The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-12-12
ALONE ON HIS KNEES.

Cruden, author of that invaluable book,
"The Concordance" died on his knees while
praying. He was man of remarkable in
dustry and fervent piety. His heart beat
warmly for the poor and suffering. He con,
secrated the entire profits of the second and
third editions of his book to relieve the poor.
1t was his souls delight to minister to their
wants. He was fine illustration of that
gospel precept, "Dilgent in business, fervent
in spirit, serving the Lord"
The first copy of the Concordance he pre-
sented to Queen Caroline, wife of George II ,
in 1877. The Queen was so we'll pleased
with it she promised to reward him; but six
teen days after she finished her brief life
Poor Cruden's hopes were disappointed. He
kept on in his back store in London, in the
Royal Exchange. When nearly seventy
years old he was missed Search was made
in his lodgings, and the man of God was
found kneeling by his chair, with the open
Bible before him, his face calm and peaceful.
Thus he died alone. Yet not alone. He
who says, LILO, Lam with you always was
with him. How blessed thus to fall asleep
in Jesus.
"Aseep in Jesus, 0 for me
May such blisstul refuge be!'
David Livingston, the beloved missionary
and explorer of Africa, also died on his knees,
Future generations will be benefited by his
life work. Like Cruden, be died poor and
alone, and while in the act of prayer. From
his long and weary march over wild and
untraversed country, exposed to hostile tribes
of savages, to malaria and other diseases, he
at last had to rest. He could be carried no
further. His faithful men built him hut
beneath large tree, and here the weary
traveller rested. After giving him food and
preparing his rude couch, his faithful servant
left him, hoping sleep would relieve him.
After some hours they drew aside the curtain;
Livingston was on his knees. They listened
there was no voice; they touched him-he
was cold in death Thus died this wonder,
full man. His attendants embalmed his body
and bore it hundreds of miles to the coast.
1t now rests in Westminster Abbey, where re-
pose kings, poets, divines, and philosophers.
Blessed ending of busy life His life was
one of prayer, as we'll as untiring industry.
"His watch-word at the gate of death;
BE enters heaven with prayer"
A medical student in New York recently
died on his knees, while in prayer and alone
with God The day before his death he
compl ined Of pain in his head. Nothing
especially alarming in so common an occur
renee, he retired to his room, hoping sleep
would relieve his pain. Next morning, as
the breakfast bell rang, there was no response
from him. Another voice had called him
away. After breakfast his room was entered.
The bed had not been disturbed. The young
man was kneeling by the bed, with his hands
outspread, as in the act of prayer. Thus he
passed away. A calm, serene smile was on
his face.
"Life's labor done; as sinks the clay,
Light from its load, the spirit flies,
While heaven and earth combine to say,
How blest the righteous when he dies"
Ia there any thing sad in these and many
other similar deaths? Is it proper for US to
pray, "From sudden death deliver uS2"