Morning journal and courier., 1894-01-08
The Rev. J. l.. Willard, D. D.
 (NommunicAtod

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 The community of Westville has of late
 been sorrowfully anxious over the illness
 of It's deeply respected member, Rev. Dr.
 Willard. Although from the first of his
 rather sudden attack 1t was hardly expect
 ed that he could recover, this was devoutly
 wished by one and another in words ex-
 pressive of the sincere esteem in which the
 good man was held. Indeed, Dr. Willard
 was Westvil'e's real head, having taken up
 his home and pastoral duties here nearly
 forty years ago, and having remained in
 both home and church in all the years un-
 til now, officiating pastor of the Congregs-
 tional church, in whose flock not only, but
 among outside inhabitants of this village
 also, he had been present at great numbers of both weddings and funerals. often him.
 self the officiating clergyman at either the festive or the sad occasion and always ready with appropriate words to grace or to soleruni1e those events.
 Dr. Willard had witnessed the develop ment of several generations in his own parish; and both the young and the aged now sorrow over his death and can not wholly quell grief, notwithstanding they know that 1t is we'll with the one they loved and revered.
 All Westville seemed suddenly subdued, by more than the usual Sunday morning quietness, as the well-known church bell tolled long and tellingly, assuring that never sgain would the faithful pastor speak from that pulpit; nor tread with meaningful footsteps these streets, upon L>l L3n through all the years which had changed them from their former rural aspect to the now manifest relationship with the city. Fond of historic associations and every
 scene of nature, hts pen was ever ready to trace such, and SO the reverend gentleman had endearsd himself to many aged persons and to lovers of nat ursl beauty. More than these, he was the safe and efficient guide of the young in his
 community. Young men in particular he loved to cheer and encourage and start them on the rough voyage of human life with belief in their own powers, with re- solves likewise to abide by principle and to shun evil and forsake temptation. By tho bedside of the sick the writer has met with him and witnessed his kindness of manner, and heard his words of encour- ! sgement expressed. Oh, that his own ill., ness had been such that some of these could have stood by his bedside, and have | tried to breathe such cheer as he had given example. From his pulpit, in a sermon of long ago, is remembered this injunction: ''Do not forget nor neglect the sickl Sick people appreciate attention. Friendship is tested in . season of illness"
 Whatever his trials, or whatever his temptations may have been, they have been we'll endured. We can feel that he has entered into @ state, which, if not one of absolute peace and rest, is one with which spiritual sight is clearer, and the field of action larger, the opportunities for unfolding good thought, and developing inmost faculties, fuller and richer. Our sorrowing hearts forget not the nearest ones whose loss seems unspeakable. The widow and the daughter, indeed. can re- pose in that strength which holds up all who seek. But, the young grandson,- God be with him lovingly and helpfully, in the stead of the late, devoted one, whose Surely, lovely sight 1t was, the old man travsrsing these streets,-which of the two the more devoted, who could tella Be with us all, Our Father dear, In this bereavement hour!
 To use, while stil we finger here
 sofanF 1S Ssssaxs snd Grief in its blessings softens hearts, If 50 they read aright,
 Yield us Thy living might,
 O God, when joy from grfeving parts To learn the lesson then sublime, Hearts hid in Thee in every time. Remember those whose sorest need Looks up to Thee tn s houri They know Thy grace and power As having learned them well to heed With him whose spirit soars beyond, Fen now yet sewers not ono bond. The sun shines out as if to prove Thy love and thought foretold; It bathes our rock with gold; And its suggestions there, thus move: "A heart, fixed fast on Thee, gone Home, And waiting those who later come.' ELLA A. HoTcHKIss