He lived about an hour after his arrival, and was
perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last, at ten o'clock at
night, although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there
was no hope entertained of his recovery; this he was perfectly aware of. In
this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all
its realities were opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth
of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused.
The principles of the gospel which were so precious to
him before, were honorably maintained in natures' final hour, and afforded him
that support and consolation of the time of his departure, which deprived death
of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had fallen from their
steadfastness, he acclaimed, "O that they were in my situation! For I feel
I have kept the faith, I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown which the Lod, the righteous judge shall give to me."
Speaking to his beloved wife who was present and who
attended him in his dying moments, he said, "Whatever you do else, O do
not deny the faith!" He all the while expressed a great desire to depart.
I spoke to him and said, "Brother David, when you get home I want you to
remember me." He exclaimed, "I will." At this time his sighs was
gone. We felt so very much attached to our beloved Brother, that we beseeched
the Lord to spare his life and endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery.
OF this he was perfectly aware, and expressed a dire, that we should let him
go, as his desire was to be with Christ, which was far better! A few minutes
before he died he prayed as follows:--"Father, I ask thee, in the name of
Jesus Christ, that thou wouldst release my spirit and receive it unto thyself!:
and then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, "Brethren, you have
held me by your faith, but do give me up, and let me go I beseech you." We
committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in Jesus without
a groan. (David
W. Patten history, 1857-1858, pp. 25-26, CR 100 93, Church History Library)
