The Globe-republican., 1893-03-10

was associated
When a young man he chose the pro-
fession of law, but his subsequent con-
version led to an entire change in his
plans, and he responded to divine call
to the work of the ministry. Soon after
his graduation from the Wesleyan Uni
versity at Middletowu, Connecticut. in
1S4S. he Joined the Geuesee conference
of the NJ. E. Church. In May, 1S49, he
was married to Miss Ellen Stow. of New
York, who stood by his side during the
moral conflict in which he was engaged
for nearly half century.
During the early part of his ministry
he was led into the experience of holiness.
under the labors of such holy ministers
as Eleazar Thomas. Mrs. Palmer and DR..
Redfield. He saw an opportunity to be-
come popular preacher, and gain hu
man applause, on the one hand, with
but little good done, and a narrow way
where he could preach the whole truth
and see the real work of God advanced,
on the other hand. TO his GOd-given
convictions, Benjamin L. Roberts chose
the unpopular way, and received such
an enduement of power for the work of
God as he had never before experienced.
For such choice multitudes will rise in
the Great Day and call him blessed.
ThnrOnrh yoyivals follOwoI no
he labOred. While stationed ut Rush
ford, New York, he became convinced
of the evils of the pew system. He saw
that if the masses were to be reached the
house of God must be free. He realized
the paralyzing effect of worldly innova-
tons on the church, the ruinOus tendency
of secret associations, and lifted up his
voice against them. He became a zeal
Gus opponent of human slavery and an
able advocate of the prohibition of the
liquor traffic. Earnest oppositions to the
evils existing in the church, and the
faithful advocacy of the doctrine of holi.
ness, awakened bitter opposition and
persecution, which resulted is his expul-
sion from the mother church. This ne
cessitated new organization.
In 1861 the Free Methodist Church
was organized, and Rev. B. L. Roberts
elected general superintendent, which
hOnOred position he held until his death.
A devoted father and wise counselor
has been called to his reward. Being a
profound scholar and deeply devoted to
God, he was emlnently qualified for lead
ership in the church of Christ.
He was untiring in his efforts for the
salvation of souls. He felt deep SYM
pathy for all. and was true friend to
The erring. He favored the exercise of
church discipline only as a last resort.
His counsel to the preachers gathered at
he several annual conferences was al
ways most impressive and we'll calculated
% inspire them for their work.
He was abundant in labOrs. For over
hirty years he edited and published the
earnest Christian, a magazine second to
lone in its advocacy of vital Christianity. |
For four years he edited the Free Meth
,dist. With 'Fishers of Men," .sWhy
Another Sect" 'Ordaining Women"
md other productions of his mastery |
Zen, many of our readers are familiar.
Brother Roberts was a faithful father |,
q 1sreal aud will be greatly missed. /
throughout the entire church his name
lad become familiar to old and Young:
lis earnest, soul-stirring sermons have
'een source of inspiration to many
depressed heart.
While as church we lnOurn our loss,
ct prayer be offered for the heait.strick.
n wife and children. May the sharer
f his joys and sorrows, trials and victo-
les. be graciously sustained in this hour
f sore bereavement.