| Description |
: |
Christian Messenger – Friday, 26 March 1841 – Page 91 –
At Nictaux, on the 15th inst., in the 37th year of her age, Lucy, wife of William H. Troop, and daughter of the late Rev. James Manning. A brief obituary of the deceased will shortly be prepared for the Christian Messenger.
Christian Messenger – Friday, 27 August 1841 – Page 268 –
Obituary –
Of Mrs. William Troop, of Nictaux –
Death, the universal conqueror of our race, is going onward in his work of destruction, breaking up the foundations of society, severing the dearest relations of life, and spreading, as it were, a...
Read More
|
Christian Messenger – Friday, 26 March 1841 – Page 91 –
At Nictaux, on the 15th inst., in the 37th year of her age, Lucy, wife of William H. Troop, and daughter of the late Rev. James Manning. A brief obituary of the deceased will shortly be prepared for the Christian Messenger.
Christian Messenger – Friday, 27 August 1841 – Page 268 –
Obituary –
Of Mrs. William Troop, of Nictaux –
Death, the universal conqueror of our race, is going onward in his work of destruction, breaking up the foundations of society, severing the dearest relations of life, and spreading, as it were, a funeral pall over the brightest homes and the most cheering prospects of the children of men. No class of persons, however good, virtuous, or useful, is proof against his authority and power. It frequently happens that those whose connection with earth is every way adapted to promote the happiness and welfare of those by whom they are surrounded, and selected by this fell destroyer as the first victims of his tyranny, as if he delighted in hurrying to the land of shadows the brightest ornaments to society, in preference to those whose life is regarded as a burden to themselves, and as a blot upon creation. Seldom does the king of terrors, in the exercise of his commission, occasion more deep regret, than has been felt in many bosoms by the removal from earth of the subject of the following brief memoir, - the object of which is to preserve from oblivion the memory of one whose death is justly lamented as an irreparable loss to her family, and as a painful bereavement to the Church of God, and to a large circle of surviving friends. Mrs. Troop was born in Granville, on the 3rd of May, 1803. She was the daughter of the late Rev. James Manning, whose name will long be remembered in connection with those faithful servants of the Almighty, who commenced their ministerial career in the early settlement of this country, - and, whose labours have been so greatly honoured by the head of the Church in turning many to righteousness, and in laying the foundation for those glorious revivals of religion which have spread so extensively over the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The fruits of which are witnessed in the rapid increase of believers in Christ, of Gospel Churches, and of the Ministers of true religion. Lucy, for this was her name, was the elder of two daughters, and her doting parents were both deeply interested in giving her the best means of instruction which the country at that time afforded – consequently the first part of her life was principally spent at School. She possessed naturally much sprightliness of disposition and gaiety of manners – and, from childhood was passionately fond of society. On the 22nd of February, 1823, she was united in marriage to Mr. William Troop, of Granville. As the fruit of this union, she became the mother of three children, one who was removed in infancy by death, and the other two live to mourn the loss of one who watched over their earliest existence with the deepest solicitude for their present and eternal welfare. It is worthy of remark that the religious instruction which she imparted to her children, and the fervent prayers which she offered to heaven in their behalf were not in vain. As a proof of which, shortly after her death, the elder of the two daughters gave evidence of experimental religion, and was admitted into the Church at Nictaux, by baptism. In the year 1832, the Baptist Church at Bridgetown enjoyed a season of religious revival, during which it pleased God to make Mr. and Mrs. Troop the happy subjects of his renewing grace. Her mind had been religiously impressed at intervals from early life; but never did she obtain anything like a satisfactory evidence of her acceptance with the Redeemer until this revival. She at that time was brought to a distinct discovery of her defilement by sin, and of the efficacy of the Saviour’s blood to cleanse. She was enabled by faith to rely upon it, and to rejoice with joy unutterable, and full of glory. Prior to this she had been in the habit of mingling much in the society of the gay and of the worldly, and of partaking with them in those fashionable amusements in which they engaged, - but, having experienced this gracious change, she gave the decided preference to the humble followers of the Lamb, sought their company, and with her husband, became a member of the Christian Church, at that time under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Elder. With this church she walked in fellowship for the space of two years, and was very highly esteemed as a worthy and useful member. In the Spring of 1834, Mr. Troop, with his family, removed to Nictaux, and formed a connexion with the Church of God in that place. Immediately upon his settlement there, a Sabbath School was formed, of which he was selected superintendent. In the advancement of this School Mrs. Troop always manifested a most lively interest; she took a large class of young females under her tuition, and was always at her post to administer such instruction from the Word of God as was adapted to their necessities. The improved state of her own mind coupled with much kindness of disposition, and affability of manner, rendered her very useful in this capacity, and secured for her not only the confidence and affection of the pupils immediately under her charge, but of all such as were concerned in the furtherance of this most useful institution. Her punctuality in attending the means of grace, evinced her attachment to gospel ordinances and Christian privileges. Her seat was generally filled in the conferences and social meetings of the Church, as well as on more public occasions, - and we have heard her frequently remark that “those who lived near the saviour, and reflected much of his image, she esteemed as the excellent ones of the earth.” She was fond of reading, and devoted a considerable portion of her time, when the duties of domestic life would admit, in searching the Scriptures of Truth, and such other books as were suited especially to her religious improvement. Mrs. Troop was warmly attached to all those benevolent institutions, which are engaging the energies of the Christian Church, such as Domestic and Foreign Missions, Educational Establishments, Sabbath Schools. &c. &c. – and she was always ready to assist, to the utmost of her ability, in carrying out any plans which might be adopted for the purpose of sustaining these institutions. The Church always found her a most valuable assistant in the way of collecting monies for such objects. Her perseverance and affectionate address, generally ensured success. There was much of the milk of human kindness in her heart; she sympathized deeply with all who were in affliction, and was ever ready to listen to the cries of penury and want. It may be truly said of her, that she was a friend to all, but an enemy to none. She enjoyed an unusual degree of health, and of animal spirits, until the month of June, 1838, when she suddenly, by some exposure, caught cold. The result of this was a most violent shock of the nervous system, from which she never recovered; indeed she seemed to have a presentiment from the very commencement of this attack, that it would ultimately terminate her mortal career. At first she was much alarmed, and sent for her minister to come and pray for her, as one that expected soon to inhabit the world of spirits. This affection of the nervous system produced a melancholy state of mind, which threatened very serious consequences. She at length, however, gradually recovered, assumed her wonted cheerfulness to some extent, and her friends fondly hoped that the disease was wholly removed, - but those who knew the most of Mrs. Troop perceived that she was constantly labouring under the impression, that her days on earth would soon be numbered. This idea produced a visible change in the spirit and temper of her mind, and in her whole deportment. Her natural disposition was, perhaps, too aspiring; this she frequently regretted. But from the moment of this first attack of disease, the world lost its power to charm, and she aspired after nothing but communion with God, and a preparation for a better world; - she looked upon all things here as transitory, and desired most earnestly that she might be in readiness to meet death with composure, and leave the world in peace whensoever the summons might come. In the latter part of 1839 she took a second cold, which brought on inflammation of the chest, and resulted in a confirmed consumption. The best medical skill was employed, but without avail. From the very onset her mind was measurably prepared for the worst; instead of feeling that dread which she had felt on a former occasion, she cheerfully gave up the world, and resigned herself into the hands of her God and Saviour. The disease went on gradually doing its work, and as her bodily strength diminished, her spiritual fortitude increased. The writer of this brief sketch had frequent opportunities of conversing with her regarding her eternal interests, and of pleading at the throne of mercy in her behalf. It was truly delightful to witness in her case, the rapid increase in religious feeling, of crucifixion to the world, and of faith and hope in the sinner’s friend. She frequently spoke of leaving her husband and children, in terms of the most melting tenderness, but yet in the language of pious submission to the will of her heavenly Father. The writer saw her for the last time a few months before she died. He visited her for the purpose of taking his leave of her – not expecting to see her again in time. After presenting her case before God in prayer in the presence of her widowed mother, her deeply afflicted husband, and her weeping children, he bid her farewell. She broke out in strains of holy exultation and exclaimed, “I shall soon meet you in heaven. I feel that my Saviour will soon take me to himself;” and then proceeded for some time to speak of the glories of the heavenly state, and of the assurance which she felt, that she should soon mingle in the society of the “just made perfect,” in a manner that was highly satisfactory. She lingered after this for several months, frequently speaking of her death with the utmost composure of mind, giving all necessary instructions to her husband respecting her funeral, and conversing with him freely regarding her dear children, who were soon to be left motherless in a cold-hearted world. In this way she continued until the 5th of March, when she quietly fell asleep in the arms of her Redeemer. Death to her had lost its power to sting, and she met it with that calmness of mind and resignation to the Divine will, which a living faith in him who is the “resurrection and the life,” is so well adapted to inspire. Her funeral was attended at the Baptist meeting house at Nictaux, by a numerous assemblage of people, and a sermon was preached on the occasion by the Rev. Mr. Viditoe, from the 24th verse of the 17th chapter of St. John’s Gospel. “Father, I will that those whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory.” Her remains are now resting in the noiseless mansion, in company with many of the saints of God, who, like her, died in the full hope of a blissful and glorious immortality beyond the grave. She now slumbers, but she shall ere long awake. Death has thrown his prison chain around her, but the lawful captive shall be delivered. “O thou blessed Emanuel, thou hast abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light!” and thou wilt watch o’er that sleeping dust, and in thine own time thou wilt raise it up and fashion it like thine own glorious body. O, blissful day! O, joyful hour! when the voice of the archangel, and trump of God, shall bid the dead arise. May we all be prepared for the solemnities of that day.
|
