The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-12-29
QUESTIONS TO THE DYING.

In some respects all true Christians feel alike
when they come to die. They all feel it to be a
moment Of supreme solemnity, and that there is
nothing for the soul to rest upon but the Rock OF
Ages. In other respects they feel very differently,
according to temperament, habit, and other cir
eumstances Certain characteristics which pre-
vailed through life, are likely to attend them to Its
close To some people, and under some diseases, 1t
may be altogether comfortable to converse great
deal on the subject of religion, or on any other
thought suitable But this is not always the case
it is indeed often just the reverse Is this fact al
ways duly considered by surrounding and sympa-
thising friends? Are not the dying sometimes,
yea often unnecessarily and grievously worried with
repeated questions about their religious state? Ii
it is easy and agreeable to the patient to tell every
visitor how he is supported through the dark val
ley, let him do it as often as he sees fit. But why
should this be so unseasonably pressed upon dying
man, especially if, beside the testimony Of life,
distinct and satisfactory declarations have been al
ready given? 1t does not seem fit, we are almost
ready to say that it is cruel though not so intend
ed, to urge inquiries again and again upon these
departing sufferers. 1t would be well for impor
tunate friends to reflect upon few considerations
such as these:
l. The great effort it often costs the patient un-
der acute disease or extreme prostration, even to
listen to question.
D The still greater effort it may require to frame
aud express suitable reply.
3. The trial to his feelings, if conscious that his
reply has been imperfect and consequently his
meaning misunderstood, and yet that he has no
strength to amend it.
4. How irksome it often is to be kept repeating
what has been already sufficiently declared
5. How often in sickness the soul of the believer
Graves repose and silence. In some diseases the
nervous sensibiity becomes SO acute that the noise
of footstep across the room, the rustling of u
newspaper, or the scratch of pin is a torture
There are many who can at such crisis say EN-
phatically-
In secret silence of the mind,
My God and there my heaven [ find.
DR.. FOote, recently departed, declared before
hand that he would have nothing to say when he
came to die. He wished to be judged by the tes-
timony of his life. What he had to say was before
he should come to the great river; after entering
it the crossing would be enough to occupy his at
tention.
Others have felt the same way An eminenty
good man, when surrounding friends seemed to
expect dying address, simply remarked-"I
have said my say, and have no wish to change it, ;"
Another when pressed with question after ques-
ton by one of his brethren, and after he had al.
ready declared that his heart had 'peace in be.
ieving, gave courteous answer, but added,
my dear brother, let that be the last question
When that excellent man, the Rev. James L.
SlOss, of Florence, Alabama, was just about to
die lin 1884,, his physician began to converse with
him, when he replied" Be silent, my friend,
wish to commune with my Saviour"
To the students of Union Theological Seminary,
gathering around his bed, just before he expired,
DR.. John II. Rice remarked-"I have no speech
for this occasion"
The purpOrt of these remarks is, not to disap.
prove of death.bed testimonies from Christians to
the power of divine grace and the precousness OF
the promises-for it is delightful to hear them;
nor to disapprOve Of others cOnversing and pray
ing with them-for that may be great comfort to
them and to their afflicted friends They are only
meant to guard against pressing such things too
far, in cases where any further testimony from the
dying is not needed and where its utterance would
be trial instead of comfort to the departing
one. And that this suggestion is not out of place
we think there are not few readers who can bear
witness from their own observation.