The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-02-28
Death-Bed of President Jackson.
by REV. JOHN s G. ABBOTT.

One Sunday morning in the year 1927, as
General jackson aud his wifo were walking
towards tho little Hermitage church, sho Ell.
treated him to tuko decided stand as a
Christian, and to unto with tho church.
Ho rcpliad:
My dear, If l vero 10 do that now. IL
would DO said, over all tho country. that
had dono IL for the sake o! political effect.
My onemies would say so. cannot do IL
noio; but promised you that whom onco
more | am clear OF politics, will join the
church"
On tho 23d day Of Dec. 1928, Mrs. Jack
son died. II was a terrible blow to hor
husband, who had loved her with singular
fervor and eonstancy. He mover quite
recovered from tho shock. Ills spirit be-
came very much subdued, and be gave up
entirely tho uso of profano language, TO
which no had boen awfully addicted 10 his
younger days.
Mr.. Nicholas p. Trist, Of Virginia, was
Private Secretary Of President jackson. On
ono occasion. 1t seemed necessary for him
to enter the Presidents apartment after no
had retired for tho night. He found the
President in his night dress, sitting at n
table, with his wifos miniature proppcd up
against some books before him, and botwecn
him and the miniature lay his wife's we'll.
worn parycr-book, from which, according TO
his invariable custom, be was reading n
prayer before be slept.
About this tino thero was a season of
special religious interest in Washington
Tho pastor Of the church which the Presi-
dent attended, and from which tho writer
has :ho anccdote, called at tho White House,
and entered into conversation with the
President upon tho subject of personal ro-
lgion. He replicd
mo man respects religion more than I
do, or feels more deeply its importance
promised my wife that would attend to
tho salvation of my soul as soon as tho
election was over, but now the cares which
ongross me arc so overwhelming, and nv
Cabinet in such divided state, that l have
not moments time TO think of anything
but tho urgencics of tho passing hour. But
am resolved, so soon as leave tho Presi.
dential chair. and return to tho seclusion of
the Hermitage, to take up in earnest tho
subject of religion"
1t was tho old excuse; go thy way for this
time; whom have convenient season. The
hour OF retirement came, and still the Gen.
oral did not keep his promise. To ono who
addressed him upon the subject, he wrote,
in August, 1888: Il would long since have
made this solemn dedication 70 Almighty
God, but, knowing the wretchedness of this
worlc, and how prone many Gre to evil, that
the scoffer Of religion would have cried out,
Hypocrisy he has Joined the church for
pniitical sHnct,' Thought Il, boat to poet
pono this public act until my retirement to
the shades of private life, when no false i'm
putations could be made that might be in.
furious to religion"
About year from this time. In 1880.
there was a protracted meeting at the
Hermitage. General jackson attended all
the servcee with deep solemnity. He was
deeply impressed by the last sermon, and
urged the preacher. Rev. DR.. Edgar, of
Nashville, to 20 home with him. An en-.
gagement prevented this. General Jack
son, a sin convicted man, with his eyes open
to his true condition, passed the evening.
and most OF the night, in reading tho Bible.
and in meditation and prayer. The anguish
and tears of that night eternity alone can
reveal. With tho light of the morning
peace dawned upon bis soul. II was com
munion Sabbath ct tho littlo Hermitage
church. That very day, tho GeDora. made
a public profession Of his faith in Christ.
Tho church was crowded to its utmost ca.
pacity, tho very windows being darkened
with eagcr faces. As in great infrmity, he
leaned upon his staff, giving bis assent to
the creed and covenant of tho church, tears
trickled freely down his furrowed cheeks,
and all wore overcome with emotion.
From this time until his death he spent
most OF his time in reading the Bible. Scott's
Family Bible he read through twice, and
daily conducted family prayers. summoning
oil tho household servants. On the Sth of
June, 1915, tho summons came for the
weary pilgrim, then 7S years of ago, to ap.
pear before his Final Judge As he lay on
his bed, after sovore spasm he swooned
away, and all, for few moments, thought
him dead. But bo revived, and, raising bis
eyes, said:
my doar children, do not grieve for me.
Il is true nm going to leave you. am
we'll aware of my situation. have suffered
much bodily pain; but my sufferings are
but as nothing compared with that which
Dur blessed Savior endured upon that ac-
cursed cross, that we might DO saved who
put our trust in him"
He then took an affcctoinate leave of
each one of his family, taking them by the
hand, and addressing to each few words Of
counsel. He then" writes DR.. Efselman,
who was present, delivered ono OF tho most
impressive lectures upon tho subject of ro.
Iigion that have ever heard. Ho spoke
for nearly half an hour, and apparently
with the power of Inspiration for he spoke |
with calmncss, with strength, and even With
animation. In conclusion. no said, my dear
and friends, and servants, hope
and trust to meet you in heaven, both
white and black" The last sentence he re-
peatcd, both white and black
All present were in tears. 20 do not cry"
'aid tho General "Be good children, and
Re will all meet in heaven" These wore
lis last words. He ceased to breathe, and
lied without a struggle or pang. "Major
Lowis," writes his biographcr, removed
no pillows, drew down tho body upon tho
ned, and closed the eyes Upon looking
gain upon the face, he observed that the
expression of pain which IL had worn so
ong, had passed away. Death had restored
{ TO naturalness and serenity. Tho aged
Warrior slept. ~ COng,eg@tioaaIisL
Iu n 4aoIthv family al Vianna tba hoa