"I had often read of the bright views of Christians when on the eve of their departure, but never before had seen an instance such as was the case with him. I shall never, so long as I live, forget his conversation, which lasted for above an hour. Although I had known him intimately from my infancy, I was never so much struck as on this occasion with the masculine vigor and indomitable firmness of his character. He told me that the event which he had long expected was now at hand, and that in a few hours he would probably be summoned before the tribunal of God, the Judge of all. He was as composed as I ever recollect him, and did not display the slightest emotion. He told me that he viewed the approach of the last enemy without dismay -- that he died in the faith, possessing the peace of God and the full assurance of understanding. He added, 'You cannot conceive the comfort I possess, and I trust that, when placed in the same situation, you will enjoy the same blessed hope.'

He exclaimed, 'I have fought a good fight,' etc.; and in the most delicate manner repeated the whole passage, laying particular emphasis on the words, 'Not for me only, but for all who love His appearing.' He remembered that, however praiseworthy in the eyes of the world anything he had done might appear, he in no way rested on it as a ground of acceptance in the sight of God; that, on the contrary, he renounced his good works as much as his bad ones, and desired only to be wrapped in the robe of his Redeemer's righteousness. He added, that he reposed securely on the atonement of his Saviour, and that the words he uttered on the cross, 'It is finished,' gave him solid peace and comfort. He told me that he died in peace with all mankind, and he sent affectionate messages to those connected with him.

"He survived sixteen days longer, during which time I saw him frequently; and as long as he was able to articulate, he expressed the same firm confidence in the finished work of his Redeemer.

"The last words he was heard to utter were several times repeated, Forever with the Lord -- forever -- forever.' "