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OBITUARY

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 26, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 19.

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OBITUARY.

By Michael Welcome

Fell asleep in Jesus, Feb. 27, 1861, Bro. Jno. Hall, Sen., aged 69 years.
He was formerly from Massachusetts. In early life he moved to Vermont. He embraced religion when young, and united with the Congregational church. While residing in Berkshire he was chosen deacon of that church. Under the labors of Wm. Miller he embraced the first angel's message. Fifteen years ago he moved to Wisconsin, and five years subsequent into the town of Richford, Waushara Co. It was in this place that he heard proclaimed the third angel's message from the lips of Bro. Waggoner. He saw that it was truth and embraced it under his labors. Eight years ago he was baptized by Bro. Steward.
He was sick eleven days with a fever. He suffered much, but was patient, and showed to all present the realities of the christian religion. He has left a wife, three sons and two daughters, also a large circle of friends to mourn his death. But they mourn not without consolation; for his hope was bright. Immortality appeared in view.
He was beloved by all who knew him. As a husband, kind and affectionate, as a father, loving and good, deeply interested for his children, for their temporal and spiritual welfare, bearing them in his prayers fervently and constantly to the throne of grace, that God would bring them an undivided family into his everlasting kingdom. O, may those many prayers be answered, and may the afflictions which they are called to pass through be sanctified to their present, future and eternal good.
As a christian, he was decided, consistent, devoted and deeply pious in the great cause of truth, seeking continually some way by which he could be a blessing to others, trying to bring truth to bear upon their minds, loving the appearing of the blessed Saviour, the Sabbath, God's holy law, holiness of heart and life, and the establishment of Christ's everlasting kingdom, seeking for glory, honor and immortality.
His house has been a home for the worn and weary for many years. As far as possible their wants were supplied. For many years he has been a pillar in the church of God, sustaining the meetings by his presence, prayers, exhortations and godly life. It can be truly said that the church has lost one of her best members. He was loved by his neighbors, and by those little ones of whom Jesus said, Suffer them to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of God.
A sermon was preached by the writer from the words, If a man die shall he live again [Job xiv, 14]? to a large and attentive congregation, who seemed to deeply feel their great loss.
In his sickness he seemed to realize that he was going to leave us, talked freely of his bright prospect of immortality, that sweet rest that remains for God's people, praising God for that peace which he felt in believing. He said to the writer while standing by his bedside, "I have long desired to fall like a shock of corn fully ripe, and to be clear in my mind, to have no doubts of my acceptance with God. I have all that I desired. Not a doubt in my mind, and not a wave of trouble across my peaceful soul. Glory be to God for such a prospect!" How sweet these words sounded from his lips. I shall never forget them. But now he sleeps in Jesus, soon to awake, when the trump shall sound and the redeemed come forth to enjoy all those blessings that they have looked for, and behold each other face to face, and to see Jesus as he is, and to be like him. O blessed thought! to have the crown, the palm, and to walk the golden streets of that glorious city! Dear brethren and sisters, let us so live that we all may be there. MICHAEL WELCOME.