Smyrna times., 1856-04-02
Death of Hon. Isaac Davis.

Uedth Oh Hon. isaac Davis.
Since our last issue, ear town has Sustained.
a great loss in the death Of that aged, esteeped
and venerated citizen. Hon. ISAAC DAvtss Few,
men are permitted to attain the great age of
this gentleman, perhaps fewer still combine into
one harmenious whole, so many admirable vir-
tues and 'amishle qualities; and few have been
SO signaly blessed BY Divine Providence. Com
mencing life IN straitsned Circumstances, he
accumulated, great wealth !; with .yery limited
educational advantages, he acquired a vast fund
of solid information. Starting with that of
constable, which, though an important, is gen.
erally looked upon as a oioD Office, he filed
various places OF public trust till. he reached
the office of Judge, situation that may Justly
he sogarded asihe highest office in the. State;
he was also The first President of the Bank of
Smyrna; ana in every situation he was. ever
found eqnaito the dhties imposed on him. adorn-
ing AMI qFaeiqg<ihemI ALL But, more than all
This: the venNrsted subject Of these has;y Tei
sarks wqBas Chris,ian-rwhen about 81 years of
age in. the full gigor of ma uhood, he became
concerned about religion. and after a long
struggle with his doubts and fears, he vas ep-
abled with strong assurance of faith to lay hold
on the Saviour, and to experience a knowledge
of acceptance and. forgiveness, so bright, 50
satisfactory. that during his long life afterward
he was a Stranger to doubt or fear on that sub
ject. He joined the,M 4. Church, and ever
remained firm consistent and useful member
of lt--by bis means, his life. and his influence,
ever ready to uphold her interests. He thus
BECAME. by bis long life, the. connectipg link
between the present and the past an Metho-
dism. as well as in other things and bis Yeten-
tive mind and graceful style of narration have
afforded great delight to younger members of
the church. when listening to his account of
her early, difficulties and trials. Personally
familiar with Asbury' and Whatcoat, and all |
the pioneers Of Methodisrn on the Peninsula. |
mngling in person with its early establishment
here. be delighted to dwell on these reminis-
cences and to speak of that classic ground of
MethOdism. Blrretts Chapel Those who
have enjoyedE the pleasure of his society |
in the domestic circle. have heard his lucid nd |
beautifully expressed experience in class-neet- |
i"gs aud Iove-feasts, have ever felt that in him
Christianity was no meteor, 10 glare for mo-
ment with intense brightness. leaving, after the
temporary flash, darker. deeper gloom: but
S IN, eliminating higher and vet higher in the
moral horizon, spreading light, and warmth,
and ,cheerfulness around. and Frightening all
into perfect day. And the death of this man
was such as Voc might expect after such life.
. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright,
for tlie end OF that man is peace" Long he
fore his last illness, he has oftaned been heard
to say THAT ne mad gut himself loose in affec
ton and feeling, from the things Of earth, aud
considered its treasures as but perishinS. feet
Ing things. From the commencement of that
illness, he spoke to all who approached him of
ATS expected eod.aud, while he patiently bore
every pain, looked joyfally forward to the hour
If release. 10 one, he said, 1" My pains are all
'lessings-GoIs dealings with me have. ali
zen blessings" To one who gave him
Ir'nk OF water, he said, with Triumphant anti
'PatiOn, " All! the waters of life :" Again.
c said, 81 love the lord iwith,alI my. soul,
With all my heart. with all my nind, with all :
~ strength, aud | am inexpressibly happy -
rs last words, uttered while anxious children. D
rand children and friends were waiting round !
we're, /" all is well y and thus, ON the. eyeningl
{ Sabbath last, he sweetly and geatIv fellI 6
sleepin the arms of his Saviour, aud his happyyt
pirIt passed from The trials and cares of earlhl
that blessed abode to which his affections 4
ad long. before been transferred. ~ Born tho
9th Of February, 1865, he had attained to the a.
2dyear Of mortal existence and, fufl of years.
81 Of wisdom, and full Of the rich Gruition OIL "
Tristan hope, he passed away, beloved, hon.
red and ianlented by all who knew him. hut p
ost by those who knew him BEST. AdieuaaI C.
'neratsd old man, with US the collecting link 10
tween the past and The present--livmg ex- 4 ia
"pi'hcat'on Of the perfect man, physically. A C.
Intellectually and morally farewell! but not 81
be torgotten! As We walk the streets of Sc
ir town, We shall look even yet for your yere-
ted form-as we take our seat in the house Of ,
ID, Che eye will instinctiyely turn to your ca
ace 50 regularly filed, and while we behold b
l0sher there, we shall, in fancy, follow YOU he
your bright abode in the home of the blessed. 81
xsnnwrueszxszux.~. 70