CHAPTER XX.
LOSS OF SIGHT—HEALTH DECLINES—EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY—HIS REPLY—HIS LAST SICKNESS AND DEATH—FUNERAL—LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO SURVIVING FRIENDS.
“On the 15th of September, 1847, he was present at a tent-meeting at Basin Harbor, in Ferrisburg, Vt., which continued four days. In a letter written on the 27th of the same month, he makes the following reference to it:—
“‘Dear Brother Himes: I cannot refrain from writing a few words to you, to let you know how my soul and body prosper since our tent-meeting at Basin Harbor.
“‘That was to me a profitable time. It seemed like former times, when the truth cut to the heart all who heard. The preaching was plain, powerful, and convincing. The prayer-meetings were humble, devotional, and penitent, and very properly conducted. No uproar, confusion, or fanaticism, which disturb the mind, and leave a bad savor upon the hearts of the fastidious. The Conferences were perfect love-feasts, and the songs such as the poet describes:—
“‘My willing soul would stay
In such a frame as this;
And sit and sing herself away
To everlasting bliss.’