Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-04-22
OBITUARY.

Another Of the oldest and most respectable inhabit.
of Alexandria has gone the way of all the earth
Captain WILLIAM HARPER died on Saturday morn
ing, the 18th instant, and followed to the grave on
Sabbath afternoon, by long procession of persons of
every Glass; who wished pay this last tribute of
spect to who, while living, they had regarded as
an honest man, worthy citizen, and sincere Chris
tan. The death of such men is always loss TO soci-
ETY.. Their place is not easily supplied; nor is the
wound inflicted upon the hearts Of surviving friends
and relatives healed There is, however, i'll all
such cases. and especially in the present, most con.
solng reflection. The change is glorious one to
them 1t is transition from pain and sin, and sorrow,
to state of perfec, holiness and endless happiness
The deceased had almost completed his three score
years and ten. He was in his siXty-ninth year. He
had been an active, industrious, judicous man, and
had at one time. acquired considerable property But
by the rotation of the wheel of Providence, he was
broug hit down to very moderate income which, how
ever was sufficient with economy, to render his de-
chnng years comfortable. Not having being accus-
toned 10 pecuniary difficulties, the heavy losses he
sustained together with those perplextes which ge-
morally attend such changes, affected his mind very
seriously for some time. lie became very melancholy
But he was not left to struggle in his own strength
BY the power If religion he emerged out OF this de.
spondency Hi, r,i.i ueca'n1 set"eo ahn .""r~--I
and happy and the writer OF this obituary heardh'
during his last illness, speak OF these TRIALS not only
with submission, but with gratitude He said he mad
been twice blest-best in receiving so large share
of the good things of this world, and then best in
be;nr depriyed of them He felt that the trial had
been good fol him. and it was evident to all his Chris
tan fre nds that his religious character was greatly
improved during the latter part OF his life especially
within the last two wears. His affections were, IN
great degree we aned from the world. He seemed to
be done with earthly pursuits. and he was evidently
looking for and hasting to the coming OF his Lord
During the whole of his last illness, his mind was
STAYED upon his God," and be was kept in per-
feet peace" He conversed respecting his death with
great familiarity sometimes with smile He said he
wa. willing to live or willing to die, Just as the ord
milo bt see best He had no will Of his own IN the
case His habitual impression however. was, that he
would die and accordingly he sent for his children
and grandchildren, and gave them his pstr'archs oe
nedicton and admonons appropriate to the'rrespect-
i've characters and circumstances hese were Pecu-
lisrly Impressive He felt the importance of religion
more and more as he advanced to the confines OF eter.
nitv and he not only spent but exhausted the last
remains of life in urging those around him who were
without hope in Christ, to Ace to him Immediately,
and to seek their happiness in his service He enjoy.
ed the clear exercise Of to the last, and not
long before he expired, he raised his hands, as it to
mount towards Heaven, saying, Come, Lord Jesus
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