The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-04-26

By REV. JOHN C. ABBOTT.

ing toward the little Hermitage church. she
entreated him to take decided stand as .
Christian, and 10 unite with the Church
lie replied:
MY dear, if 1 were to do that it would
be said, all over the country. that ] had
done it for the sake Of political effect. Ny
enemies would all say so. can not do it
no,c;; but promise you that when once
more | am clear Of politics will join the
church"
On the Esd Of Dee. 1898, Mrs. jackson
died. 1t was . terrible blow to her hus-
band who had loved her Tor singular fervos
from the shock. His spirit became very
much subdued. and be gave up entirely the
use of profane language, to which he had
been awfully addicted 10 his younger days.
Mr.. Nicholas P. 1'riss. Of Virginia. was
private Secretary of President Jackson. On
one occasion. il seemed necessary Ter him
TO enter the Presidents apartment after he
had retired for the night He found the
President in his night dress. sitting as ia
bic, with his wife's miniature proposed up
against something before him. and between
him and the miniature lay his wife's we'll
worn prayer book. from which. according to
his invariabie custom, he was reading
prayer before he slept.
About this time there was a season of
spec al interes. in Washington. The pastor
OF the church, which the President attend
ed, and from whom the writer has the an.
ecdote, called at the White House. and en-
tered into conversation with the President
upon the subject of personal religion. He
replied:
mo man respects religion more than
do, or feels more deeply its Importance
l promised my wife that would attend to
the salvation OF my soul As soon as the slee-
ton was over. but now the cares which en-
gross me are SO overwhelming. and my cab
met in such a divided state that l have nos
a moments time to think Of anything but
the urgencies of the passing hour. But
am resolved. as soon as leave the Presi-
Dental chair. and retire to the seclusion OF
the Hermitage. 10 take up. in earnest, the
subject OF religion = ~
II was theaold excuse; go thy way for
this time: when have q convenient season.
The hour of retirement came, and still the
General did not keep his promise. To one
who addressed him on the subject. he wrote
in August, 1888, II would long since have
ma ie this solemn dedication to Almighty
/ God. but knowing the wretchedness OF this
world. and how prone many are to evil.
that the scoffer of religion would have cried
out. "hypocrisy he has joined the church
for political effect" I thought it best to
postpone this. public act. until my retirsment
! 70 lie shade 81 private life, hen no ~ialss
imputatons could be made that might be
injurious to religion"
| About a year from this time, in 1889,
there was protracted meeting at the Her
mi,age. Gen. Jackson attended all the
services with deep solemnity. He WAS
! II - ~ 1As nd
urged the preacher, Rev. DR.. Elgar. OF
Nashville. to go home with him. An en-
gagemen, prevented this. Gen jackson a
sin convicted man with his eyes open to his
true condition. passed this evening. and
most of that night in reading the Bible. aud
in meditation and prayer. The anguish and
tears of that night eternity alone can reveal.
With the light of the morning peace dawn
ed upon his soul. 1t was communion Sab
bath at the little Hermitage church. Thai
very day. the Gene,a al made public pro
fession Of faith in Christ. The church wa
crow ded to its utmost capacity, the yer.
windows being darkened with eager faces
As, in great iniirmity. he leaned upon hi,.
staff. giving his assent to the creed and GOV
enant of the church, tears t.ickled freel
down his furrowed checks, aud all wer,
overcome with emotion.
From this time until his death Ee sper
most of his time reading the Bible. Scott
family Bible he read through twice. ant
daily conducted family prayers. summon
ing all the household servants. On the 81
Of June 1S45. the summons came for tn
weary pilgrim. then 78 years OF age. to ~
pear before his final Judge. As he lay uf
on his dying bed after q severe spasm
swooned away, and all for few moment
/ y Aa
raising his eyes. said:
"My dear children. do not grieve for nc
II is true am going to leave you. 1 ar
well aware Of my situation. ! have suffer
ed much boldly pain; bus my sufferings ar.
{ bat as nothing compared with that which
our blessed Savior endured upon the accur
sed cross. that we might all be saved wh
put our trust in him"
He then took an affecfonate leave Of eac
one of bis family. taking them one by Oh
by the hand, and addressed to each one ,
few words of counsel. He then." write
DIR. Esselman, who was present "deiivere.
one Of the most impressive lectures upo-
the subject Of religion that have ever heard
He spoke for aearly an hour. and appar
emily with the power of inspiration. for
spoke with calmness. with strength. an !
even with animation. In conclusion, b
said. my dear children. friends and ser
wants, hope and trust to meet you J.
haeven. both white and black" The Las
sentence he repeated. "both white and
black
8 All present were in tears 30, do not
cry" sid the Gereral. BE good childres
! and We will meet in Heaven" These wes.
his last words. He ceased to breathe, snd
. died without . struggle or pang. "A.jo,
Lewis" writes the biograpbsr. removed
the pillows. drew down the body upon tn
bed and closed the eyes Upon lookina
; again upon the face. be observed that the
expression Of pain which had worn 30 loot
had passed away. Death bad restored TO y
n.,uralness and s. rsnisy. The aged war
!, rior slept