James Hervey Otey Papers Box 1 Folder 2 Document 12

of the children of God is purified and exalted.

The Bishop had been thoroughly trained in the school of affliction. Domestic bereavement, prostration of bodily strength by overwork and constant exposure, with consequent protracted physical suffering−disapointment in well-devised plans for the extension of the Church, and for the promotion of sound learning and religious eduction in his own Diocese−these were a part of the severe discipline to which he was subjected.

Two beloved daughters were snatched away, within the period of a few months, by the ruthless hand of death. A son in the gospel−the gifted Alston−whom he had trained, with a father's solicitude and affection, for the ministries of the altar, home from his parish work to lie down and die in his house and in his arms. Another, who was as a son in his own house, whom he had nursed for the service of the sanctuary, on whom he had laid his hands in setting him apart to the office of a deacon in the Church of God, and poured upon his head the unction of priesthood; who, for so many years, held up his arms in his own diocese while the Church was struggling with unequal hosts; whose footprints are still visible in this sanctuary; the fragrance of whose virtues is still fresh amoungst this people; whose memory is enshrined in their hearts; he, too, the loving and the loved Tomas, was laid in the dust. These were the tribulations falling at intervals like blows of a hammer, which wrought out, link by link, that golden chain of patience, and experience, and hope, in that great heart, until it was tender and gentle as a ministering angel's towards all the children of sorrow.

Cut off from him in his later bereavements and trials, we know only from the testimony of those whose high privilege is was to be near him, the latest graces which the trial unmasked as he wat passing under the rod appointed for the sons of God. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourageth every son whom he receiveth."

But with him the discipline of trial− without which there can be no perfecting of the Christian character−without which these can be no companionship with Christ, no brotherhood with the Son of the Highest−without which there can be no adoption to the title and heritage of the Sons of God−with him this holy, blessed discipline of trial has served the appointed purpose, and is over. His conflicts are ended. "The