The Litchfield County post. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1826-1829, 1827-11-15

me. CnstSt mas uOne all.
His views Of the obligations and privileges
Of the ChriStian,he was heard to expressin the
following solilOQuy:
"What an assemblage Of motives to hOli-
ness does the gospel present am Chris
tian-what then? Why am a redeemed sin
neT--a parCloned re6eL-all through grace. and
by the most wonderful means which infinite
wisdom could devise.
81 am Christian--what then Why am
temple Of God, and surely ought to be pure
! and holy. I am a. Cbristian-what then
Why am a disciple Of. Christ, and must imi-
tate him. who was meek and owly in heart,
and pleased not himself am Christian
| what then am child of God, and ought
| to be filed with fltl love, reverence, Joy and
gratitude. an, Christian-What then
| Why am an heir Of heaven, aud Fastening on
| to the abOdes ofethe blessed, to join the full
| choir of glorified oues ia the Song of Moses
| and the Lamb :, and surely ought to learn
| that song on earth"
| $He repeatedly expressed iIis continually
deepening conviction that the happiness of
Heaven was (; bensuoient happiness, and con-
! sisted in importing, as well us receiving. He
compared the saint to a mirror, which rejects
| as it receives the beams of the sun. This con
viction was greatly strengthened by his own
experience. "In proportion as my Joy has
| increased" said he, 81 have been filed with
| intense love to all, and strong desire that
| they might partake of my happiness" The
sincerity Of his avOwal was abundantly verifi-
ed by his increasing efforts to do good to all
! to whom he could gain access by any medi-
um.' During his last sickness. and after he
was confined to his bed he often saw and con-
versed with from 40 to SO Of his pastoral
charge in day. At his request, notice from
the pulpit was given on the Sabbath from
time to time, as he had strength to bear it,in-
viting one class after another of his parishion-
ers to come to him at a given hour at which
they received his farewell counsel and bles-
sing. These seasons were tender aud affect
! ing beyond description.
With great effort he was able for the last
! time, to meet his church at the table Of the
Lord, on the FIRST Sabbath in August, when he
took amost afectionate leave of them in their
! collective capacity, exhOrting them, that with
purpose of heart they would cleave unto the
Lord.
| We hope for the privilege of perusing these
interesting recollectiOns, as many of them
| are preserved, illustrative of his resignation,
his confidence in divine wisdom, and other
graces.
The following letter he Dictated to sister,a
few days after an attack which it was feared
| at the time would prove fatal, frequent rep
elton of which he did, however. contrary tol
all expectation. survive. 1t is highly charac-
teristic.
81" September 10th.
Dear Sister--Were to adopt the figura-
tive language of Bunyan, might date this let
ter from the land of Beulah, Of which have
been for several weeks a happy inhabitant.---|
The celestial city is full in my view. Its glo-
ries beam upon me; its breezes fan me its
odours are waited to me; its sound strikes
upon my ears. and its spirit is breathed into
my heart. Nothing separates me from it but
the river of death, which now appears but as
an Insignificant rill, that may be crossed at a
single step, whenever God shall give permits
sion. The Sun of Righteousness has been
gradually drawing nearer and nearer, appear
ing larger and brighter as he approached; and
now he fills the whole hemisphere
forth food of glory in which | seem to float,
yet almost trembling while gaze on this ex-
cessive brightness, and wondering with unut-
to shine upon sinful worm. A single heart,
and single tongue, seem altogether made
quate to my wants. want whole heart
to express that emotion.
But why do | speak thus Of mysefand my
feelings Why not only speak of our God and
Redeemer tit is because know not what
to say. When would speak of them my
words are swallowed up. | can only tell you
Of the effects their presence produces; and
even of these I can tell you but very little
o my sister, my sister! could you hut know
! what awaits the Christian; could you know
only SO much as know, you could not re-
frain from rejoicing and even leaping tor Joy.
Labors, trials, troubles, would he nothing.--l
You would rejoice in Affections, and glory
in tribulations and. like Paul and Silas. sing
Gods praises in the darkest night, and in the
deepest dungeon. You have known little
ofmy trials and conflicts, and know that thew
have been neither few nor small; and hope
that this glorious termination of them will
serve to strengthen your faith and elevate
your hope.
And now my dear sister, my dear, dear sis
ter, farewell. Hold on your Christian course
but a few days long r, and meet we shall, in
heaven,
Your happy and affectionate brother,
EDWARD PAYSON.
1t was no ordinary privilege to visit his sick
bed. and witness the power of religion, as dis
played in him. Amidst all that was painful
in the certainty Of his speedy removal, the a.
bounding grace and loving kindness of God
towards him. could not fail to call forth the
Al