Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-09-27
Patrick Henry's Death.


to avow sceptical sentiments, Patrick
Henry was always ready to defend
the Christian faith. A member Of the
Episcopal church, according TO his
latest biographer, Professor Tyler, he
not infrequently received the COM
munion. On such occasion his habit
was TO fast until he had been at the
Lords Table, and then to spend the
day in retirement
One hour, close Of the day,
he spent in private prayer and med
itation, and during il no one was
suffered to intrude upon his privacy.
While he was Governor Of Virginia
he was SO alarmed at the spread ofin-
fidel sentiuaents among the young
men OF the State that he printed, at
his own expense, an edition of Soame
Jenyn's View OF the Internal Evi-
dence OF the Christian Religion" and
an edition of Buffers Analogy.
When he met a young man OF scepti-
cal tendencies, he would give him one
OF these books. Doubtless the fact
that the book was presented by the
Governor OF the State secured IL an
attention from the young Virginian,
which he might not have paid had IL
been distributed by n more humble
colporteur.
Patrick Henry wrote out an elabor-
ate answer to Paine's Age Of Reason"
but being impressed by the replies To
Paine then appearing in England, he
directed his wife, shortly before his
death, to destroy the manuscript,
which she did.
In his last will, written by his own
hand, he concluded thus; This Is all
the inheritance can give To my dear
family. The religion OF Christ can
give them one which will make them
rich indeed
On the 9th OF June, i799, his kindred
being sent for, found him sitting In "A
large. old fastened arm chair. lie
was dying from incurable internal
disease.
His physician, DIR. Cable, was about
TO administer a preparation OF mer-
curry. Taking the vial In his hand,
the dying man said, IL suppose, doc
tor, this is your last resort. "
IL am sorry to say, Governor, that
it is, replied the doctor. Acute In
flammation OF the intestines has nj.
ready taken place; and unless IL is re-
moved, modification will ensue, II IL
has not already commenced, which
| fear"
What will be the effect OF the medi-
cine, doctorS'
1T will give you immediate relief,
Or the doctor could not finish the
sentence.
You mean, DOCTOR" said the sick
man, that II will give relief, or prove
fatal immediately"
You can only live a short time
without IL, and il may relieve you"
Excuse me, doctor, for n few
moments" said Patrick Henry, draw
ing over his eyes the silk cap he wore.
Holding the vial, he prayed aloud for
his family, his country and for his
soul. "Amen" said he, and swallow.
ed the medicine.
DR.. Cabell, who greatly loved the
old patriot, had gone out upon the
lawn, where, throwing himself under
a tree, he wept bitterly. Mastering
himself, he returned 10 the house,
and found the patient calmly watch
ing the blood congealing under his
finger nails. The orator fixed his eyes
on DR.. Cable, with whom he had held
many discussions about the Christian
religion.
Doctor, said he, with great tender
ness, II wish you to observe how real
and beneficial the religion Of Christ
il TO "A man about TO die
He then preathed 30 gently for
few minutes that those around him
knew not when he breathed out his
spirit.
AChicago man used the telegraph the