It becomes our painful duty to record the death of our beloved Bro. William M. Smith, son of Cyrenius and Louisa Smith, who fell asleep in Jesus at his father's house in Battle Creek, Michigan, March 16th, 1856, aged 27 years. His disease was inflammation of the lungs. During his sickness of only about eleven days, he bore his affliction with patience, manifesting the greatest resignation to the will of God. With carefulness he reviewed his past life, and confessed what he regarded as imperfections in his christian course. He dedicated himself anew to God, covenanting to live more to his glory, should he be raised up. Brethren visited his sick room, with whom he united in prayer, and such seasons were generally very refreshing, especially to Bro. William, who would raise his voice in praise to God. Many prayers were offered for his recovery, with fervency and freedom, yet it pleased God that our dear brother should rest with the number of whom it is written, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth," &c.
Bro. William professed faith in Christ in 1843, and from that time was among the most devoted believers in the soon coming of Christ. He embraced the Bible Sabbath, Aug., 1849, when Bro. J. Bates first visited the State, and has ever manifested a worthy zeal in acting his part in the advancement of the cause of truth. When the Tent enterprise was started in this State, he gave his services as Tent Master the first season. During the past Winter, as his business led him to travel, he seemed more devoted than usual, and more faithful in conversation with those he met, to whom he generally introduced some portion of Bible truth. Among his last efforts in behalf of the cause was the first suggestion of the plan to raise the Church Book Fund, and writing out of the Circular used for the object. Though he rests from his labors, his works follow him. His believing parents, brothers and sisters, have met with a great loss, so has the Church; but they sorrow not as those who are without hope. Bright hope lights up the future, and disperses the darkness and gloom which now hangs over the grave of the just. Jesus the Life-giver is quickly coming, when Bro. William, so reluctantly and sadly borne to the grave, will be waked from his peaceful slumbers by the voice of the Son of God, and will arise with immortality. Then will those separated here by death meet again, and join with the saints of all ages in the shout of victory over death and the grave.
The unexpected sickness and death of our dear brother is indeed a warning to the Church to ever live in readiness for the events of Providence. One apparently in perfect health, and in the strength of manhood has suddenly fallen in our midst.
We cannot close our remarks, already lengthy, without appealing to the young, especially those who were acquainted with Bro. William. You have seen a young man of talent, beloved of all that knew him, turn his feet in the path to virtue, holiness and heaven, instead of following the vain pleasures of earth. Should you stand by his grave, and look back upon his life as he has been ripening for immortality, you could but admire his choice. But the sun that shines on his peaceful grave may soon shine on yours; and would the same hope of future life that sheds its glory around his grave light up yours? While life and hope remain, be admonished by his godly life and sudden death. You are now separated, but that separation must not be eternal. Seek Christ as he sought at the age of fourteen, and follow Christ as he followed, and in the resurrection morn you will meet, freed from the ills of this mortal life, to share eternal joys. J. W.