Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-02-23

field. In this town also be preached nj
last sermon thirty years later. In the cas-
of many pastor whose wife has been tru
ly a helpmeet, II would be only fair Il
speak OF their work as ''ioint pastorate.
Surely in this instance responsibilities
burdens and deprivaliOns were not bornt
singly. Their faithful and unObtTustvl
life and labors in West Randolph and th'
So bsequent growth OF the town aud tbs
churches are SO well known that more e1'
tended comment will We unnecessary here
1t is, however, fitting that more than
passing notice be given to the life OF one
who has lived so long and lived so we'll
We may perhaps gain a more accurate
/ view OF the reach OF such life, prolonged
nearly to the century mark, by LOOK
/ backward.
! The finder box and the fintlock gun
were familiar objects 10 her early years
She has been under twenty presidential
administrations. During the period en-
/ braced by her life have occurred those
marvellous chsnges familiar to US, OF
which that from the tallow dip TO the cleo
trio light is but one example; that long
list OF labor-saving machinery invented /;
the solemn procession OF states admitted
into the Union, and the growth OF our Ma
tion from few struggling, quarrelsome
states to a unified republic and a world
power. That these have been placed with
in the compass OF one life, one is led to ex-
claim, "What hath God wrought ~
Though for many years an invalid, Mrs.
Sparhawk retained her faculties to a re-
markable degiee. Though sight aud hear
ing were impaired, she maintained a keen
interest in current events, enjoying and
approaching the humorous side OF things
as keenly as any.
Until within few years, when falling
eyesight made fine needleWork no longer
possible, her hands were seldom idle and
her children treasure many evidences OF
her work. Even after the time when
glasses could no longer assist the eyes OF
age the habits OF life OF toll, thrift and
economy were still apparent and then
coarser work was assumed to keep her
hands tout OF mischief Mrs. SparhawK
was a good singer in younger days and
thus found In music a solaee for hours OF
Loneliness. At times, when busted with
some work, her friends might hear strains
which she was unconsciously singing or
humming to herself from some one OF
those old tunes so dear to memory, full OF
quaint turns and quavers.
She was especially interested in all that
the welfare OF her children and
grandchildren, to whom she gave a wealth
81 affection and tender regard. The words
ot Goldsmith concerning the village
preacher might be applied TO her as well:-
'E'en children followed, with endearing
vile,
And pluck'd his gown, to share the good
mans smile;
His ready smile a parents warmth ex.
pressed,
Their welfare pleased him, and their cares
distressed.
To them his heart, his love, his griefs
we're given,
But all his serious thoughts had rest In
heaven:
As some tall cliff, that lifts its awful form,
swells from the vale, and midway leaves
the storm,
Though round its breast the rolling clouds
are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head"
Though deprived by reason Of many in
OF the privileges Of church GO
ng, she ever manifested a deep interest In /
he things OF The Kingdom and much en-
Dyed having sermons and portions OF the |
scriptures read to her. BY attention and /
she proved herself an /
Ilert and apprecistive listener.
To her as a vigorous and resourcefuI /
and home maker in the busi-
IT days Of life, looking well to the ways Of /
Ter household, life on its practical side
vas constantly presenting itself. Her
'arly lie was not an easy one and, as the
wife of hard worked and bard working
country pastor, cares we're inuumerable
nd labors more abundant.
Since their own home was broken uuLy
he death OF her husband about thirty
ears ago, Mrs. Sparhawk has lived with
Ter daughter, Mrs. G.. E. Graham at Beth
/, VT.
Here life has been more leisurely and
rec from former cares and burdens. For
ong years children and grandchildren
ave reloiced in her friendship, love and /.
indy solicitude, and most OF all in the
opportunity to minister to the pleasure
no comfort of her whose aim was Unot
o be mtnistered unto, but to minister. -
In contrast to days OF greater activity,
be passive virtues have become more an.
aren't with the coming OF the wears.
hough always an earnest and faithful
blower OF the Lord Jesus, later wears
ave given the added charm Of a riDeningl
haracter and deepening spiritual life Z
hen eyes grew dim TO the words that
'ere written yet the eye OF faith grew ,
ever aim and when ears were closing To
ounos OF earth they were becoming at ,
1ned TO the harmonies OF another world
ne very last conscious moments bore ,
fitness 70 the steadfast courage, simple
ilth, unfaltering trust and a Resignation
, the Will OF God. blessed are the
sad which die in the Lord from hence d.
rth. Yea, saith the spirit, that they !
ay rest from their labors and their
orks do follow them" WIS