The Last Sickness and Death of
By D. T. Bourdeau
DIED, of consumption, in Fairfield, Vt., March 1st, 1866, Bro. J. J. Herrick, aged 32 years, and about eleven months. Bro. Herrick was converted from the world by the preaching of the third angel's message, by Elder Sperry and others, six years ago the present spring. He heartily embraced the message, and during his subsequent life earnestly endeavored to adorn his profession by practically carrying out in his life as well as in his words, the holy doctrine he professed. In this direction he made rapid progress, and gained the confidence of all who could appreciate moral worth. When the subject of organization was attended to by the church of Enosburg, Bro. Herrick was appointed elder by the unanimous vote of the church. As an elder, he performed his duties faithfully—never absenting himself from meetings, unless hindered by sickness, always leaving his testimony on the side of truth, and frequently watering the truth with his tears. He was choice of his words and was a peace-maker. He delighted to keep pace with the message, and was willing to make any sacrifice for the advancement of the cause. When troubles and trials assailed the church, we knew where to find Bro. Herrick—on the side of right. If at times he seemed to halt before duty, it was because of his caution and great anxiety to do right. He taught in the Bible Class and Sabbath-School, and felt for, and yearned after the children, whose affections he won, and with whom he was often seen weeping while teaching them the way of life. But especially did Bro. Herrick's Christian character shine in the furnace of affliction. He was calm and had a rich hope to sustain him. He said he would sleep, as it were, but a moment, and then come up in the resurrection. He felt for sinners, and his interest for the church and the children continued to the last. A few weeks before his death, he requested an interview with the church and children at his own house, which was granted to him on the Sabbath. When prayer had been offered and a few appropriate testimonies given he was brought into the room, and with the marks of death stamped upon his countenance, thanked God for the privilege of seeing the church again, for having had a heart to receive the truth, and for all the blessings he had enjoyed in the message, exhorting the church to persevere to the end. He then briefly addressed the dear children, referring to the comfort he had taken with them, and telling them to be good and meet him in the morning of the resurrection. This was an affecting scene. May it long be remembered by the church of Enosburg. He said it had been a struggle for him to give up his faithful wife and five dear children, till he had earnestly prayed the Lord to save them by life or by death. Then he was blessed in leaving them under the care of Him who has promised not to forsake the widow and the fatherless. The last time we visited him, he was triumphant in grace, and was absorbed in the closing work of Christ in the sanctuary, in which he felt he had an interest. On the funeral occasion, remarks were made by the writer from the following words: "He being dead yet speaketh." Heb. xi, 4. D. T. Bourdeau.