Sunday, April 7, 2024

Wilson, Alvah - 1833

Communicated.
Departed this life, on Tuesday 28th inst. Dr. Alvah Wilson, after a few hours illness.  He was a native of the State of Maine, and about 36 years of age.  During his five years residence in this state, he had acquired the esteem and affection of many friends.  Endowed with more than ordinary mental powers, he was surpassed by none amongst us in the science of that profession to which he was enthusiastically devoted.

In {illegible} a physical acuteness-- in an accurate and useful acquaintance with physical science and philological phenomena-- in perspicuity of thought and force of reasoning-- in fine, in every department of useful knowledge, he had made attainments which commanded universal respect.

But in the midst of an extreme practice, (his professional zeal carried him to the bedside of a patient when he should have been himself in bed,) surrounded be devoted friends, and enjoying the sweets of domestic happiness, the destroyer came and the most abundant and unremitted exertion of his medical Brethren and friends could not command the monster, disease.

To his anxious Pastor and weeping Wife, he expressed a sense of unfaithfulness, and a want of a brilliant hope; but while he asked their prayers, and wept over sins, he expressed a reliance in the Redeemer, and a trembling expectation of heaven.

His death-bed confession was like that which is heard from a majority of christians, <sic> and still it consoles the hearts of those who knew and loved him, with a pleasing assurance the thro' <sic> faith in the Redeemer, he has found rest in Heaven.  While his mournful and unexpected death should lead all to watchfulness, and prompt appliances at the first premonition of that fatal malady which is sweeping our country, it ought to operate as an immediate warning to every one, to be in the attitude of preparation for an immediate summon to the world of spirits.

Slight, as yet, has been our chastisement, and comparatively few the number of deaths; but they are more than enough to teach us the importance of christian character, and the hope of future salvation.

“Oh, God! It is a fearful thing,
To see the human soul take wing,”
in any shape, kin any mood:
I've seen at rushing forth in blood,
I've seen it on the breaking ocean,
Strive with a swole convulsive motion,
I've seen the sick and ghostly bed
Of sin delirious with its dread :
But these were horrors-- this was woe
Unmixed with such-- but sure to go :
He faded, and so calm and meek,
So quickly worn, so sweetly weak,
So tearless, yet so tender, kind,
And grieved for those he left behind.
~ The Port-Gibson Correspondent 01 Jun 1833, Page 3, Columns 2 & 3

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