The cause of his death, in October, 1844, was a fever which was brought on in the following way. He had a large number of new believers who desired baptism, and others who had not yet made up their minds. The company who were ready went with him to the lake, and there were baptized. A cold wind was blowing as he, with them, started in his wet garments for home, and he was much chilled. But he had not gone far when he met another company from among those whom he had left behind, who now came desiring baptism. He went back with them to the lake and also immersed them. Then as they started home there came a third company whose conviction of sin and of Jesus’ salvation and of His soon coming had brought them to the decision. At their request he turned again and baptized them also. The next day, though ill from the effects of his chill, he rode in the cold wind some miles to another appointment. This proved too hard on him, and he was stricken down, and after an illness of several weeks he died.^{10Charles Fitch died in Buffalo, New York, on Monday, October 14, 1844 (just eight days prior to when he expected the Lord to return on October 22).} His last clear words, in answer to some who asked him of his faith, were, “I believe in the promises of God.”—Arthur W. Spalding, Pioneer Stories of the Second Advent Message, 1922, pp. 99, 100.PPP 27.2

Tearless funeralPPP 28.1

This dear brother has fallen asleep in Jesus. Those lips from which the words of God have been poured forth with power upon so many thousands of listening ears, are now sealed. That heart, which beat with a father’s tenderness, and a brother’s love for the children of God, has ceased beating.PPP 28.2

After his arduous labors at Morrisville and St. Georges’ camp- meetings, he left New York for Cleveland, on Monday, September 16. At Rochester, while apparently in perfect health, he stated, in a public meeting that he had a presentiment that he must sleep a little while before the coming of the Lord. On arriving at Buffalo, he was attacked with a severe bilious fever, and died on Monday, October 14th, in full faith that he should awake in a few days in the likeness of his Redeemer. Bro. Williamson, who passed through Buffalo on his return from the West, wrote to us Oct. 17th: “I saw his remains yesterday. Sister Fitch is there, without a tear, expecting to meet her husband very soon. So far from sorrow, she is smiling and happy.”PPP 28.3

Brother Fitch embraced the doctrine of the Advent when its friends were few, and [as] early as 1838. In 1841, he took a decided stand on this question, and gave to the public his reasons for embracing it, in a letter to Bro. [ Josiah] Litch. Since then he has been laboring heart and soul in the spread of this truth. He has been an efficient instrument of good, and his labors have been blessed to the conversion of many souls. He was formerly the pastor of the Fourth Congregational church in Hartford, Ct.; from which he removed his relation in 1836, to the church at the Marlboro’ Chapel, of Boston. After that he preached awhile in Newark, N.J.; and also in Haverhill, Mass. There he came out boldly in the cause of the Advent, and cast his all upon the issue. He has left a widow and family of children, who mourn not as those without hope. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”PPP 28.4

His widow and fatherless children are now at Cleveland, confidently expecting the coming of our Lord to gather the scattered members of the family.—“Brother Charles Fitch,” The Midnight Cry, October 31,1844, p. 142.PPP 29.1

2. Joseph Bates

4. Leonard Hastings