OBITUARY by James Marvin

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 7, 1858

OBITUARY.

By James Marvin

Bro. Smith : I write to inform you of the death of my sister, Melinda A. Barney, who fell asleep in Jesus, Aug. 24th, 1858, aged 29 years.

I embraced the Third Angel's Message last November. Old things passed away; the truth to me was new and glorious. I was not content to eat my morsel alone, but was much drawn out after my relatives ; and through the goodness of God, was enabled to persuade this dear sister to go with me. She came out clear on the present truth last Spring, in April, and soon commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and in so doing was greatly blessed. She soon laid aside everything that would hinder her from running the christian race. She laid all on the altar at once, and seemed to be ready for any event. At the commencement of her sickness, we held a meeting at her house. As Bro. Gould was with us, he talked on keeping the commandments. We then had a season of prayer, in which my sister engaged most fervently. She said she saw heaven open, and the glory of God rested down upon her. We believed it was so ; for we were much blessed. She took her bed soon after ; was patient and perfectly resigned. On being asked, what if she should die, she looked up with a smile, and said she had given all up to the Saviour, and he would take care of the little ones she left behind, and they would soon be with her. Her husband, and three children, though young, deeply feel her loss. Myself and sister had been waiting for the ordinance of baptism to be administered to us, expecting some of the ministering brethren to be here soon.

“In glory immortal I hope soon to meet her, Where sickness and sorrow and parting are ’e'er. With all the redeemed, there with joy may I greet her, With the King in his beauty to reign ever more.” JAMES MARVIN.

Swanson, Vt., Sept. 6th, 1858.