My youngest brother, Nathaniel White, died of consumption, in this City, May 6th, in the 22d year of his age.
In the Spring of 1842 there was a revival of religion in Palmyra, Me., (where our parents now reside,) which followed the preaching of the doctrine of the speedy coming of Christ, and in that revival my brother gave his young heart to the Lord, at the age of ten years, and was soundly converted.—He was noted for his sobriety, and faithfulness in maintaining his profession, and continued a firm Christian up to the period of the great declension, about 1844. From that time until last Autumn, he lived without the enjoyment of religion; yet was remarkable for his sound moral principles and conscientiousness.
His health had been failing for several years. And when I met him in Boston last October, he proposed to come to Rochester and assist in the Office, hoping to recover his health. At this my feelings were touched. I wept, shook his hand, and, as I bid him farewell, promised that I would write.—I did so, inviting him to come and live with me.
Before he left Boston he resolved to live a Christian, and when he came into my family, where all professed the religion of Christ, his mind was fully prepared to engage in the worship of God. Around the altar of prayer we together bowed and prayed. The Holy Spirit was poured out upon us in such a degree, that my dear brother praised God with a loud voice.
The subject of the Sabbath immediately arrested his attention, and after carefully investigating it, he came out decidedly in favor of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. He also took great delight in the Sanctuary subject, and the doctrine of the soon coming of Christ. He became much attached to the brethren here, and felt a deep interest in the advancement of the cause. His health was all the while failing, yet no one supposed that he was so near the grave.
About four weeks before his death, a change took place in his system. And although he grew weak, fast, he was almost entirely free from pain, and we hoped that it would prove for the best. As his bodily strength failed he became more free and happy in mind. We had some of the most interesting seasons of prayer in his room that I ever enjoyed. He would join with us in praising the Lord, while his countenance, shining with the Spirit of God resting upon him, was expressive of the holy joy he felt. He was able to ride out and to walk from room to room. And even the afternoon that he died he was very anxious to ride; but while putting on his overcoat he was convinced that he was too feeble.
About 5 P. M., he stated that he had difficulty in breathing, and wished some of the family to come to his room and pray that he might be relieved. He then appeared better, and perfectly calm, and happy. His supper was prepared and carried to his room, and he was assisted into his chair to eat. But in a few moments it was evident to all that he was sinking away in death. One that stood by, told him to put his whole trust in the Lord. He looked up and smiled, and then sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, sitting in his chair, without a groan or a struggle, and without moving a limb or a muscle.
Bro. J. N. Andrews was present at the funeral and preached a short, but very appropriate and comforting discourse from Rev. xiv, 13. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
Our brethren in this City have felt the deepest interest for my brother, and have been forward to do all in their power to make him comfortable and happy, and have sympathized with us in our afflictions. These dear friends who were with him much in his last sickness, and anxiously watched his faltering steps, now share with us his loss. Such kindness and tenderness I never witnessed, only with them bound by kindred ties. God will reward them in the resurrection of the just.
We have followed our much loved brother to the silent grave, strewing the way with tears. But we are sustained by the "blessed hope" that the voice of the Son of God will soon call him forth from his resting-place, clothed with immortality.
JAMES WHITE.