He, however, retained
his active habits and course of study till last fall. His earnest
attention to sermons, his occasional remarks on their evangelical and
practical character as profitable, and his prayerful reading of the
Bible, showed the influence divine truth was exerting upon him. The
sickness and rapid decline of his brother Joseph was to him most
affecting, as they had grown up from childhood together in uninterrupted
intercourse and love. In his feeble state of health, he saw his beloved
brother hastening to death and the grave, while their dear mother was
yearning over both in view of their spiritual welfare. While everything
indicated a deep interest in the matter of the soul's salvation, doubts
and difficulties prevented him from finding joy and peace in believing.
About ten days before his death, and just before the death of Joseph, he
received the remarkable letter from his Uncle Scudder which wrought
powerfully on his mind, and followed by Joseph's death, was doubtless
instrumental, under the divine blessing, in leading him to the decision
of giving himself to the Savior by the profession of his faith. The
Sabbath, January 11, on the morning of which Joseph died, was indeed a
memorable and impressive one in many of its associations. De Witt had
just made profession of his faith, and was admitted into the communion
of the Presbyterian Church in Canal street, of which the Rev.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213