The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-05-16
Nursing Fathers.

What could be more sweet and beautiful
tulflment OF the prophecy la 1923 than
the life and recent decease OF the great Ger
man emperor2 .s>.. -
Those who witnessed one year since the
celebration Of the ninetieth birthday OF EN-
peror William. trembled for the health OF
tee aged monarch at whose feet such q
marvellous tribute Of love, honor and VEN
Grafton was laid, but none imagined that
unharmei by praise, In one short year ne
would 90 down to the grave bowed down
by the weight Of months Of sorrow.
Before Prince Wilhelm, the most dearly
beloved by the Emperor Of his grand
children, could reach Berlin, the ninety y-one-
years old Emperor lay on his dying bed BE
appeared for the last time on Saturday at
the window to greet the passing troops, and
the crowd which daily watches the spectacle:
On Sunday he remained In bed. and seemed
10 realize from the first that his Illness was
probably the last one, requesting tnat the
sacrament of the Lords Supper might be ad-
ministered to him. His whole heart went
out toward the sick son whom he had not
seen for nine long months saying: III
could but see Fritz, and as he grew worse:
81 have but one wish more, that might en'-
brace my SON"
on ThvIsdsy afternoon, Dr. ,Koegel, one
of the cout pfeachers, and special chaplain
to the royal family, remained long by the
bedside, reading selections from the scrip
lures and Offering prayer. The sick man
Joined in repeating a part of the
Fwenty-third Psalm, and also the
verse, t'For me to live is Christ, and to
die is gain," giving a fervent amen to
prayer and scripture To his daughter, who
said to him, Papa, had you not letter rest
now2' be replied, "No; shall have plenty OF
time to rest by-and-bye." At another time
he remarked, ~ never could understand
why poor Fritz should be so sorely tried, but
shall know all about it soon."
stood by the bedside Of the dying man. At
four, those relatives who had sought little
rest were again summoned. Prince Bis
marck, who, after sleeping dose, had just
fallen into q light slumber, was again
aroused and quickly reached the palace. Won
Moltke was there. The friends Melt by tie
bedside and kissed the hand Of the dying
man; but all was not over till lalf-past eight
when the Kaiserin was carried faintlng from
the room. At ten appeared extra sheets an
'The event recalls TO mind his declaration
of allegiance to Christ few years since.
The occasion wasa visit to the Dom Chapel
in Berlin, to see new painting with which
the venerable building has been recently
adorned. The subject Of the painting was
the kings Of the earth laying their crowns
and sceptres at the feet Of Christ. In reply
to an address from DIR. Koegel, the court
preacher, the emperor said: GAS for what
you have said about me personally, ! accep.
it with all modesty as a man whose days ars
now numbered. In my lifetime heaven ha-
covered me with blessings and mercies, IS
pecially in my old age. But the homage
paid me I lay at the throne Of the Highest,
from whom we derive strength to exc
cute all the best things that can be done on
earth" Further on he said: "Within tho
last few years, before the eyes OF all OF you,
been raised higher than ever we expected:
You have all been witnesses Of the great
work accomplished, which will continue to
endure if its foundations remain in purity
Of religion and progress in every good deed.
In my old days can call heaven to witness
that have looked upon religion as the solo
foundation on which everything reposes, and
as the highest good of my people"