The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1908-04-09
: SARAH F. WALDEN.

NSN. w. I. ddSn, was born in Neck
lenburg county, Va, in ls45, and died
February p, 1903, in Calvary parson-
age, Danville. Va.
In cHronic1ing the death of this esti-
mable lady we speak of one who wore |
the beautiful Christian graces from
childhood with JOY and profit to herself |
and all who had the pleasure of an
acquaintance with her. Sister Walden
was the daughter of A. b. and Martha
Crowder of Mecklenburg county. Va.
In early life she gave her life to Christ,
united with the Methodist Church, and
remained faithful member of the
same TO the day of her death.
She was a lady of unusual cheerful
spirit. 1t was not her disposition TO
look on the dark side of life, but to see
in all things something of a hopeful
character. and bid those about her be
of good cheer, however gloomy the en-
vironments might be.
This trait of character made her pre-
eminently suited for the position of
minister's wife, which she so faith
fully filled for owe. fOrty-two years.
She knew we'll how to speak the
word and perform the act which gave
her companion courage and strength
to meet the difficult duties so often
confronting a minister of the gospel.
She held deep conviction that all
things worked for good to Gods people,
and though at times they could not be
understood, i'll due time the wisdom of
God would be revealed to the entire
satisfaction of His children.
Cheered and strengthened by such
spirit, wherever in the providence of
God she and hers were sent, she be-
lieved was the right place, and at once
adjusted herself beautifully to sur
rounding circumstances, and did the
work of one sent by God.
| Her rule in life was to fiud something
good in every one. She did not seek
to see and magnify the weakness of
her acquaintance. but spoke well of
those even for whom but few had good
words. Thus her charitable spirit
was readily recognized by those with
whom she associate6.
she felt personal interest in each
member of the flock over which her
husband was pastor. Many have felt
her gentle touch and heard her kind
words in times of distress and grief,
and mourn with the family at the de-
parture of one SO gentle and true.
As mother, Sister Walden was ten
der and faithful. God bless "a the mar
riage with nine children, eight OF
/ ,n~1,.
the other had preceded her to the home
above, and there awaited her coming
Amid her other duties she recognized
hat her first was to her family. To
comfort her husband and rear her
| children as they should be was the
| first thought in her mind. She never
allowed anything to deter her in this
noble work. She was a wife and
mother not simply in name, but in
| reality, regarding it as her highest
duty to rear those whom God had
| given her for His honor and glory
she labored not in vain, for they are
found in the path following mother to
chat sweet home where parting will 'e
no more Her death came very sud
denly. Sne had attended church on
Wednesday evening and seemed in
usual good health and spirits, and re-
tired at her usual hour. About one
o'clock her husband was awakened by
her heavy breathing, and at once at
| tempted to arouse her, but could not.
Before the doctor could lie secured
or friends be called her spirit passed
TO the God who gave it. She had no
parting words with loved ones; simply
tell asleep in the arms of Him whom
she had loved and Served so long.
The following beau iiil lines were
selected from her clippings, indicative
OF the life she daily lived:
To love some one more dearly every
day,
To help some wondering child to find
his way;
To ponder ON some noble thought
and pray.
And smile when evening falls
This is my task.
To follow truth as blind men long
for light,
To do my best from dawn OF day
till night:
To keep my heart fit for His holy
Sight,
And answer when He calls
This is my task. -
Her remains were taken to Hamp-
ton, Va, for interment, and on Feb.
%, from the First Church, the funeral
services were conducted by this writer,
assisted by Revs. w. A. Christian
and J. +. CuthrIell, of Newport News, |
after which the body was deposited
1" the cemetery to awake and meet
her Lord at mis- second coming. To |
our beloved brother and bereaved chill |
dren we extend our deepest sympa-
thies, and earnestly pray for grace to |
sustain them in them in this hour of |
their great grief.-W. II. ATWILL,
In the Christian Advocate of April ?. |