HARNETT COUNTY, NC - OBITUARIES - John C. Williams 1873
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North Carolina Presbyterian, Fayetteville NC February 12, 1873

                           DIED

     In Harnett County, on the 3d instant, Mr. JOHN C. WILLIAMS, in his 85th 
year.  By the death of this aged and venerable man a gloom has been cast over 
the community, and many hearts are saddened by the loss of one so long and 
widely known.

     Mr. Williams was a man of great energy and perseverance of character, and 
up to a few weeks of his death was actively engaged in the imperative duties 
of life.  He received a liberal education, and was a gentleman of refinement 
and cultivated taste.  In all the private relations of husband, father and 
friend, he was a paragon of excellence, and will long be remembered for his 
warm hearted hospitality to all who were guests in his family circle.

     During the war he was chosen to represent his County in the State 
Legislature, where he acquitted himself with credit and to the satisfaction of 
his constituents.

     The religious history of Mr. Williams is somewhat remarkable.  Through, 
from early life, a constant reader of the Bible, a regular and attentive 
attendant on the services of the sanctuary, once a teacher of a Bible-Class in 
Sabbath-School,- yet, for very many years he gave no hope of any saving 
interest in Christ.  But "at the eleventh hour, "he was brought into the 
vineyard, and, with an earnest purpose, he set his face Zionward.  Grace was 
sufficient: and God carried on his own work.  His Dying bed was made a sublime 
exhibit of the wonders of redeeming love.

     Abased and penitent, yet firmly relying upon the Saviour's merits, he 
lamented most that so little of his long life had been spent in the service of 
God.  Leaving his bedside a few days before his death, and receiving the 
pleasing evidence that all was ready, I could but exclaim "amazing grace! 
amazing grace!"
                                                 McB.