Miami Union

MILLER, MARTHA W. - Martha W., daughter of Cornelius and Rosena Miller, was born April 28th, 1852, and died October 15th, 1879. Her birth and death occurred in the same house, near Troy, Ohio. Her disease was typhoid fever, and her sickness was of brief duration. The day she was to have entered her school in her own district, she took to her bed, and in some two weeks she entered into the higher life. She was an exemplary member of the Union Christian Church, having been received and baptized by Brother Emmons, about three years ago. She was the picture of health, the soul of honor, a model Christian, and the embodiment of ambition. She had carefully educated herself at Lebanon and was well qualified for her chosen position. She had intended going to the Pacific Coast the past fall, but finally deferred departure until another year. Ready for her work in life and fully consecrated to it, it seemed strange and unnatural that she should die. Needed, apparently, in this world, how mysterious the Providence that should call her to another. But her labor in preparation here was not in vain, for the least part only of the soul's preparation is for this life. Earth is one grand scholarship for heaven, if the life here is legitimate and consecrated. Martha can serve as well as here, and perhaps will as certainly follow her chosen vocation as if she had remained in this life. A religious superstition would people heaven with a class of saints whose arms are unfolded only for an occasional sweep of the wires of the harp of gold. Our sister trained herself for no such heaven, nor would she feel at home in a world whose labor was forgotten and duty was done. A spirit as ambitious and disinterestedly devoted as here would wend its way back to heaven. While the dear mother and the sisters mourn, they may think of the dear daughter and sister as with the other loved ones of the heavenly-side of the family circle, and soon all may meet again. Text: "Hereafter". The writer was assisted by Rev. P. M. Weddell. J. P. Watson