | by holy wedlock with him who so deeply tln l,Ncc of hio fa To- l,xy l At the altar in this same church of her childhood, where now this casket rests, | the marriage service was held. Return 1 ing from the bridal tour, she made her | new home in the city of Waterbury, where in connection with her husband she entered upon her life work. They soon enlarged their acquaintance | and increase their friendship,and while he in the medical profession has labored 1 long and most efficiently and prosperous | ly, she in her sphere has nobly filled her | place as his welded companion and help | CT.
 But the time came, as the years passed | on, when from failing health she was compelled to go far away to more con- genial cline. And thus with her pleas ] ant home broken up and in far distant state, she was called of Providence to pass through much suffering and upon the altar of maternity to we'll nigh give her own life sacrifice. The hours were dark and death then seemed near, and great was her suffer- ing; but though SO far away from home and the hallowed associations of all her past life, yet profound was her Christian faith and her trust in Gods abiding love. Her husband and dear boy and the babe were there, and helping hands were pres ant tor ini otor t, hnp fnp fnrto nd oh all, that Savior whom she had loved and trusted so many years, was present to cheer and strengthen.
 Of those hours she said looking back upon them afterward, "God was good to me. simply lay in the arms of my Sa- vior. He was firm and bore me upon the dark waters"
 Recovering some in strength, yet know ing her sickness must probably before long terminate her life, then, ,one supreme desire took possession of her heart, viz:
 ssIF IT CAN BE GODS WILL, let me return back to my friends and finger. and die surrounded with the asso- ciations of my early days and the de- lights of home.' For this she prayed and God gave the strength of body and soul needed to make the journey.
 Oh how it sweetened the lingering days and hours of our now departed one, to look again on familiar faces and hear the voices once more, of so many of her kindred and friends, while with her the same Savior was present to cheer and strengthen.
 Who of us does not wish, when he dies, to be near the old home, surrounded by those we love, looking into their faces and hearing their voices, until we enter the dark valley, so far that earth loses it's hold and heaven begins.
 Then another hand shall be present to the Christian. ssYea,' says the Psalmist shadow of death will fear no evil, for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me-
 But oh, these death scenes! How they