The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1859-01-26


gone without some such agency Their
Influence is operating OH thousands of
minds which have been brought in contact
With them, both in the weekday and Sab
lnth Schools. That influence will continue
to be exerted by those young minds in turn,
upon coming generations; and who can
estimate the amount of good which shall
thus be realized?
But " Christi0n is the highest style Of
man; and il is as christian that We
most delight to honor the memory of the
deceased. During long career of more
than ffty yeors he was the faithful witness
FOR his Savior. When we remember how
many in public life have made shipwrcck
Of faith, we cannot fail to honor the tried
integrity of one who has never turned his
back upon the Cross! His was, indeed,
hjedaher'ty. The Capital City of our
nation has long been used as the Potters
field of piety, and there lie buried the once
glorious hopes of many, who. before enter
ing the c"ch0hte| gs0NRl, were candid
ates for eternal life But the hope of
William Slade did not perish in the foul
miasma. 1t asserted its Immortality, and
lived to triumph when flesh and heart were
failing!
As evidence OF his religious state in TIE
midst of Congressional turmoil and cor
ruption. | insert copy of the uOi0S
which he recorded in 1884.
Z" In reviewing Gods mercies to me,
and my unfaithfulness, | am deeply i'm
pressed with the duty of renewed self
dedication to his service, and the estab-
fishing of u more fixed and settled purpose
that | will, henceforth and forever be his
particularly: That | will exercise more
watchful jealousy over my own heart
That | will cherish deeper sense Of
my dependence Oh Divine Grace.
That | will seek more earnestly to be
made holy.
That l will study more diligently
the Bible, and endeavor to enter more
fully into its spirit.
That | will, especially study. the char
acter Of the Savior, and STRIFE for a more
perfect conformity to his heavenly temper
and holy self-denying life, and, That
will endeavor to obey without hesitation
the response which Divine Providenc,
shall give to the enquiry! What viii
thou have me to do?'
o, God who is sufficient for thes
things? Help, o, help me to be faithful
to my VOWS, and faithful to thee
81 would, but thou must give the power;
| My heart from every sin release;
Bring near, bring near the joyful hour
And fill me rith thy perfect peace"
While we are not obliged to rely on
death-bed experience for our estimate G
the christian character of. the deceased i
is pleasant to take note of his heavenl
mindedness during the closing weeks {
his life. During all that time there dwel
in his soul the most unruffled calmnes
and the sweetest peace. Often, when con
versing on the Grace and faithfuness G
God, his heart would melt in tenderness.
and his eyes overflow with tears.
On one occasion, when friends at hi
request, were singing the hymn common
cling:
Jesus lover Of my soul"
His spirit was filed with extatic Joy an
at the conclusion he exclaimed "Jesu
was never so precious to my soul as now.
A few days before his death be suffere
severely--every breath being attende
with excrusiating pain. But his soul WI
still triumphant and with earnest, BIT
submissive DESIRE he said Come Lor
Jesus, come quickly!' and again
Cease fond nature, cease thy strife,
And let IN langush into life"
) Looking upon his grandchildren, wi
were present, he remarked, though wit
difficulty; Il have said all on former o.
casions, that | have to say my work
done" And yet when his eye rested upo
the youu2es:-a little child, he said
God Almighty bless the child and max
her mother in Israel" Like the dyin
Jacob he strengthened himself to utter
blessing!
On Sabbath evening, few hours befol
his departure, on being asked if his SOL
was strong while the flesh was failing, h
; replied with emphasis Eyes strong &
ever. The foundation is unshaken." H
then proposed to have a little retresl
ment by ,cdy Of prayer" The hym
beginning: " When l can read my It'll
clear" was sung; and he joined in sins
ing-but his voice failed at the end OF tn
second line; but he waved his hand to tn
measure of the music to the end.
Seldom has u sick room heen so Xix
that described by DR., Young:
The chamber where the good man meets h
fate,
Is privileged beyond the common walks
Ofyrtuous ie;-quite on the verge ofheaven.
His death was such as might have bee
expected from a long life OF piety--genl
inc, deep, aud heartfelt. = Mark the PEI
feet man, and behold the upright for tn
end of that man is peace"
For the Register.