The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1881-07-29
Mr.. Editor:
LINCOLN.

Y Rev. z. G. PiCKETz. exception
ally pure and exemplary life closed, a
uniformly clear and beautiful light
went out, at Lincoln, VT, July IS, 1881.
Went out? nay,it shines all the brighter
ksince the grave has concealed the hand
which held up that light for many long
years. This life-humanly speaking
dates back to Hope, Hamilton county,
N. Y, April 81, 1907, thus giving
seventy-four years for the formation
and maturity of character complete in
all its parts, and radiant at the closing
hour with perfect calmness and full
assurance. His parents were devoted
members of the M. f. church, and as
might be expected, at an early age
twelve years-he was converted to God,
but was not especially noted for piety
until his eighteen years. From this
time forth his life took on more
decided and intense type of religious
zeal which never waned to the day of
his death. In due time followed his
license to exhort and to preach, and
these by labors quite abundant, and 80
promising that the authorities of the
church employed him as a "supply" in
connection with the stationed minister.
In 1S41 he tooklhis first separate charge
under the care of the presiding elder.
This was "WilPs Mission" the place Of
his early life. This must have been
highly creditable to his intelligence and
pieiy. Henceforth with a few intermis-
| sions-for he was local itinerant
preacher-he devoted himself soul and
body, time and talents, to the one work
of preaching Christ. He supplied a
large number of circuits, sometimes
returning for a second term of service.
His last charge was Lincoln; this he
served two terms of three years each.
During the last period, in the midst of
successful revival labors, his health
failed and was never fully restored.
Bro. Pickett was an able preacher, often
sublime and powerful in the pulpit.
He was quiet and unassuming in beha-
vior, attentive to all the duties of q
minister, visiting extensively, preaching
in school houses often and laboring
faithfully in the Sunday schools. He
was deeply pious at heart and had the
faculty of using the scriptures to great
advantage in his sermons. For some
time past 1t was evident to his friends
that he was nearing his end. 1t wal
equally evident he was ripening for his
heavenly home. His sickness was OF
few days and his death calm and
thoughtful. A BETTING close of ar
unusually quiet and holy life. Large
numbers gathered at his funeral. A
number Of ministers took eacL part
Rev. M. b. Mead made the opening
address, in which he paid high com
pliment TO the piety and character o.
the deceased. After others had spoke en-
Rev. s. Gardner, former pastor
closed with tender illusions TO the
departed, and comforting words to tn,
friends. Bro. Pickett leaves an aget
companion, with whom he was united
in marriage July A, 1882, feeble il
health, patiently awaiting the reunion
in the better land. She has been faith
full TO him and his God all these Ions
years. He also leaves two married
daughter, Mrs. Harvey Fsrr,of Lincoln
and Mrs. John Murray, of Wells, N. Y
Most of all he leaves the rich legacy Of
a life the history of which was q
triumph of goodness and the death /,
triumph of faith"