In Memoriam.

Died, in Bartow county, January 17th, 1882, Mr. Wm. P. Smith in the 62nd year of his age.  I have lived a neighbor to this good friend for nearly thirty years and his daily life and conversation always that of a humble, consistent Christian.  We shall miss him; his tender, unselfish sympathy and generous kindness were always so prompt and faithful to everybody in sickness and distress.  He joined the Baptist church in August, 1856.

To know the full value of religion you must see the Christian die.  My heart is yet stirred within me to recollect his beautiful patience and lovely resignation as I stood by his bed and held his wasted hand, only a few hours before he breathed his last.  It seems impossible to realize he was then on the threshold of heaven.  He was so cheerful, so glad to see me, so thankful for every little service, and so considerate for all around him.  His eye was bright and clear, and, as I bade him the last farewell, he said, “All is well.”  After telling me how much he prized my friendship, which was mutual, he said, “It seems strange to me, that I should be so low and yet I am so easy, so pleasant, so comfortable.”  With a voice ringing with gratitude, he exclaimed: “It is a blessing, a great blessing, to be spared suffering and pain!”  One of his daughters came in to bid him good-bye, to go home for the night, and that touching farewell I can never forget on earth.  He must have been apprised of the near approach of death, which was concealed from us, for he said: “If, my dear daughter, I do not have your company, when I would so like to see your face, remember it is all right between us, and all well beyond.”  How everything earthly fades into nothingness as we realize the change that so soon must come to us all!  Among the privileges and blessings of this life, will I always rank this great comfort of looking on my good friend’s face before the spirit left his frail body.  The holy spirit was there to brighten his face and heart, and I pray that I may be blessed in my dying hour with his faith and rejoicing hope.  He leaves a widow and a large family of children and grandchildren to mourn their loss in this good husband, father and grandfather.  He is at rest; safe forever with the Lord.—R. A. F.

The Christian Index will please copy.