Fitting Tribute from

Fitting Tribute from J.H. Oliphant's Daughter in law
by James H. Oliphant

Fitting Tribute


The Primitive Monitor
IN THE INTEREST OF PRIMITIVE BAPTISTS
'ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN.'

December 1925
Dear Brother Dove:--- The enclosed letter received a few days ago from this beloved and worthy sister, a daughter-in-law of the late Elder J. H. Oliphant is, I feel, a fitting tribute to the one of the most useful and able ministers that ever bore the name of Primitive Baptist. Indeed, few men have ever lived that have penned or published to the world the glorious doctrine of salvation by grace with more beauty and in all its fullness. One whose life has been a splendid example of true piety, sober mindedness, spotless integrity, and devoted service. Few of the Lord's servants of to-day; I fear, are making so clean a record as this dear departed father in Israel. O that our tongues might be as free from back-biting, evil communications, idle and meaningless conversation, that our hearts were as free of envy, malice, and hatred.
For more than half a century, his life has been almost wholly devoted to faithful and untiring service. His able writings in book form are read and loved throughout our land, for he has truly fed the flock which Christ has purchased with his own blood. While his labors on earth are done, he will long live in the memory of those with whom he has come in contact, more especially with those in the churches which he pastored and visited.
We do well remember his visits to our home in our youthful days, where his wise counsel was so much sought, and his friendly manner so highly respected and esteemed. Would that the younger ministry of to-day would study as incessantly to show themselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, shunning profane and vain babblings, for such things saith the apostle, increaseth unto more ungodliness. then our many churches so richly blessed in temporal things, would undoubtedly bear more fruit unto the Lord, thus reciprocating their energy and zeal to the called servants of the Most High.
Time is winging us to the end, so let us labor while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work.


Yours in humble hope,
Perkin, Ind.




C. W. Mattox.
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Mr. C. W. Mattox; My dear Cousin and Brother:--- I feel sure you will understand and forgive my long silence when I tell you that after nearly nine long weeks of watching and waiting at the bedside of our precious father Oliphant, he on the morning of October 28th, passed quietly and peacefully on to his heavenly reward. It was not a sickness accompanied by suffering or real pain, but a gradual wearing and wasting away which so weakened him that it became impossible to talk, finally lapsing into unconsciousness which remained unto the end. More than a year ago he expressed himself as being ready to go, and even before that had selected the songs and text which he wished to be used on his funeral occasion.
Elder Charlie Arnold spoke from this selection, found in II Timothy 4:7, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,' comparing it with the words of his own choosing, found in Mal. 2:6, 'The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity. and did turn many away from iniquity.' I wish I might be able to give you a worthy description of his sermon. It was not one composed in eulogies or emotional workings, but a beautiful portrayal of the doctrines, the heavenly equipment, the faithfulness and final triumph as maintained and accomplished by our dear father, covering the ground as completely as possible in the time given.
Grandfather's last visit to our house was in May. His physical condition had weakened him mentally until he became unable at time to converse intelligently. On subject pertaining to the Bible or religion, his mind remained clear, and during the visit, he sang distinctly for us his favorite song, 'Savior, more than life to me.' On the first Sunday during this visit, he preached his last sermon publicly, speaking in power and demonstration of the Spirit for about thirty minutes. After being confined to his bed, he sang and prayed and preached as long as strength permitted.
What a wonderful, precious, loving father he has been. In my acquaintance of more than thirty years not a fault have I ever detected, but in wisdom and love and gentleness has he sought to encourage, uplift, instruct, and comfort rather than amuse and gratify the desires of the flesh. How sweet to me is the memory, when only a child he took me in his arms, making me feel that he loved and cared. This interest never abated, but grew stronger with the oncoming years. He it was who taught me in childhood, spiritually. Through him was life brought to life in the gospel he preached, then came my baptism at his hands, and because of these things I have felt bound to him by cords stronger than any earthly tie.
Giving up my own dear father only a few months ago, together with this great loss, tends to impress me with thoughts of the brevity of life and the frailty of all human endeavor. So, then, how precious is the hope at such a time. heaven is nearer and hope is dearer, and while I feel to have lost much, much also is left of hope and sweet memory.

Your unworthy cousin and sister,

MABEL E. OLIPHANT.

















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