Chapter 16
Section 16 of From Life to Life or How Our Preachers Die. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. From Life to Life or How Our Preachers Die by William Marion Weekly. Reverend James W. Robertson, Reverend Moses Gallagher, Reverend James Witt, Reverend John T. Neville.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, for his mercy endureth forever. O how glorious! Such expressions of gratitude and praise fell from the lips of Mr. Robertson as he lay dying. Addressing his wife, he exclaimed, Oh, what brightness! Holy angels! Glorious foretaste! No more pain! Sing! Sing!
When asked if he wanted a drink of water, he replied, I don't want any water now. The next time I drink, it will be of the water of the river of life. And it was so. In the transfer of this harbinger of peace to the triumphant church, Rock River, now Illinois Conference, lost a young man of great promise. Let me go, for bliss eternal lures my soul away, away, and the victor's song triumphant thrills my heart. I cannot stay. Reverend Moses Gallagher
Life was ebbing out apace amid the deepening shadows when Mr. Gallagher exclaimed, Oh, how I long to be at home! I will get there tonight. Continuing, he said,
I have viewed myself on the brink of eternity, and glory to God, death has lost its sting. Thus another child of grace tested and found true the promises of the word. A man of God, he boldly spake the word that God had given, then calmly slept to soon awake with men of God in heaven.
Reverend James Witt Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. With the confidence of a victorious warrior, Mr. Whit exultantly exclaimed in his last moments, I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. Oh, what a glorious crown now appears to view. Observing his friends weeping, he continued, Weep not, my friends, for I am going home.
Death is no terror, so farewell till we meet in heaven. Yet again we hope to meet thee when the day of life is fled, then in heaven with joy to greet thee where no farewell tears are shed. Rev. John T. Neville At the request of this devout son of the gospel,
a sacramental service was held in his room just before he died. As he received the bread, he thoughtfully remarked, This represents the broken body of my Lord. I eat it in remembrance of him. Likewise, when he was given the cup,
this represents the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ shed for me on Calvary. Returning the cup, he said, I have eaten and drunk with you for the last time. His last audible utterance was, Going to rest. Jesus, the very thought of thee, With sweetness fills my breast,
But sweeter far thy face to see, And in thy presence rest. End of Section 16
