The following is the entirety of the memorial:
Jesse Edgerton, son of Richard and Mary Edgerton, survived his mother about four months, dying on the 4th of Eighth Month, 1844, aged about 27 years.
He was confined to the house, and for the most of the time to his room, for the last eighteen months of his life. He passed through much bodily suffering, which he endured with Christian patience and resignation, often expressing his gratitude to those who waited on him. In the midst of many infirmities he was pleasant and cheerful, and appeared to enjoy the society of his friends.
Towards the latter part of his life he became deeply concerned for those in indigent circumstances, particularly the descendants of Africa, to some of whom he presented some articles of clothing and other necessaries calculated to render them more comfortable. A few days before his death he queried of one of his sisters whether she thought he was too much concerned about these things (meaning the anxiety he had felt on account of his African brethren). She replied, "No; if his mind was not burdened with it," and added, "Perhaps this is what thou hadst to do." He looked at her very earnestly, and said, "I believe it is. I want to do all the good I can, while I live."
On Fifth Day, previous to his being taken worse, being left alone with his brother, he said to him, "It is not likely I shall continue here long, and I want to impress upon thy mind the expressions of dear mother, who was so deeply concerned for our welfare, and who said upon her dying bed, 'I have often prayed that my children might be taken in their infancy, rather than live to dishonor the Great Name.' I feel that my peace is made, that death hath no terrors, and only wish to stay till my blessed Master shall see meet to call me hence. A few years ago my prospects were as bright as thine are, health glowed upon my cheeks, and vigor strung my nerves, but that has fled, and it may soon be so with thee; therefore, be prepared for the change, seek not to amass great wealth, be satisfied with a competency rather than seek for great things."
He was taken worse on First Day night, the 28th of Seventh month, and his end seemed fast approaching, but he revived in a few hours so as to be able to converse, and requested that an absent sister, whom he had not seen for some time, might be sent for, saying, "Send soon or I shall not see her."
On Fourth Day morning he said to one of his sisters, "It is a great attainment to have an assurance of a crown immortal, but this is not through any good works which I have done, but through the merits of my merciful Redeemer."
On Sixth Day morning he thought his change was near, requested that the family might all be called into the room, and bade them all a very affectionate farewell. He grasped his brother by the hand, and said, "My dear brother, I am going to leave you. I want to impress upon thy mind what I have said before, do not be encumbered about the things of this world, be satisfied with a competency, rather than seek for great things; a few years ago I had as bright prospects of a long life as thou hast, but they are all blasted now, and I shall soon be in the arms of my Saviour. Be kind to thy dear sister, do all thou canst to promote her comfort, tread in the same path I have trodden in, so that we may meet in the realms of an immortal paradise. My dear and only brother, it would almost break my heart if I thought I should never see thy face again." Speaking to the rest collectively, he said, "I cannot say much to you, but I want to revive in your hearing what our dear mother said, I expect none of you have forgotten it. My heart is full of love to you all, and you who are parents, I want you to endeavor to bring up your children in the right way. If you do, you will be blessed; if not, a curse will rest upon you. I want you all to follow me, every one." After taking leave of the family, he said, "Don't weep for me – I am happy." He was soon seized with a spasmodic affection of the lungs, which was very alarming, and the final hour seemed fast approaching, but he again revived, and so continued in alternate changes, during which he appeared entirely sensible, until within a few hours of the close. Though mostly unable to speak, yet his affectionate looks, and the composure of his countenance, evinced that the clothing of his mind was peace.
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