III. Southard-Successful Editor of “Midnight Cry”

NATHANIEL SOUTHARD (d. 1852) was a native of New Hampshire. He was converted in early life, and gave himself wholly to Christian service. He was a successful worker, with many natural endowments. In 1830 he went to Boston, where he took a deep interest in “temperance, antislavery, and education,” as well as reforms in church work. He had been editor of a weekly called the Youth’s Cabinet ^{6Southard edited Youth’s Cabinet from volume 1, in May, 1837, to volume 5, in January, 1841-with exception of a brief period prior to 1839. It was “Devoted to Liberty, Peace, Temperance, Purity, Truth.” and was issued in New York and Boston. In addition to wholesome counsel for youth, it dealt effectively with such varied evils as slavery.} taking a great interest in children, and was acting editor of The Liberator, an anti-slavery journal.PFF4 632.2

But Southard felt impressed to preach the gospel, and quickly entered upon it. Hearing the advent message, he examined its fundamentals closely; and becoming convinced that it was both sound and Scriptural, he began to proclaim it. In 1842 he was made assistant editor, and later full editor, of the Midnight Cry, which he conducted with marked ability until the close of 1844. Failing health then forced his return to the hills of New Hampshire, where he taught school. He was a kind and faithful friend and a wise counselor, possessing more power with his pen than with his voice. He was an admittedly skillful editor. ^{7I. C. Wellcome, op. cit., pp. 271, 272.}PFF4 632.3