Sunday, May 18, 2014

Dr. Henry Thomas Dillard

Dr. Henry Thomas Dillard was born December 20, 1853 in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. A few years of his early life were spent in Texas. He returned to Texas in 1860. After studying medicine in New York he gave his attention to that noble calling. He was very much devoted to his profession and made good use of the many opportunities for doing good that are afforded a Christian doctor. Many today will testify that "He being dead, yet speaketh."
Bro. Dillard professed religion and united with the Baptist church at Shreveport in 1886. He was utterly devoid of ostentation, but is a quiet, unassuming way he was ever seeking to glorify the name of his Master and to elevate humanity. He moved to North Little Rock from Shreveport in 1895 during the pastorate of the writer, and our hearts at once went out to him and his estimable family. While here he was ordained to the deaconship. Many troubles came to him after reaching Arkansas. Soon after arriving their residence was destroyed by fire, and sickness was after their portion, but our departed brother showed a spirit of calm and holy resignation, which seemed to say, "All things wok together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." For the past year or so his health had been growing gradually worse. In quest of improvement he went to New York and South Carolina. He came home about three months ago with the intention of winding up his business and moving to Texas, but alas! it was not to be for he was taken worse at the residence of Mr. W.C. Armstrong, his brother-in-law, twelve miles from Little Rock, and after twelve weeks of suffering, he passed away Friday night, November 26. His physician said he had never waited on anyone so patient in his life. We sang several hymns for him that evening and he seemed to enjoy them very much. When asked whether the way was clear before him, he answered; Yes, I feel it in my bosom." When we saw that the end was near, we prayed that he might be given a peaceful hour in which to die. Our prayers were answered, for he went to sleep as quietly as an infant on his mother's breast.
The writer accompanied the sorrowing family to Shreveport, La. and preached the funeral sermon at the First Baptist church. The Knights Templar then took charge of the remains and gently laid him to rest with his father and his little son to await the glorious resurrection morning.
"Goodnight beloved, sleep and take thy rest,
Lay down thy head upon thy Savior's beast;
We loved thee much, but Jesus loved the best;
Goodnight"
May God's rich favor be upon the wife, the four children, the mother, the sister and the many friends who mourn their loss, and may they realize that our "light afflictions which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

Benjamin Cox

Arkansas Baptist, Little Rock, Arkansas
December 8, 1897, page 15

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