The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1888-06-07
T. G. CLEMSON.
His Lie and Religious servioes-An Inter-
esting and Inspiring Narrative.

4
His Life and Religious servIces-An Inter-
esting and Inspiring Narrative.
To the Editor ofthe Neaps and Courier I:
I saw in your paper of the 10th, com.
munication from Mississippi, dated May
8, and signed L. s. Foster, referring to
| the life and religious views of the late
Hon. T. g. Clemson, which prompts me
to make the following statement which
may prove of interest to some of your
many readers:
Since December last I have been the
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South at Pendleton. Some time about
| the latter part of January Col. R. W.
Simpson told me that Mr.. Clemson had
| frequently expressed desire to see and
| talk with minister of the gospel, and
invited me to ride out to Fort Hill with
| him. On our way the colonel informed
| me that Mr.. Clemson had entertained
peculiar views on religious subjects but,
for some time past, he appeared to be
much concerned about his souls saliva.
ton, and if an opportunity presented
itself he wished me to talk with him on
| that subject. On entering the sitting
room we found Mr.. Clemson reading.
but he arose and received us very cordi-
ally. While Col. Simpson and Mr..
Clemson were engaged in business
transactions, and it being my first visit TO
this historic place I soon found myself
absorbed in the inspection of the many
paintings and other articles of interest
with which the various apartments of the
old Calhoun mansion we're adorned, and
which had been kindly thrown open to
me. On my return to the sitting room
we all entered into a general conversa-
ton, which was to me very pleasant.
When we rose to leave, Mr.. Clemson
kindly Invited me to return and see him
again. Several days after our return to
Pendleton I received note from Col.
Simpson informing me that Mr.. Clemson
desired very much to. see me as early as
could 60, and that he wanted light on
spiritual matters. The note also inform.
ed me that the writer could not accom-
pany me, but that Mr.. J. D. Smith, 8
merchant of this place and a friend of
Mr.. Clemson's, would go with me.
In this interview, which lasted three or
four hours, Mr.. Olemuon seemed deeply
interested, and expressed great anxiety
to learn, if it were possible for him, at
that late day, to secure the salvation of
his soul--his eyes at times moistening
with tears. At the close of my talk I
asked if he would have me to pray with
him. Hereplied he would be glad if I
would. After reading portions of Scrip.
ture, and while knesling to pray, I found
that be had gotten up from his lounge
and was also kneeling, although Mr..
Smith suggested to him that it would be
as we'll to remain upon the lounge, to
which he replied: "No, want to get
upon my knees."
On leaving, Mr.. Clemson again pressed
me to return soon and see him, and said
that he had both bed and plate for me ct
any time and kindly invited me to come
and spend some time with him. Sick.
ness prevented me for while, but 1 did
visit him two or three times more during
his last illness, but each time, except the
last, he was suffering with great diff.
Guilty of breathing, and although he may
have desired to talk with me he evidently
could not do 80. The last time visited
him I hesitated about going into his room
after learning of his low condition, but
he heard my voice in the next room and
was informed that he desired to see me.
found him then in dying condition,
but his mind seemed quite clear, though
his powers of articulation were very
feeble. asked him how he felt spiritu-
ally and what were his future prospects.
He replied. "That is all right" I did
not feel satisfied that I understood him
clearly, so I asked him ifthat was his re.
ply, to which he gave unmistakable as
sent.
understood from his housekeeper and
constant attendant that he had been
reading his Bible and praying himself.
Which have been since informed has
been his custom for year or more. His
conversation with DR.. Pickens, his aaen-
ding physician and with Col. Simpson
and Mr.. Smith, corroborate his statement
to me, and gives me hope that he died in
peace, trusting in the all saving grace of
God in Christ Jesus.
/ have written these facts to show that,
while Mr.. Clemson may have entertained
skeptical views of Divine Saviour, he
had discovered, some time befole his i'll.
ness, his mistake and had become more
and more convinced Of the fallacy ofsuch
a position, and finally found las all must
fnd) there was no other refuge.
Men may in building their future
hopes, "set at naught" this Christ the
Son of God, but must sooner or later
learn that this "Stone" 'is become
head of the corner. Neither is there sal.
vation in any other, for there is none
other name under Heaven given among
men, whereby we must he saved" Very
respectfully, N. L. CLARKsoN'
Pendleton, S. c., May 21, 1888.
An Unparalleled Migration.