p. 143 | OBITUARY by R. F. Cottrill

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 1, 1861

OBITUARY.

By R. F. Cottrill

Our dearly beloved brother, Eld. Charles W. Sperry, formerly of Bristol, Vt., fell asleep in Jesus, at the house of Bro. D. C. Demarest, North Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1861, in the 42d year of his age.

Bro. Sperry embraced religion when very young, and united with the Baptist church. He was ever distinguished for his steady, consistent and exemplary course of life; was faithful, punctual and persevering in whatever business he was employed. The orphan's lot was his, and, in the earlier part of his life, though of feeble health, he supported himself by farm-labor in the summer, and school-teaching in the winter, often exhausting his earnings during frequent periods of sickness.

He was engaged in the Advent movement in 1843–4, and shared in the disappointment of those whom the Lord led out in the proclamation of the message of Rev. xiv, 6, 7, though he did not preach at that time. He embraced the truths of the third angel's message in 1851. The Lord raised him from a sick bed, in answer to the prayer of faith, to preach this last message; and for the last nine years he has devoted his time to this work, faithfully and successfully. He refused the promise of wealth in the employment of a wealthy relative, choosing to devote his time to the service of the Lord and the salvation of souls. At different times he has been brought near the grave, but was raised in answer to prayer and resumed his labors of love. The last of these instances was in the fall of 1860, which was his first attack of bleeding at the lungs. The Lord heard prayer, and he immediately pursued his arduous labor.

Last spring he came into the State of N. Y., to labor with the tent. On the 18th of May he was again attacked with bleeding, and bled several times. But he so far recovered that he rode out, and fond hopes were cherished of his recovery. But from some cause bleeding commenced again, and he was brought exceedingly low, in which state he remained about seven weeks. He bore his affliction with the most perfect patience and resignation. He had great desire at first to be raised up again to preach the message, but when he saw that the will of the Lord was otherwise, he patiently waited for the hour when he should rest. No murmur escaped his lips. When his sufferings were mentioned he would say, "O, this is nothing," or "How sweet it is to suffer for Jesus." He would often say, "The Lord is good!" His reason was continued, in answer to his earnest prayer; and that calm, sweet and heavenly smile which was upon his countenance during his waking periods, will not soon be forgotten.

On first-day morning, Sept. 15, he raised a little fresh blood. At noon a change came; he bled, and it seemed he would strangle with the blood. Sister Sperry said to him, "God's grace is sufficient." And O, the inexpressible joy which lit up his countenance, as praise poured forth from his lips. He continued to talk, but could not speak so that all could be understood. But O, the extremity of his sufferings cannot be told. He would plead so earnestly with his Father to let him rest. He moaned almost continually till about 8 o'clock in the evening. He gave a struggle, and began to exhort in a loud voice, and praise God and shout, "Glory to God, I am going free!" A portion of his exhortation was, "Live in the word and trust in God." Before he ceased, his mind seemed to wander, and he thought he was going to get up from his bed. The blessing of God rested upon him in great abundance. He was triumphant. As soon as he ceased to shout, he commenced to breathe very easy, but short, and without the least struggle his breath ceased and he was done. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

He has left an affectionate wife and a dear little boy of seven years, and other dear friends, to mourn his loss. But they mourn not as those who have no hope. "God set his love upon him, and will let him rest a little moment; until his indignation be everpast, then will remember him and bring him from the grave. The next thought will be, 'O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?'"

The friends and neighbors were all very kind and attentive to him during his sickness, and were ready to render every possible assistance, for which he was very thankful; and they are also remembered with gratitude by the family and other friends that had the care of him.

He was removed to Kirkville, Onondaga Co., for burial, the place of residence of Bro. H. Gardner, his father-in-law. Bro. F. Wheeler preached, at his funeral, an interesting and comforting discourse, from Jno. xi, 25. "I am the resurrection and the life." The sweet, peaceful slumberer was then carried to his resting-place.

"He hath passed Death's chilling billow, And gone to rest; Jesus smoothed his dying pillow— His slumber's blest. "When the morn of glory, breaking, Shall light the tomb, Beautiful will be his waking, In fadeless bloom. "Where no wintry winds are blowing, No burial train; Crowned with gems celestial, glowing, We'll meet again." R. F. COTTRILL.