In Brookfield, N. Y., Sept. 22d, 1870, after a very brief illness, Dea. Silas Spencer, in the 91st year of his age. More than a year ago, Dea. Spencer was sick, and believing that death was near, he placed in the hands of his pastor a brief account of his early religious life. I will give it in his own words:
'I was born in west Greenwich, R. I., Oct. 22, 1779. My father moved to Little Hoosick, now Berlin, N. Y., where at the age of twenty years I believe that God for Christ's sake redeemed my soul from sin; and as the pastor of the church was a feeble man, I was baptized by Dea. Wm. Greenman, and united with what is now the Berlin Church. From Petersburg I moved to Sangersfield, in 1806, when I united with the First Seventh-day Baptist Church of Brookfield, where I remained a member till the organization of the Second Seventh-day Baptist Church, which was near my location, when I united with that church, at or near the time of its organization.' The church record shows that he was one of the constituent members. Being possessed of excellent gifts, Bro. Spencer was early called to the holy and responsible office of deacon. In this he 'purchased' to himself a good degree, and great boldness in the faith. He loved the throne of grace, and was often there in fervent prayer. He loved the cause of God. He loved the church. He loved the unconverted, and often warned them to the coming storm of divine wrath. He was highly esteemed; and now that he has departed from among us, we love to think of his steadfast faith, and earnest zeal in his Master's cause. 'He being dead yet speaketh.'
An aged and infirm companion survives him, 'waiting till the shadows are a little longer grown.' In the absence of his pastor, Eld. L. C. Rogers conducted public services at his funeral. He was the oldest member in the church, and a mighty man has fallen among us. May his mantle fall on some surviving one. J. M. T.
