The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-12-24
A CHRISTIAN sTArEsMAS's DEATH.

In an age when it was fashionable to avow
skeptical sentiments, Patrick Henry was al
wavs ready to defend the Christian faith. A
member Of the Episcopal Church according
to his latest biographcr, Professor Taylor, he
not iufrequently received communion. On
such occasions his habit was to fast until be
had been at the Lords Table, and then to
spend the day in retirement.
One hour, at the c.oSe of the day, he spent
in private prayer and meditation, and dur
ing it no one was suffered TO intrude upon
his privacy.
While lie was Governor Of Virginia he
was so alarmed at the spread Of infield sent-
ments among the young alen of the State,
that he printed at his own eNl leIse, an
edition Of Soamc Jcnyn's view of the H.
ternal Evidence of the Christian Religion
and an edition Of Buffers Analogy. When
he met young man of skcptical tendencies,
he would give him one Of those books.
Doubtless the fact that the book was pre-
sentcd by the Governor of the State Sc
cured it an attention from the young Nir-
ginian, which he might not have paid had
il been distributed by q more humble col
porteur.
Patrick Henry wrote an elaborate answer
to Paine's age Of Reason but being i'm
pressed by the replies to Paine then appear
ing 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 inheri-
religion Of Christ can give them one which
will make them rich indeed"
On the 9th Of June, 1899, his kindred being
sent for found him sitting in a large, old
fashioned arm chair. He was dying from an
incurable internal disease.
His physician, DIR. Cable, was about to ad-
minister preparation Of mercury. Taking
vial in his hand, the dying man said II
suppose, doctor, this is your last resort"
81 am sorry to say. Governor, that it is,'
replied the doctor. Acute inflammation of
the intestine has already taken place, and
unless it is removed modification will ensue,
if it has not already commenced, which
fear.
"what will be the effect of the medicine,
doctor"
at will give yon immediate relief, Or
the doctor did not finish the sentence.
"You mean, doctor" said the sick man,
''that it will give relief or prove fatal i'm
mediately."
"You can only live Il short time without
i: sl9as il r7ts 4Etelieys you.'
"Excuse me, doctor, f6i az = nI0ments,"
said Patrick Henry, drawing; over his eyes
the silk cap lie wore. Holding the VIA, i,e
prayed alone for his family, his country, and
for his own soul. Amen" said he, and
swallowed the medicine.
DR.. Gable, who greatly loved the old pa
triot, had gone out upon the lawn where,
throwing himself under tree, he wept Bit
terly. Mastering himself he returned to the
house. and found the patient calmly watch
ing the blood conscaling under his finger
nails. The old orator fixed his eyes on DR..
Cable, with whom he had held N: NJ dis
cussions about the Christian religion.
"Doctor," said he, with great tenderness,
II wish You to observe how real and benefi-
cial the religion of Christ is to man about
to die
He then breathed so gently for few min
utes that those around him knew not when
he breathed out his spirit.-[Christian States
man.