My Sister Anna sleeps in Jesus. She died of Consumption November 30th, 1854, in the 26th year of her age.
Several years since, her health became much impaired by over exertion in pursuit of an education. From this she had never recovered. About two years since Anna came to this city, accompanied by my Bro. Nathaniel (who fell asleep May 6th 1853,) to spend a few months, with the hope of recovering her health. She was then very feeble. But her health gradually improved up to last Spring. From that time she began gradually to decline, which brought sadness into our family. And as she grew more feeble and helpless, darker and heavier seemed the mantle of gloom that was thrown over us. It was indeed painful to see her fast sinking away from the surface of the sea of life; yet there was one hope, and but one, that lit up the future, as we stood around her sick and dying bed. It was the "blessed hope," that those who sleep in Jesus will be raised incorruptible at the soon coming of the Son of man.
At the age of 6 years, Anna manifested true repentance toward God, and faith in Jesus Christ, and although young, was a consistent and decided Christian. Living in the enjoyment of the Saviour's love, she was prepared to receive with joy the doctrine of Christ's speedy coming. And during the period of declension she maintained her profession.
Soon after coming to Rochester, Anna examined the subject of the Sabbath, and reviewed the evidences for the soon coming of Christ, and came out decided and happy on the side of truth. About one year since, with a heart full of love for the Young, she took charge of the YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, but was soon forced to leave the work in which she desired to spend her life. In her last sickness, she manifested great desire to be ready for her last change, and then submitted herself fully to Christ, in whose arms she seemed to breathe out her life.
A few hours before she fell asleep she repeated, "As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons of men." "He is the chief among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely."
The services of the funeral were conducted by Bro. J. N. Andrews, who preached a clear and comforting discourse from 1 Thess. iv, 13-18.
We place dear Anna beside Bro. Nathaniel, in Mount Hope Cemetery, there to rest till both are called forth to receive crowns of immortal glory.
Jesus, the life-giver, tasted death, lay in the tomb, arose from the dead, and in triumph brought away the keys of death and the grave, and ascended on high. "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell [hades, the grave] and of death." Rev. i, 18. Jesus lives. With the keys of the grave and death, he is coming to open the graves of the just and call them forth to life eternal. JAMES WHITE.