The Gospel Messenger
No. 6. Butler, Ga., June 1887, Vol. 9
OBITUARY
MISS SARAH MARTHA DAVIS

Youngest daughter of Green W. and Ann Davis, died November 13, 1886, aged twenty-one years, ten months and thirteen days.

At seven years of age her right side was paralyzed, but she soon regained the use of her limbs, and had light attacks-occasionally a heavy one-and for three years they eased, so that we felt safe, by the advice of our physician, to put her into school. But in a few months we were suddenly alarmed by their return; and the attacks continued at intervals until her death.

Her mother having died in May previous, caused her much trouble in mind. She was talking with her mother at different times (in her sleep) as though she was present, pleading with her not to be in a hurry to leave, and finding she would leave, Sallie said, "Ma, I will meet you."

My afflictions had now clustered around this affectionate daughter; but, alas! the messenger of death again knocks at my door for admittance, whom I have no power to resist, saying: Child, come home; tearing her, as it were, from my bosom, tearing her away in his cold and icy embrace to the grave, before thc tears had ceased to gather in my eyes.

She was taken down by one of these spells, as we called them, 10th November last, and was not able to talk, or have use of herself any more; living in this un-conscience state three days and nights. She had for some time been much interested about her future state; professed a hope in Jesus, wished to join the church, and be baptized, and the nature of her case was such that I was at a loss to know what to do, until this irresistible arbiter decided the case for us. (Here, brethren, permit me to say I feel that I did wrong in not taking her before the church and letting her have the comfort and consolation of having her name enrolled with the believers in Jesus Christ. I feel that I was distrusting God, and trusting in an arm of church, for which I hope to be forgiven. My advice to all others in such case is to take it to the church, trusting in Him who has power in heaven and on earth.)

On retiring to her room at night, she never failed to say "good night, Ma," "good night, Pa" and when Ma was no more, "good night, Pa." The only one out of ten that ever did so,--precious daughter, indeed--and when laid down would fold her little hands and pray God to have mercy on her and save her in heaven. She loved to hear THE GOSPEL MESSENGER read, taking great interest in the same. When a new number would come to hand, would seem to be elated with joy, having me to read the MESSENGER many times when I did not feel like doing so. [Here again let me say there are thousands in the widespread bounds of THE GOSPEL MESSENGER who are not able from different causes, to go to church to hear the preached word, who can read and hear it read around their own firesides, and be comforted and established in the faith. I find it is gaining strength, even by those who have been hitherto opposed to it. May God give it speed.]

Little Sallie was very fond of singing; often would have me to sing for her. Her favorite songs were, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear," and "Jerusalem, my happy home, oh! how I long for thee." But Sallie is gone-she has fallen asleep-

"Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep."

By request, next morning Elder D. G. McCowen spoke on the occasion from St. John, xv., 3, to a large and attentive congregation, after which deceased was conveyed to the family grave-yard, and laid in the silent grave.

"A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the last of foes,"

Macon, Ga., Nov. 13, 1886.
FATHER.