his denomination. It was said that Merrill’s knowledge of Methodist Law was encyclopedic and was seconded only by that of Joshua Soule, a prolific author and leader in early American Methodism. Soule was the author of earlier versions of The Doctrines and Disciplines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Additional writings that Merrill published were also of a religious nature, either devotional or theological. In 1886 he published Outline Thoughts on Probation. Mary of Nazareth and Her Family was released in 1895 and followed by The Crisis of This World in 1896. In 1899 Merrill published a work of family history titled Joshua Merrill and Family: a family record. This diversion was ended with three other books before his death. After the turn of the century, Merrill wrote Sanctification and Atonement in 1901. 1902 saw the publication of Discourses on Miracles. Merill was elected to the episcopacy the same year as another Ohio-born M.E. Bishop, Randolph Sinks Foster. Bishop Merrill became an acknowledged authority on Methodist law. Death As his life slowed and neared its end Merrill sought to retire. At the age of 79 he requested and received retirement. This retirement brought needed rest and eventual eternal rest. Merrill died in Keyport, New Jersey on November 12, 1905. He is buried in Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. See also List of bishops of the United Methodist Church Cook, R. J. "Bishop Stephen Mason Merrill, D.D., LL.D.," Methodist Review, vol. 23 (May 1907). pp. 345–359. Merrill, S. M. "To the General Conferences." Journal of the 24th Delegated General Council. 1904. pp. 191–193. References Methodism: Ohio Area (1812-1962), edited by John M. Versteeg, Litt.D., D.D. (Ohio Area Sesquicentennial Committee, 1962). American Methodist bishops Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church Burials at Rosehill Cemetery People from Mount Pleasant, Ohio 1825 births 1905 deaths 19th-century Methodist bishops Religious leaders from Cincinnati 19th-century American clergy