In Lincklaen, N. Y., March 27, 1851, Elmina E. Whitford, wife of Wm. C. Whitford, in the 23d year of her age. The death of sister Whitford is one of those mysterious providences that are so inscrutable to our earth-bound vision. She had long and sedulously labored to qualify herself for usefulness, and was intending to offer herself to the Board as a recruit to our foreign mission. But God’s ways are not as our ways. Early in the past summer there were indications of declining health, but her case was not regarded as alarming till late in autumn. Then a change of atmosphere seemed a last hope, and brother W. left college and accompanied her to the prairies. The fatal malady had, however, become so strongly entrenched, that no change was of permanent benefit. She returned only in time to die and be buried with her kindred. Death was disrobed of its terror, and though she looked on the mission as an inviting field, she could cheerfully forego the privilege of leading the heathen to Christ, for the higher privilege of being with Christ and celebrating his praises with the redeemed in the blissful abodes of perennial glory. May her life and death be as seed sown in the garden of our God!
J. R. I.
