Litchfield enquirer., 1863-05-21
L1ToHFIELD. CONN. THURSDAY. MAY

sSeu sains ana tne young patriot. Indeed, if either of these characters had been wanting. the picture had not been drawn. And. it may be added, that if the part performed by the elder was remarkable. that by the younger was, in the esteem of the pious, beautifully TO- mantle. The name of one of these persons has been given. that of the other, as we all know, designated our late universally beloved friend and townsman, and whose lifeless body is now before us.
 And here it may not be altogether inappro- prlate to call attention to jour somewhat mo- ticeabls coincidences respecting the parties spoken of. First, they providentially united with the same Church on the same day. Sec. ond, in the funeral discourse pronounced in memory of the elder. the younger was, equally providentially, conspicuou.ly referred to.>- Third. the elder being the first to die, of the group of persons who joined the Church on the same day. the younger is the second "to follow her to that country from whose bourne no traveller returns:" And, fourth, they are the only members of our Church who have depart ed this life during given period of tine, viz {: since the 25th of February last.
 But how comforting to us, as Church, that our late patriot brother was found by death not of his guard. spiritually. but heroically stand ing at his post, and that he fell there, while battling for his divine sovereign
 Well did our brother understand that that portion of Gods word which was addressed to him, when last in this house. and at this altar, respected not bodily, but spiritual armor: And satisfactory is the evidence that he habitually wore this armor, not only for months previous to his union with o1r Church, but thereafter. till God bade him, as we trust, "come up hither'
 It was my privilege to hear him relate his religious experience. in the presence of the ex- amining committee of this Church, and give his reasons for making public profession of faith In Christ.
 If l remember aright, he stated at that time that he had been endeavoring to perform Chris tian duties for two years, having been first seri- ously impressed while attending school at Amenia, N. Y. He stated that, at the school named. he had his regular seasons of devotion, which he carefully observed.
 Ard the substance of his remarks, relative to his religious feelings. was, that while com paratively ignorant of Gods will, still he de sired to kno" it better, and wished to obey i. strictly.
 By way of affolding us an opportunity of Witnessing tho interior workings of his soul I will rchearse few of the records made by him in blank book entitled "ledger"; book which he carried with him for about year be, fore he left us last fall book which was found, after his decease, in his knapsack.
 The following, I conclude, are quotations, but expressive of his views, hence the pains taken by him to transfer the passages to his "ledger." Among the first find this, viz: If men wish to be held in esteem, they must as- sociate with those only who are estimable."
 Again: IA more glorious victory cannot be gained over another man, than when an injury begins on his part, kindness should begin on ours"
 Again: aWhat are the Aims which at the same time are Duties? The perfecting of our selves, and the happiness of others"
 Again "Always strive to profit by the ex- amples of others, whether good or bad.'
 Again: "All things tend to show man that this life is given him to prepare for eternity to discipline his sinful nature, and prepare his soul for life after death. y
 Through these paragraphs the deceased, though dead, yet eloquently addresses us all at this time. And may the words spoken profit us.
 On another page of his ledger is . saying which he attributes to his father. wig: "Never get an enemy when you can help it." In res pect to which he writes, q find it to be an ex- cellent motto.''
 
 On another page is the date (March, ls62) of his union with the Young Mems Christian Association of this place, and the names of two youth who joined it at the same time.
 July 9th. 1882, he writes .sTh:s day is very warm. Communion in the first Congregation al Church, Goshen Center. Here are inserted the names of three persons who united with the Church.) He adds. "May God prosper this Church, and may many more yet be admitted to their fellowship"
 Who of us at this time thought that this youth, then not a member of our Church, vas lifting up his heart to God, praying for it's and enlargement? It may be that there are now professors of religion present at every communion held by us, of both Chur- ches here, who offer the same prayer. God bless all such with confidence to enable them to present themselves for membership with us, and communion also at the Lords table.
 The following quotation from our young brothers diary respecting prayer is instructive.