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Willis--On Sabbath morning, April 26, 1885, of bronchial consumption, Howard Patterson Willis, son of Robert and Prudence Willis, of Brady, Guernsey County, Ohio, in the 23rd year of age. The above subject of the above notice was a young man of more than ordinary promise; dying in the house and in the same room in which he was born, and after a few years of active life as a boy and young man, we can say that he was exceptionally free from the faults and vices common to youth. The deceased had been a sufferer for several years before his death, and always bore his affliction with great fortitude. His last illness was of about ten months in duration, and toward the close was painful; but he endured it with patience and resignation to the will of his maker, and with calm assurance he awaited the end; and in conversation with his aged mother but a few days before his death, he said that he had thought that it was the Almighty's will to spare his life and restore him to health, that he would try and live a better lifel but was ready and willing to go at any hour that the master called him. It is with joy that his aged parents alone can realize that they see one so young, and but a few months ago full of life and hope to be willing to give up life in the morning, bid adieu to life with all its allurements, and with a face radiant with the free and gladdening beams of the Son of Righteousness, take them and each brother and sister by the hand, bidding them farewell and giving them his parting council, begging of them nor weep or mourn for him; but to make preparations to meet him in that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And just after the bright sabbath morn of rest dawned upon a weary world, the lords messenger came to him and he gently fell asleep. He gave strong evidences of his faith in Christ, declaring that he had nothing to live for, but would far rather depart and be the Christ, which is far better. To his aged parents, and brothers and sister, we would say be comforted. His presence you may now miss, but his precious memory is worth untold treasurers! And your joy no man, angel or devil can take from you! When you see him again he will not be clad with mortality and weakness but with robes of glory and immortality. He has gone up out of much tribulation to rest that is glorious. That friends sorrow not as those who have no hope. They can believe that it is well with him that the change has been a happy one. Be a also ready, for in such an hour as you think not, the son man cometh.

The Republican Press
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