Death of Elder J. N. Ayers.
By Editor
A TRUE soldier has fallen at his post. The following obituary we copy from the Review and Herald; it was reported by Bro. Santee. Bro. Ayres was a true man, an earnest Christian, and an efficient officer in the Conference, by which he will be greatly missed. "Died, on the camp-ground at Emporia, Kan., May 26, our beloved brother, Eld J. N. Ayers. When the truth found him, years ago, he was prostrate on a supposed bed of death; but through the blessing of the health reform he was restored, and though feeble, for years he has borne heavy burdens as the President of the Kansas Conference, laboring often beyond his strength. He was worn out with suffering, and now he rests. During the last hours of his life, he repeatedly said, 'Thank God for the Christian's hope.' He took affectionate leave of each of the ministers, especially of Bro. White, who ordained him three years before. A few minutes before his death he requested those present to sing. They complied, and one verse of the sweet melody, 'Jesus, lover of my soul,' was sung by trembling voices. Although almost fainting, his voice rose full and clear during the first two lines, when it failed, though his lips still repeated every word that was sung. As the last line, 'Oh, receive my soul at last,' died away, it seemed the dying prayer of one who had been tossed by the billows of life, and who had given his life for the truth. As his breath was failing, his only living son came forward, and kneeling by his father's bedside promised to seek God with all his heart. The glazing eyes lighted up with joy as they looked lovingly on the weeping son who had made this solemn promise. Brief and touching remarks were made by Bro. and Sister White to a weeping congregation. Bro. White's deep voice pronounced the benediction, and the peace of God seemed to brood over the scene as the body of our brother was borne away. May the God of the widow and the fatherless comfort and sustain his family."