O B I T U A R Y by D. T. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1862

O B I T U A R Y .

By D. T. Bourdeau

Benjamin T. Pierce, eldest son of Bro. Stephen Pierce, died of diptheria in Roxbury, Vt., on the 13th of March, after a distressing illness of nine days, aged eighteen years and six and one-half months. He gave his heart to the Lord at the age of thirteen, but he afterward fell into a backslidden state. Howbeit he honored his parents, observed the Sabbath, and manifested respect for the truth and those who kept it. The following lines, written by him some time before his sickness, show that he loved the Bible, and was not wholly destitute of the Spirit of truth.

"Holy book, we look to thee, From whence our help and strength shall be; Thou shalt be our heavenly guide, And in thee we'll still confide. "And by thee we're sometimes blest, Thou guidest us to Jesus' breast; In thee gospel light is seen, By thee we are all made clean."

He was patient and amiable during his sickness, and set a good example before his brother and sister and young friends by making hearty confessions. He loved to hear the brethren sing and pray. A few days before his death he was in great distress, and requested his father to pray for him. After prayer he felt relieved and blest, and said, "I believe this is of the Lord."

"He sleeps in Jesus—cease thy grief; Let this afford thee sweet relief— That, freed from death's triumphant reign, In heaven he will live again." D. T. Bourdeau.

West Enosburgh, Vt., June 20, 1862.