Eld. Micajah Bennett has gone to his reward, having departed this life at the residence of his sons-in-law, the Messrs. Bell, on Thursday, December 17, 1874. This aged minister of Christ was born in Georgia, January 15, l804, and lived his three score years and ten, during over forty of which he devoted himself to preaching the gospel of salvation. His field of labor during this time was in Alabama and Mississippi, the latter part of his life being spent in serving churches in the Columbus and Louisville Associations. He preached as he went, going from house to house. Always a welcome guest with both saint and sinner, he preached more sermons around the fireside than from the pulpit. His visits and ministrations will long be remembered by the and the rising generation.Having labored with great zeal in the heat of summer, and after several weeks' exertion at protracted meetings, he was stricken down during the meeting at Wake Forest, near Whitefield, Miss, in September last. He had suffered for many years from a disease of the throat and lungs, and an attack of it at that time was so violent that his friends thought he would be taken away in a few days. His illness, however, was protracted, and after lingering for about three months he fell "asleep in Jesus."
Bro. Bennett was no ordinary man, and has left a bright example of invincible patience in labor and great simplicity of character, united with unusual intellectual ability. His favorite study through life was "the word of God," and in a conversation with the writer during his last illness, he lamented the neglect manifested by many to search the Scriptures, which could make them wise, not only unto their own salvation, but unto the salvation of others. Blessed with a most retentive memory, he could quote with accuracy much of its words of truth and love. In the midst of many discouragements he battled loyally for the Master's cause. The great moral beauty of his character, and the strength of a well-balanced mind gained him the respect and admiration of the brethren, whilst his self-sacrificing life gave him the unhesitating confidence of all who knew him.
During his illness he even spoke of his departure with calmness and in triumphant expectation of a glorious reward. It was in this spirit that he finished his course, "looking unto the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ"
C. E. Brame Whitefield, Miss., Dec. 29, 1874. ========== [From The Baptist newspaper, January 2, 1875. CD editon. Transcribed and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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