WITH sorrow I have to record the passing away of one whose useful, quiet, unselfish life will long be a fragrant memory in the hearts of all who knew her. The late Mrs. LOUISA SOPHIA RIACH went home, after a short illness, on January 16th. She was the second daughter of the late Dr. J. R. Fletcher, rector of Quithiock, Cornwall, and widow of James Pringle Riach, M.R.C.S.E. Her age was 85 years, according to the reckoning of earth’s time; but how much labor was crowded into those years.
Mrs. Riach was only ill and under the doctor’s care for bronchitis ten days, and did not suffer pain. She was peacefully resting on her Redeemer’s atonement and righteousness.
For many years past since 1882 I had the honor and pleasure to send out her “Christmas parcels” to Christian workers, evangelists, ministers, hospitals, and other channels of benefit to precious souls. Though Mrs. Riach was always working, all through the year, yet at its close she gladly undertook this immense labor, to which she invited my fellowship. These parcels included carefully-chosen tracts, New Testaments, Scripture portions, suitable books, and 200 volumes of the Gospel Echo. Mrs. Riach carefully and prayerfully chose the contents of each parcel.
Her long, unselfish, devoted Christian life has been a beautiful object lesson to many. She was a sower of the good Seed, and a “succorer of many.” While staying for a few weeks in Sussex, last summer, her testimony was blessed to the salvation of the souls of both the landlady and her husband. She rests from her labors, and her works do follow her; for though dead she yet speaketh by the letters she has written, and the multitude of Bibles, books, tracts, etc., which have been widely circulated by her during the past 40 years. She specially delighted in giving away Bibles and portions of Scripture in large type for the comfort of the aged, and of those whose sight was dim.
Mrs. Riach chose the hymn and the portion of Scripture to be sung and read at her interment; and also wrote, “My testimony, as a poor sinner saved by grace, is this, ‘The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.’” Nahum 1:77The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7).
Her body rests in the Broadwater Cemetery, Worthing, awaiting the first resurrection. May it be the desire of reader and writer to leave the world poorer by our removal; and to be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
WILLIAM WILEMAN.