This evening’s sermon addresses the topic of the Restoration Movement here in the United States. Many, many individuals played an integral part in that wonderful process. We should be very respectful and appreciative of their efforts! One of the greatest men involved in the restoration was Barton Warren Stone. Many minds were directed back to the purity of scriptural truth thanks to his diligent labors. The following is an excerpt from Earl West’s book, The Search for the Ancient Order, Vol. 1 (Gospel Advocate Company, Nashville, TN, 1974, pg 34) regarding brother Stone’s time of death in 1844:
“On Thursday, Nov. 7, he sent for Jacob Creath, Jr., but Creath was sick and couldn’t arrive until later. He and Stone sang a song and had prayer. Creath asked Stone if he had any fear of death. Stone’s reply was, ‘O, no, Brother Creath, I know in whom I have believed and in whom I have trusted, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him. I know that my Redeemer lives. All my dependence is in God and in His Son Jesus Christ.’ Then Stone quoted scripture, commenting upon them at the same time. Then he added, ‘But my strength fails, but God is my strength and my portion forever.’
Stone turned for a moment to his family and exhorted them to be faithful. Turning back to Creath, he said, ‘Brother Creath, if so great and so holy a man as Paul was afraid that he might be a cast-away, may not so frail and poor a man as I fear too? But my God is good and merciful, and my Saviour is strong and mighty to save me.’ In a moment Creath had to leave. Stone called after him, ‘God bless you, my brother. I hope to meet you in heaven.’
Stone was put in a chair by his friends. Dr. David Morton asked him what he thought of the doctrine he had been preaching. He replied that he believed it on the whole to be true although some mistakes had been made. The rest of the time he spent in smoking his pipe and conversing upon the love of God. Presently, he reclined his head upon the shoulder of his son, Barton, and went to his eternal sleep.”
May we strive to live our lives and serve our Lord in such a way that we can
approach our time of passing with as much confidence, comfort and integrity as Barton W. Stone!