Hi All Obituary of Purdon SMAILES Purdon SMAILES, of whose early life but little is known. He was born at Hull in the year 1809, and having received a good education, became engaged in the work of teaching the young. In this capacity he came to South Africa in 1834, and, after a brief period in the Cape District, was appointed to the Fort Beaufort School, where, as later at Uitenhage and Graham's Town, he filled the dual office of Teacher and Preacher. In 1842 he was appointed Headmaster of the Grammar School at Graham's Town, where he entered the Ministry the following year. During an extended Ministry, Mr. SMAILES laboured in several important circuits, more than one-third of his term of active service having been spent in Colesberg, where he is held in affectionate remembrance. He was richly endowed with mental gifts, and, being a diligent student, he was able to acquire a sound knowledge of the Biblical and Classical languages, the higher mathematics, and some branches of natural science. Of earnest piety and a devoted student of God's Word, his preaching was marked by breadth and depth of thought, terseness of expression and deep pathos. He had great power of commending himself to men's consciences in the sight of God, and was able to rejoice in seeing many brought to salvation under his ministry. As a pastor, he was conscientiously devoted to his flock, especially to the sick and wayward. In 1880 Mr. SMAILES became a Supernumerary, and for some years enjoyed the rest he so well earned. The toil of a lifetime, however, resulted in a painful shadow which overcast the eventide of his life. During this period of "feebleness extreme" his trust in God and lively apprehension of the Divine goodness remained unshaken. Shortly before his death, one repeated to him the Psalmist's words, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life," and he completed the quotation, saying with great animation and joy, "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."He died at Jagersfontein Road, Sept. 17th, 1892, in the 83rd year of his age and the 49th of his Ministry. >From Minutes of the Wesleyan Methodist Church Conference 1893 Transcribed by Darryl Allwright