The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1866-05-03
For the Jefersonian.
QRITUARY


the following, was born at Delaware. Wa
ter Gap, Nov. Is, 1925, and died a most
triumphant death, at Forks Station, on
the morning of April %, 1866. That
fattering disease, consumption, had long
given warning that its hold had fastened
itself upon him and marked him for its
prey. For the sake of his family and
friends he tried every available means to
delay the Destroyer, yet always ready and
willing to depart aud be with Jesus.
The final day arrived, and like man
about to set out on an earthly journey,
will full expectation of seeing his fami-
ly again, with calmness and judgment he
began to arrange for his departure. There
was no fear, no excitement, no complain
ing visible in the preparation. That be
was going Home, there was not shadow
of doubt on his mind He had thrown
himself uho{ly on the merits of an atoning
Savior, and though he alluded to de-
vious course in life with sorrow, yet this
was but momentary, and sense OF the
worthlessness of acorks was swallowed up
and lost in faith in an all.sufieient Re
deemer, whilst peace and joy so lifted uP
his countenance that their impress still
remained after the vital spark had fed.
1t was my privilege to be with GERARD
few hours before he died, and his case
added another evidence 10 my mind of the
Immortality Of the soul. Not SO much
from the earnest words he uttered as from
the kindlings of his eyes and countenance
could see the burning life Of the irnmor
tai fame which seemed glowing with The
prospect of quick exit from the earthly
tabernacle. So did the soul aintain its
superiority over dissolving nature that The
tongue, the voice, did its bidding up tC
the very moment of dissolution. To tel
all his advice to his friends, his wishes il
regard to the welfare Of his family, hi:
quotations of Scripture, the hymns he sang
duriug the last few hours of his life
would swell this paper beyond our pres
ent limits. lie died the death Of til,
righteous.
GERARD had good heart and goot
head His talents were observable by al
who came near him, and Lis heart wa
always open to help humanity. When ;
mere boy he put Oh the armor of christi
anity and nobly he worked up to an ex
hortcr's privilege. From this point h,
was urged to accept a preachers license
Here his difidence over-powered him an(
his selfreliance failed To rise before
congregation embarrassed him and b,
shrank back. Poor humanity, how easil,
it is overcome some times. Again an(
again he rallied but only to become dis
couraged again. There was assistance u
hand for him but single mistake turned
him from plain line Of duty. 1t is nat
ural and right for man to d:strust himself
bat then should We pray and clam di
vine assistance.
From this point GERARD's life was
checkered scence Has not his histor,
been the history Of many who like hin
had not followed their plain line of duty
He never threw his religion entirely away
but not following where the Savior let
he was not satisfied with himself or hi
various employments. This unrest woulc
very naturally bring temptation strons
against him and the great wonder is tina
he was not completely overcome.
But he is gone now. How he closes
up his preparation to go was truly won
derful. He could not lie in bed but sa
in chair for three or four days before
he died. After he had arranged almos
everything for his departure, even tt
overlooking his letters, tearing some W
and giving directions as to others, and
but few minutes before he died. he ask
ed to be laid on his bed. He adjusted
himself, said, "Now | am going, | am al
most over," and fell asleep. The "pearly
gates" Of which he had just been talking
had opened to receive him and the earth
y casket awaited the grave. May like
unshaken confidence in Savior's merit.
bear US up when we come down to the
cold dividing line betwixt life AID death
A. B. 3.
Del Water Gap, April 80, 1866.