Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-11-18
A CASE OF CONSCIENCE.
by A PHYSICIAN.

"A fit of Illness has sometimes llhe eHeclS OH tlc /
conscience. A sick bed is the best possible I
stimulus TO ones reflective powers-that is, II /
one happens TO posses any. | have known ma-
nv strong men, who had led the lives of beasts
of prey, quake like very towards when their
last hour drew near. | am glad OF IT. IL the
villain and the atheist could die with the calm
ness of Christian, where would be the mofal'
But was going to tell story--not story,
fact, upon my honor. 1t occurred only the 9TH
er day.
There dwelt in This city, some two years ago,
an old gentleman OF the name OF NllherS lie
was very rich. and the Father of large family
who had right TO his wealth when II should
please God to take him. But old Mr.. Withers,
at the age Of cighty-fve had fancy for a second
wife; he conceived a regard for one of his daugh-
ter's maids, an mpudent baggage, and TO the IN
finite chagrin Of all those who had the honor of
being connected with him, married her. She
soon as might be expected, 'took on airs and
fomented quarrel between Mr.. Wlthers and
his children. whom the old mon eventually dis
Inherited and expelled from his house. lie
made fresh will, and settled everything upon
the impudspt baggage alluded TO just now.
Shortly afterwards lie was taken alurmingly
III. and i was sent for in great haste. had
heard all the particulars Of his courtShip and
wedding, and happened TO be intimate with sew
eral members Of bis family, at whose misfortune
felt seriously grcved. Well, | went to see
the old man. and found he had not two days 10
live. His constitution was breaking rapidly
He looked in my face and read his doom there
He asked me if | had no hope of his recovery.
shook my head, and begged that if he had any
little worldly matters to arrange, he would not
ueglect them He said lie had arranged every
thing.
Would you net wish TO see your children
said |.
Here that puss, his wife, who was standing
bv the side Of his bed, stuck her arms akimbo
and said that it was not Mr. Withcr's wish or
intention 10 have his last moments made uneasy
by an interview of that kinds and for her part
she would rather the subject was dropped.
took savage pinch Of snuff, ana looked again at
MIR. Wihers. He said he wished TO die in
neace with everybody but eventually decided
upon seeing no one but myself and his wife
Perhaps YOU may have no objections toa con-
versation with a clergyman, was beginning TO
add.
BAH exclaimed Mr.. Withers, turning lis
back suddenly upon me, and upsettng all my
snuff.
The next morning, l drew chair TO his bed
side again. and examined his symptoms attcn-
lively. The prospect of death terrified him. and
pressing nv hand, begged that would exert my
utmost skill in his case.
i have already done that my dear sir said |,
sand we must leave the issue in the hands oil
Him without whose permission, we are told, not
oven a sparrow falls 10 the ground J can ITO no
more Your conscience Is 50 perfectly at rest
too that | can hone FOR no amehorallon oil lhe
symptoms. | merely alude to that matter, be-
cause it sometimes happens that weight upon
ner.on's conscience, when his body is ema-
ciated, has a tendency to pull him still lower;
whereas, on the contrary, have known lnstan-
ees of-of-but this has nothing TO do with the
present You are--eXcusc me, II It looks like
hauery-one in a thousand.
A movement OF the bed clothes.
You enjoy the respect Of all around you'
continued |.
A groan.
You are the idol Of your family
More groans.
'You have been an aiiectonate parent te
them
Great excitement.
"A better father. more exemplary man, .
p.rfect Chrislian-,tay, my dear ~, yen mh''
e.. o.t up-have the goodness to draw that leg
In again. II. can do anything for you. say the
word
4 would rather not. think him great
rogue He would do you no gooi-9e'le''
me- go,
Send for another then any one whom you
please. ,...c.,si,,, AND
yan ror him. He seized his blue bag, we go
into a coach and reached Mr.. WllherS mouse
berore the old gentleman fell asleep again. o.
had time to change his mind. ,,..,.
NV brother-n-law was good-hNihorc" ''.l''
dumpling of a man, and with system oI uoi'=
things peculiar TO himself. He planted tao'
bv the bedside, put two chairs one Tor me- an
the other for his own use, drew some document
Prom the blue bag, nibbed his pen, pumped
a the bottom of the inksand, and went lnroug
the preIirninaries usual TO business ike lhe OH
on hand. At this stage of the proceedings now
ever Mrs. Withers made her appearance VII
an air; wheTeupon my brother-n-law pushed III
nen suddenly into the inkstand threw himse
suddenlV back in his chair, twIred his thumo'
and humrhed tune. ,y,
why do you hesitate {? snqdired Mr. "Hl
eTs. ....,,., ~,
wa are not alone. LIKE enjoy the socie'
Sfladies (my brother law pulled up nus co
lar and stroked his hair,)- delight IN the Sc
Iut-nardon nv weakness, my dear SIRIUS
mes, Is business; with lovely and fasclnaiiI
creature like yom wife in the room' Shcu
never be able to confne myself to-lo--il Lac
I--you understand me perhaps, for really "
-. , d,
Charlotte, have the goodness TO leave u
said Mr.. Withers.
NV brother-in law bounced from his cha
and, advancing in the most nsinuat'Eg 1nan"'
sEer-d The lady his arm, she appeared NOV