O B I T U A R Y by M. J. D.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1859

O B I T U A R Y .

By M. J. D.

DIED in Brewer, Me., June 28th, of consumption, Sister Rhoda Patten, aged 55 years. Sr. P. had been a professor of religion and a worthy member of the Methodist church for many years. But as she often said she saw so little in them that characterized the meek followers of the lowly Saviour, he whom she loved so well, she felt that it was far better for her to stand alone. Consequently she left the church. She often enjoyed much of the presence of her Saviour, and almost constantly felt she had the approbation of God. Yet her soul longed for the communion of the children of God and to worship with them. She told me she made it a subject of prayer that the truth of the coming of the Lord might in some way be proclaimed in her ears. In answer to prayer, five years ago, by accident, she heard of the coming of the Lord, the Sabbath, sleep of the dead, and corresponding truths, and like a hungry child she at once embraced the truth and began to practice it, stopping not to confer with flesh and blood. She was a woman of few words. I have often thought she was such as the apostle James speaks of, that offend not in word. Her sufferings were protracted, but she never murmured. Truly it may be said of her, "a saint has ceased to pray." O I hope so to live, that my end may be like hers. M. J. D.