Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1861-08-09


BY THE FIELD OFFICERS.
HOW WE SHOULD ACT IN THE PRESENCE
OF THE DYING.
1t is most solemn and impressive scene
to witness the departure of an immortal
spirit from the body into the world Of spir-
its; and to demean ourselves properly on
such an occasion is very desirable. 1t
would seem that the character of such
scene would suggest at once the proprieties
becoming death room but it is a fact
which has been painfully noted by some
whose duties call thcua often to the dying
bed, that persons are sometimes thoughtless
or at least mistaken in their views of pro-
priety at such a time. We may reason
ably suppose that while it is often the case
that persons, are entirely unconscious in
their dying moments-many others are fully
conscious and keenly sensitive to every
thing that occurs, and others still are in a
confused state Of mind, which may or may
not be effected by outward things. In any
c7ent it would seem that the following
considerations might not be out of place !:
I. Let there be no more persons in the
room than are necessary, unless by special
request OF the dying one. If lhero should
be large number of relatives and friends,
let them cor:,e in one or two at timo and
retire.
2. In walking across the room, let it be
done slowly and softly.
3. Let those who are in the room be sea
ted and at some distance from the patient
unless it be one or two dear friends who
can control their feelings. BY all means
avoid crowding around the bed.
4. Avoid all impertiment Questions to
the dying one, such as DO you know me 2
'How do you feel now 2 and even ques-
tions in reference to their religious state had
better be dispensed with, unless the case is
very clear one. In general it is best to
allow the patient to speak on his own mo.
ton.
S. Let there be as little conversation as
possible and that in subdued tone.
9. 1t may not be amiss for some one
present occasionally to quote an appropri-
ate passage of Scripture, ora verse cf /.
hymn.
Z. If the patient desires it or is sufficient
ly calm, prayer offered briefly and in low
tone is always in place.
8. Let there he no sobbing or violent de.
monstrationss in the room, nor within hear.
ing. If any cannot control Themselves let
them be removed.
i 0. An appropriate or favorite hymn, OF
part of hymn sung, especially at the re-
quest Of the departing one, is quite in place
and would be very soothing to many. n
Doubtless the kind words and offices o.
dear friends must be comforting to. the spir
it in its struggles with dissoIving nature.
but, in many instances, it would be for bet
| ter for the poor sufferer.to 60 on through
lie dark waters than obe annoyed as dy-
ing people sometimes are. :. Friends would
often be better employed in distant room
on their knees than to be engaged as they
!, ARE. Especially would we avoid, lbat for
Il turing process of faskingGthose whose eyi-
dence has bsen~iudispatable, after they are
) speecbieas, TO hold up a hand as a furfhe,
sign Of victory when. no more IL needed
10, stand upon tie verge q the etesnal. world
with solemn awe, 4as Eou, soc your iient
going down sintosthe' dark Hs.efs Of death
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