Year: 1874

Died, March /, 1874.


Jesus wept, with his friends, at the
grave of their departed, and it is meet
that we, as a band, come together at this
time, to mingle our tears in sympathy
and sorrow for the loss of our much
loved and highly esteemed friend, Mrs.
Perkins, whose untimely death has made
deep, sad impression on us all as So
ciety and as community for the shad-
ow that has for the last few brief months
darkened this venerable abode, now
deepe'ss into gloom, as we learn to fully
realize that the light which once illumi-
mated it so cheerfully and so beautifully,
will beam forth its mild rays among US
no more forever and forever. Nay,
will not say forever, since the influences
she shed so quietly and so abuudantly,
are precisely those that can neuer fade
a,oay


Hers has been life Of usefulness, not
in her own family circle alone, but ever
ready to assist, she strove by her kind
deeds, and countenance radiant with
love and unaffected gentleness, to miti-
gate the sorrows, and to assuage the af.
fictions Of all around her; and it is fit
ting that we pay high tribute of esteem
to the memory of our sister and associ-
ate, who from the time of its organiza-
ton, has ever been an honored member
aud rich ornament of our social circle,
and proud, earnest worker for its pros
perity and highest good.


like the rising sun, her large heart
was so filled with Christian love and gen.
erous cheer, that long before she herself
appeared to view, her coming was fell,
and every heart bounded with quicker,
livelier pulse in anticipation of the good
time coming, as she drew near. In es-
| pecial manner her ministrations we're a
healing balm to the sick and weary; and
to the afflicted in days of trial and sad
bereavement, her. mere presence was
light and life, and her words, uttered from
| the conscientious convictions of her
heart, were an elevating. sustaining pow
er to such as gave ear to her expressions
of faith and trust in an all-wise Provi,
dence and the eternal life ana unceasing
love of our Saviour


She was, indeed, the rose of our 5har-
on, the lily of our valley; but premature
ly she has dropped and died, and we
mourn, yet in the fulfillment Of life's
duties, she has filled out the measure to
completeness.


Many, Uery many are the friends who
shared her liberal hospitalities of hand
and heart, and will testify to her great
worth, and drop a tear in sorrow that
she is no more.


Firm in advocating the principles of
truth, justice and reform, she was also
ever ready to stretch out her hand to
spread the mantle of charity, that noble
attribute, rare and precious as it is in
life, over the imperfections and even
faults, of those of her fellow beings in
error. In seasons of adversely, when
darkness lowered low, she was not one to
give up and sit gloomily down in des-
pondency, but with faith and hope as
her daily companions, she accepted her
misfortunes as blessings in disguise, and
was thus enabled to discern the silver
lining behind the threatening clouds, and
to exclaim, "Thy will, not mine, o Lord,
be done"


As duty called her to leave her long
cherished home, how gloriously she made
the sacrifice to find a home with her
loved and loving family, in strange
land among strangers, where, with ever
the same faithful, Christian loveliness,
she won for herself a circle of new
friends and acquaintance who respect
and honor her memory as good woman,
and goodness is richer far than great
ness.


1t was here in the midst of her useful
ness, that she was summoned to pass
through the valley of the shadow of
death, and by the suffieiencY of her
Christian fortitude, she found strength to
pour the oil of consolation into the bleed
ing hearts of her smitten family, who
we're permitted the sacred privilege to
smooth the dying pillow and to behold
her perfect resignation, as her freed spirit
took its flight to Paradise"


Peacefully she died, as she had lived,
in the light of her treasured faith, and
praising God in her dying moments she
wrapped the drapery of her couch about
her and lay down to pleasant dreams,
saying, with an expression of angelic
sweetness, 1t is heavenly to die"
Her soul resurrected. now basks in the light
The songs she Is singing songs of the blest;
/ In faith we behold her. enrobed in pure white;
/ Through Jesus God called her-He plans for the
| best.


While, sleeping in triumph sweet sister tsds ret
Though weeping in sadness hearts shall not fal


lis God who has ehastensd,Hs plans for the best.
A. l.. W.