Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-10-12
Halifax.

REV. Dr.. risH's LAST VISIT TO MS NATIVE TOWN.
We are in deep sorrow on account of tho
death of our brother, Rev. Dr. Fish. Six
weeks ago he came here to visit his native
town, and recruit his then failing health. We
were surprised to see him somewhat ENACT.
ated, and thought that few weeks, or per
haps months, rest and careful treatment
would bring him up to his usual health. There
was, however, even then foreshadowinp of
the sad event which has now occurred. He
was quiet and subdued-we never saw him
so before. He seemed doing his last work
and taking final adieu of the scenes of his
carly years.
On Sunday, Aug 10th, he preached his last,
or perhaps next to his last sermon from Acts
%; -; Hast thou appealed unto Cesar?
unto Caesar shalt thou CO." He remarked
that he had no desire to preach great ser
mon, but such an one as he would wish, if il
should be his last in his native town. II was
a simple, pointed and solemn discourse to the
unconverted which some present will never
forget. In the afternoon he administered the
Lords supper TO the church. This proved to
be his last communion season on earth. The
next day he visited the family burying ground
and pensively gazed upon the graves of his
mother and deceased relatives A day or so
later l took him over to the place where the
old church Stood a mile distant and he care
fully described the spot where his father
preached many years and precious REVEALS
were enjoyed. We then went to the baptiz-
ing place, in a stream few rods beyond. He
spoke with great particularly of the point
where his father stood when administering the
ordinance; and stepping upon a stone near
the middle of the stream, he pointed close by.
saying; Just about there is the place that |
was baptized about forty years ago last Jantr-
ory." Then stepping upon the bank he quot
cd solemnly, though not exactly, adapting the
words somewhat
ITO him we made solemn vow,
Avow we dare not break"
then looking around, and assuming more
cheerful mood, he said, hopefully
'High Heaven that heard the solemn vow,
That VOW renewed shall daily hear
Till in life's latest hour bow,
And bless in death bond so dear"
The last day he was with us he went with
me to the barn, and pointed out an upper loft
where he was wont when boy to retire for
prayer. Il got as far away as could" said
he, $50 no one would see me. How strange
it iSthat the Devil makes us so afraid of du-
ty." Early the next morning he left for Brat
tleboro to see his aged father now nearly
ninety years of age. He babe us adieu from
the stage, and looking back at the old home
stead he said pleasantly to us, keep up good
cheer" and passed on never in this world
tr,1 r,1- Al.
Little did think two years ago, when lie
kindly ministered to ME in my great weakness,
that he would be called home before me- God
only knows why the one in his strength
should be taken and the other in his weak
ness should be left. How are the mighty
fallen" II am distressed for thee my broth
err very pleasant hast thou been unto me"
But on his part is no sorrow. He has gone,
victor, to receive his crown.
On Friday, Oct. 9TH, at one o'clock the
same hour as the funeral at Newark N. j., u
few friends met at the old homestead for ap-
propriate services. In the same room where
eleven years before we celebrated the golden
wedding of our parents, and djoining the one
where our deceased brother was converted in
his youth, the Scriptures were read. prayer
offered, and few incidents of his life related
We mingled our tears and prayers with our
thanksgivings to God for so faithful servant
who for thirty-two years has labored success
fully as n pastor and who by the diversity of
his gifts has proved great blessing to the
church and the world GEO. w. CLARK
Henry NJ. Hopkinson, returned mission
AIRY preached in this place last Sunday, and
will preach at West Halifax next Sunday
18th inst