Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-09-17
From the Springfield Republican, 10th
last Hours and Funeral nOnOrs OF th'
Late EIx-GsoV. Rriggs'

lie funeral OF George N. Briggs, eA,SoNer'
nor or Massachusetts, and one OF the most re-
spectcd citizens, occurred ut Putstleld oatur
day. The whole town was literally in NOUN
ing, all the places OF business were closed, the
various flags in the town were Mt halt mast,
and many of them draped in cfope, while the
immense concourse which gathered to parlci.
pate in the public services of the day, showed
the great and universal esteem with when ne
deceased was regarded. The funeral discourse
was preached by his pastor. the Kew Dr' Iof'
ter at the church. We give entire the closing
part Of the discourse, where particular REFER
ence is made to the state OF mind OF Governor
Briggs since the accident and the clrcu'hs'ah'
ceS attending his death.
"ln some circles he will be remembered pest
as the statesman, in others as the phllathro'
pist, Here we honor him best as the chIls.'
ian. He had long been ripenng for heaven,
and for one or two years past the progress haa
been rapid. He united with the baptist chnfch
when but twelve years old and for MY iour
years has been 4 growing christian bre'hren'
lie is with Christ and we have MS WORK 10 90
MS well as ours. On whom shall MS mamie
rest ? 1t is interesting to learn how a man
like Governor Briggs approaches the eternal
world. He could not converse without INJURY
after his wound. So he wrote on STATE, ana
many OF these brief writings have been copied
for preservation. 1t is gratifying TO know
that the fear of Death, which was constltu-
tional popularity of his, was completely re-
moved 1T is come said he to his wife, 'be
still and know that | am Cod To his daugl-
ter he said, L thought that day | should be IN
eternity in moment l think l was ,r'ect'y
calm. Immediately after reaching ms beu,
he said TO his son; 1t is strange should meet
the fate OF the battle field at home. But IL IS
all right That son knelt by him and prayed
The father folded his hands on his breast, with
most devout and placid expression OF count
enance. His soul was at peace. Ills love lor
his family was continually expressed how
much trouble give you! How love you al;
have not seen little George ana mary anu
Willie'-his grandchildren. To his physician
he said L am afraid you are going to cure
me- Then, as his mind reverted TO his for
mer convictions and he thought OF their be.
reavement, he added : 'rhe dear ones here.
This suggested the idea OF his son, Cot Briggs
at the seat OF war. Dear Henry Ii l should
go'-looking and pointing up TO heaven-'and
he should be killed. what u meeting IL would
be. After few moments meditation, lie SAID:
what night that was doctor God scourg'
ed me and them, but He has bound up our
wounds. How good he is. Then he clasped
his hands in prayer. We all know his humil'
ity. 'My life, said he, seems useless. lhaVe
done nothing, nothing His submission 10
Gods will, his confidence in Christ, his Savior
and his longing for heaven, were constantly
displayed why do linger here 1t is to
prepare me. Joy and calm below, but o, how
calm and quiet and good above o that the
poor, trail, unworthy one was there ! A dear
friend stood by the bedside weeping, his son
said to him, You have no better friend than
this L have one better friend, said he, look
ing up TO the mercy seat He said to his
daughter, % how | want to be in heaven.
You are all so kind, but heaven is much better.
Gods will be done The day.hut one before
his death, he said, L am at the lowest point Of
animal existence. l don't see how | can be
saved from dying. have no wish forit, God
and Christ are my all. love you do what
you think best. Leave all to God, God, God
On Wednesday evening he sank into sleep
which grew sweeter and calmer until Thurs
day morning, Sept. 12th, at 9 o'clock, when
his spirit gently assembled to his Savior.
"Honored and loved, he passed away,
As sinks the summers sun to rest
The brightest when the radiant clouds
of silent evening gem the west.
Twas not when youths bright morning beams
With glowing crimson luShd the sky,
But. crown'd with glory and with years,
God called him TO hiShome on high.
And calm as evenings jeweld dome,
The valley dark he fearless trod,
His words breathed peace and trust serene:
BE STILL and know that am God
Like some fair tree on mountains brow,
Which braves the whirlwind in its might,
So firm he stood on lions hill,
mighty champion for the right.
Alike he trod the halls of state,
The lowly cottage of the poor,
While every place his presence blessed
Seemed brigh than it was before.
All called him friend; all mourn to-day,
For silently he's sleeping
His still hands crossed upon his breast
And deaths pale signet on his brow.
No more his beaming smile well see
Which sunshine always seemed to she'd
No more within these walls he'll bow,
Now draped with mourning for the dead.
Crossed is the surging river DEATH
Gained is his glorious home ON high
There, free IRON every earthly ill,
He lies to-day; he cannot die.
Then, trusting in the Tod he loved,
Wen bow beneath the Christening rod
For To- voice celestial speaks,
BE still, and know that am CODY"
The very appropriate verses with which
the sermon closed were written by a daughter
of DR.. Porter. Al the close of the exercises in
the church, the long procession wendell its
way TO the village cemetery, and the mortal
remains of eX Gov. Briggs were consigned to
their last resting place. The body was en-
closed in metallic coffin, with the simple in
sCriptiOn on it, George Nixon Briggs, aged
IS years" The family lot is nearly in the
center OF the cemetery, and is surrounded bv
modest but neat hedge. The services at the
grave were singing, PRAYER, and the benedic
ton, and the people retired to their homes
each feeling that he had lost friend aud that
the grief should be universal, not confined
merely to few. His loss is indeed public
one, and we shall look in vain for man who
Il