Gents Mag 1793 p.1083
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Gentleman's Magazine 1793 p.1083
weight of years; yet, he bore it with uncommon fortitude, strengthening himself with such consolations as a good Christian hath in reserve for such extremities. About the beginning of February, 1583, he found himself so very weak, that he was sensible his end must be drawing near. He told his friends his apprehensions, and spoke of his death with a happy composure which always attends the conclusion of a good life. He was soon after confined to his chamber. His senses continued perfect to the last. A few days before his death he ordered himself to be raised in his bed, and his friends, acquaintance, and dependents, to be called in. He first sent for the poor; and, beckoning them to his bedside, told them., he found he was going out of the world; he hoped they would be his witnesses at the great day that he had endeavoured to do his duty among them; and he prayed God to remember them after he was gone. He would not have them weep for him: if ever he had told them anything good, he would have them remember that in his stead. Above all things, he exhorted them to fear God, and keep his commandments; telling them, if they would do this they never could be left comfortless. He next ordered his scholars to be called in. To them likewise he made a short speech, reminding them that this was their time, if they had any desire to qualify themselves for being of use to the world; that learning was well worth their attention, but virtue was much more so. He next exhorted his servants; and then sent for several persons who had not heretofore profited by his advice according to his wishes, and upon whom he imagined his dying words might have a better effect. His speech began to falter before he finished his exhortations. The remaining hours of his life he spent in prayer and broken conversations with some select friends, mentioning often the consolations of Christianity; declaring they were the only true ones; that nothing else could bring a man peace at the last. He died March 4, 1583, in the 66th year of his age. W. P. |
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