The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-05-01
ORITUARY.

"Me'k the Pe:fsc. s.sa. =aa teaald the up
right, for the end Of that man 10 peace"
On Tuesday the 10Th instant tho Rev.
JOHN M. ROBERTS died at his residence
in Greenvills Village. eged 4a years aud 25
Days. With those who know the deceased, tho
mere announcement OF his nnmc and Ills death
would suggest the most eloquent culoeium and
most affecting emotions. To do Justice 10 his
character in brief paragraph were impossible.
Again and again does the eye meet with written
tributes to the doad, and often the mos, high
wrought are only the offspring Of too partial
friendship or proud affection. Such cannot be in
the present instance. With Mr.. RonEars, his
life was even better then his fame, good as ,hnt
waa. and his character higher than any praise
we can bestow, however warm anI devoted may
be. our affection.
MIR. RoBRRro had been for many wears pious
member Of the Babtist Church, and IN ordained
Minister Of tho Gospel. He walked worthy his
"high ealling;" distinguished for remarkable
memory and strong Judgment his preaching up.
piled with faithfulness and instructive force tho
lessons Of the Scriptures TO the practical duties
Of his fellow men. He taught by example as
well as precept. being "fruiiful in every good
word aud work. ."-''not heorer only, but do
or Of the word" Fio wus liberal OF his means,
never refusings just call on his purse or his time
for the benefit OF hts fellow men. He was ''giv-
en- TO hospitality" He was meek and humble
10 spirit, but at the same limo "steadfust, i'm.
movenblc, always abounding In the work OF tho
Lord" Ills life was not that Of the secluded
hermit. The relations he boro as q husband,
brother, friend and citizen, were adorned with
the brightest christian virtuea. A large portion
OF his life wns connected with tho mercantile
business, which no conducted will, such iudg.
mont and Probity az 10 realise from Il a hand.
some competency; and at the same time win tho
highest confidence aud esteem of his customers
end the community gonerally.-Mr. ROBERTS
never permitted passion and prejudics TO govern
his better Judgment, aud hence the utmost defer
enco was paid TO his opinions, and he war often
called on 10 adjust tho business transactions of
his friends, aud In responding TO these numerous
calls tho high qualities Of his head and heart were
Bren and feIt. Conscientiousueas sat supreme
nrb:ter when tho decision was made:
Mr.. ROBERTS has been for moro than twelve
months in declining health. His disease was
such that he suffered no pain, for which he
thanked God on his dying bed. For a few weeks
before his last day he was confined to his bed.
he became aware, some days before his death,
that his final hour was near, and on Saturday he
seemed particularly impressed, and deliberately
sailed for his near relatives and friends to easom
bic around his bed. His vigorous and healthy
mind was mover moro bright nor his temper moro
calm. He desired, es he said, whilst strength
remained, to cay few words to those around
him. After addressing tho most sensible and
feeling language to his wife, to his brothers, Sis
ters aud others, appropriate to each one, he ex-
claimed, "It a solemn thing to die!" and then
pausing moment, with frightened eye, and
more iorcible emphasis, he added, "BUT IT Is
GLORIOUS THING TO pIE!-solemn to the man
who has nothing to look to, but glorious to hun
who 10 looking to his Saviour Jesus Christi
trust l am looking nowhere else. leave this
world with confidence. I have for long time
endeavored 10 withdraw my affections from IT,
My hoart 10 content with what have enjoyed
OF It. Death 10 glorious thing ir you can
only die right" These words were penned by
q friend very soon after they were uttered; and
truly wao his own death triurerant aud "gio-
Eious." He Afterwards, from increasing weak
ness. never converssd except 10 answer briefly
o question, but seemed to retain his senseu, -
he finally died without gronn, and apparent.
" without pang or struggle.
On "Wednesday the body OF Mr.. RoBEnrs
was boTne TO the Babtist Church, where the
funeral servlcee Were conducted by tho Rov.
Mr. HorKiNs. Pastor Of the Church, assisted
oy the venerable SAMUEL GIDsoN. The crowd
attending was very large, great number of
WAaDLAw adjourned tho Court, at the reoues,
Of the Bar, from ehour Of hali.past O'clock
till 4 r. M, to enable porsons 10 attend the
funeral services, which wore commenced AZ
three. "
brother has "died tho death of the riaht-
eous." HE devoted wife, brothers, ss,era and
friends, "weep not an those who hayo no i,ope:'
they might say. In the language Of tho HYMN
suug at his iuHefal.
"Dear 40 thou vert, and Justly dear.
We will not vesp for thee,
One thought phalt ehook the rising tosr--
II %, tha& tbea art fscs."