He was at this time somewhat disposed to melancholy, but while the writer was with him, which was two days, he partook of his food with the family, and ate with considerable relish, which was, they stated, what he had not done before for several weeks. He never doubted his acceptance through the blood of Jesus, but rather shrank from the expected sufferings attending the dissolution of the body. Still he was willing to endure all that for the sake of the prospect beyond. In a letter written at this date, he said: "If the meeting with one kindred spirit is so cheering to a sick man here, what must be the joy of our greeting in the other world! The thought of death is a chilling one; but a meeting with the kindred spirits who are with Christ waiting for the consummation of his kingdom reconciles me to the idea of passing through the dark valley." In November, 1849, Elder L. Kimball, who had had the charge of the church in Low Hampton, took his leave of that people. He writes: "Agreeably to Bro. Miller's urgent request, we held the evening meeting [of the first Sunday in Nov.] at his house. He said he wanted to hear me preach once more. He also desired the singers to attend. After assembling, he called me to his room, and gave me for a text, 'And when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed,' Acts 16: 40. He was drawn, in his easy-chair, from his room to the kitchen, where he remained till the close of the services. He was unable to take any part, but expressed himself gratified, and wished that he could have said a few words to the brethren and friends present. It was to me a About the 1st of December, Elder D. I. Robinson visited him. He writes: "Such was the state of the roads that I did not arrive there till sunset. His house stood in sight of the stage-road to Rutland, so that it was a subject for observation to all the passengers in the stage. It was pointed out to me by one of them, who lived in an adjoining village. It was to me a fruitful subject, as I beheld, for the first time, both beauty and sublimity in the cultivated vale and snowcapped, venerable mountains in the vicinity. I thought how appropriate, how like the hills and vales of Judea, where Amos and other shepherds, and former servants of the Most High lived, were called, and sent to warn mankind! "As I approached across the farm, I passed the grove where he had meditated, wept and prayed, and entered the house of the aged, worn-out, sick and dying servant of God, who had been so scorned by the world. I felt favored of God. I was welcomed in the simple, hearty, easy style of a Vermont Christian farmer's family. That pleasant, beaming countenance of his wife, and the hearty shake of the hand, told me I was at home; and the kettle of homony, just taken from the fire, was at once prophetic of my supper. And all the members of the family, intelligent, modest and cordial, made me feel how really glad they were of the call, and to hear from those abroad. "I was quickly invited into the east room,' where 'Father Miller' greeted me, though he could not see so as to know me; but, when told, recollected distinctly. He was much changed, and yet so changed as to leave all the good outlines of former acquaintance behind. His sufferings, through the summer and fall, had been very great. He was much swollen by dropsy. His strength and sight were much diminished. His venerable white locks were few and thin, and his flesh was like that of a child. But his voice was full, his memory good, his intellect strikingly strong and clear, and his patience and resignation were remarkable. He asked of my welfare, and of the friends; and said he was never so strong in his mind that we were right as now. He was sure it could not be long before the coming of the Lord. He wished him to come soon; but, if not, to be taken himself to the Lord." He was drawn to the table in his chair, and ate supper with the family, probably for the last time. Elder R. left the next morning, between four and five o'clock; but Mr. Miller was awake, and arose to take an affectionate leave of him. FOR several months he had been confined mostly to his room. During a part of the time he had been confined to his bed, lounge, or easy-chair; and he suffered excruciating pain, which he endured with Christian patience. During his greatest sufferings he solaced himself by quotations of numerous passages of Scripture, and favorite hymns of Watts and others, expressive of the hope and joy of the redeemed. He had watched all the occurrences in Europe with great interest; but, giving up the idea of seeing the Saviour before his death, he had arranged all his business, and waited for the summons when he might "depart and be with Christ." On the 13th of December he had one of the most severe attacks of pain which he was called to endure. It was then thought he would not survive till the next morning, and Elder Himes was immediately telegraphed for, at the request of Mr. M. Mr. Himes wrote: "On my arrival, early in the morning of the 17th, he had obtained some relief, and was quite comfortable. On entering his room, he immediately recognized my voice, and, on approaching his bed-side, he was able to distinguish my features, though his eyes were dim. He grasped my hand, and held it for some time, exclaiming, with much earnestness, and in a tone of affection: "Is this Elder Himes? it Elder Himes? I am glad Is it Elder Himes? O, is to see you!' "Then you do know me, Father Miller, do you?' 666 0 yes; I understand, I know what is passing.' "He was then silent for a few moments, apparently in a deep study. Presently he introduced the subject of my connection with the Advent cause, and spoke of my responsibility; expressed much anxiety about the cause, and alluded to his own departure. I assured him that he had faithfully discharged his duty, was clear from the blood of all men, and could now leave this matter in the hands of God; and, so far as I was concerned, I hoped for grace to enable me to be faithful in the ministry I had received. He seemed to assent, and fell into a doze,- being weak, and unable to converse longer than a few moments at a time. Presently he said: ́ ́ ́ Elder Himes has come; I love Elder Himes.' "He then spoke on the subject of the 'Spirit of adoption,' which we have now, and of the final adoption, for which we look at the second coming of the blessed Saviour. Last evening he said to Bro. Bosworth : "Tell them (the brethren) we are right. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh; but they must be patient, and wait for him.' "His mind is still clear and strong on the subject of the conscious intermediate state. He believes that when he shall be absent from the body he will be present with the Lord. He expects that his flesh will slumber in the ground till Jesus comes and bids it rise, when he will be perfected. He never looked for the crown at death, but at the time when Jesus should come in his glory. The intermediate state is not that for which he longs most (though, with the apostle, he thinks that it is 'better' than this state of toil and sorrow), but the final, the glorified state, when the body shall be redeemed, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ, is the subject of this hope. "For some weeks past his mind dwelt much on the subjects of the judgment, the 'adoption,' and the new heavens and earth. The following hymns very much interested him. He repeated them over and over, and requested his children. to sing them. He seemed to be greatly comforted in hearing the hymn by Dr. Watts "In the midst of temptation, and sorrow, and strife, I look to a blessed earth, free from all care, The kingdom of Jesus, and long to be there,' &c. "Such views of the future glory tended to mitigate the pains of his body, which, at times, were violent. 666 'Happy the spirit released from its clay,' was one of the hymns in which he was deeply interested during the last four weeks of his life. It was sung by his children, and those who visited him, repeatedly, at his request. It enraptured his soul during his last hours, when he seemed to be absent, conversing with God and heaven. He often repeated 666 Victory! victory! shouting in death!' "The closing scene finally came. On the 20th of December, in the morning, it was manifest to all that he must soon depart. During the morning he made no particular conversation, but would break forth in expressions like the following: "Mighty to save!' 'O, I long to be there!' tory! victory!' Shouting in death!' &c. 6 'Vic "He finally sunk down into an easy sleeping or dozing state. Occasionally he roused up, and opened his eyes, but was not able to speak, though perfectly rational, and knew us all. He continued to breathe shorter and shorter, till five minutes past three o'clock, P. M., when he calmly and sweetly gave his last breath. The silver cord was loosed, the golden bowl was broken at the fountain, and the wheel broken at the cistern; the dust was left to return to the dust as it was, and the spirit returned to God who gave it. Peacefully and happily he died, with his wife, children and friends about his bed! I closed his eyes, while all other eyes were filled with tears. It was a solemn scene. While the wife and children and friends were weeping the loss of a beloved relative, I was there to weep the loss of a father in Israel. "The funeral service was attended on Sunday, December 23d. The Advent chapel in Low Hampton being too small to accommodate the family, friends and citizens, who were |