Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-07-27
Obituary.

Died in Barton. on Saturday the 10th inst,
Rev. Geo. IL. Bickford, aged "a years.
In this death the Vermont Conference
has lost one of its best men one of the
best in personal Devotion one of the best
in varied talents adapting him to his work,
and one Of the best in usefulness. Bro.
Bickford had been unfit for work for more
than year, but performed full labor until
February, after which he preached one SER
mon on the Lords day, until Conference.
He then failed entirely, since which time
he had been sinking rapidly. Every few
days he seemed better and especially for
ten days before Thursday the Sth inst,
his symptoms seemed more favorable, but
upon that day he was taken worse and died
Saturday evening
We mourn for him as for brother. He
was indeed to all who knew him brother
beloved. He was most loved by those who
knew him best, and by his own family he
was worthily priced beyond all estimation.
He was deeply devoted to his work. He
preached until he was so weak that he
could stand only while reading the hymns
and preaching-the rest of the time he re-
clined upon the sofa in the pulpit; and he
took charge Of his class in Sunday School
the last Sunday he was at church. lie
m ct the children too at the parsonage
to sing just as long as it was possible, and
long after he was too PROSTATE for amy
public effort. 1t was hard work for him to
give up. A few weeks ago brother asked
him how he felt with reference to the prob
ability of his leaving his much loved WORK
and interesting family. He replied, III
has been terrible struggle, but it's al
right now Grace has enabled me to tri
umph." From this time he rested peace
fully in the will of God.
Two or three weeks later he said, 81
have had recently the richest experience.
of my life. o what precious communion
have had with Christ; should God spare
me, | will be better man for this"
On the night previous to his death hC
was filled with raptures. He said to hi
wife, who was watching at his side, &C
Abby, I'm so happy; what is this, is il
death never thought could be so hap.
pyp The family were then called at his
request, and he exhorted each one, and lief
messages for a great many of his friends
+. and for those for whose salvation he was es
pecially interested. Said he, 'Tell Bro
: Luce to thank the people thousand time
for their many many acts ofkindness, and t.
r. exhort them to seek Jesus" and then ex
! claimed, "My people, o my peoplel Co
bless this people! If ever thou didst hea
and answer prayer, bless and save my pee
u pie" "Tell," said he, theSunday Schoc
children to seek Jesus, the precious Jesu:
D O so preciousp He left besides these
G messages for his relations, and for many {
s those who had ministered at his bed {
: death, for whose salvation his heart yearr
u ed with its latest throbbings. At one tim
Il when he saw his wife weeping he sale
Z 90 Abby, how can you think of anythin
sad when Pm SO happy" Frequent
IS whea taking few drops of water, he woul
y say, II shall soon drink freely of the rive
f of the water of life, Towing past by tn
IS throne of Godp' Once he said, II sha
J. drink of it tomorrow. Only think, t0-mo
rOae P'
y The last morning of his life he was {
+ weak that it was necessary sometimes
}, put the ear close to his mouth to hear tt
y words of earnest exhortation that he spoil
le to all who visited him. Several membe
}" of the choir called to see him that mornin
;, and he asked them to sing his fayorites-
u 'The Beautiful River" and Shall we kno
each other thereF Notwithstanding h
is weakness he joined in part Of the chorus,
of the songs with all the fervor of 9th,