In a lower tone of voice and with subdued earnestness he prayed most devoutly for those two poor souls he had launched into eternity without any warning or any time to be prepared for their great change.
He prayed that he might meet them before God, and that God would forgive him for such a wicked act, that they might meet in His presence, and he obtain full forgiveness for his crimes, and that thus meeting and recognising each other they might forgive and forget all that had happened on earth, and enjoy the fulness of God’s presence for evermore.
Before Mr. Littlewood left Peace said, “I could like to ask you one thing, sir. Do you think it would be necessary for my own welfare that I should see Mrs. Dyson personally, and ask her forgiveness for shooting her husband?”
Mr. Littlewood had understood that Mrs. Dyson had gone away, although she really did not leave till the next day, and he told the convict that Mrs. Dyson had left, adding—
“What you want, Peace, above all things, is the forgiveness not of any human being, but the forgiveness of your Maker; and to that, with my last words to you, I want to direct your attention.”
The convict looked perfectly satisfied, and asked Mr. Littlewood to engage in prayer, which he did Mr. Littlewood’s prayer was frequently interrupted by fervent responses on the part of Peace.
“Oh, God,” he cried, “answer this prayer! Have mercy upon me.” And he cried and sobbed incessantly.
Though his face was buried in the bed-clothes, the sound of his sobbing was painful to hear, while his whole body quivered with emotion.
The scene was most affecting, and can never be forgotten by Mr. Littlewood or the warders who were present.
On rising from his knees Mr. Littlewood asked for a Bible and Prayer Book, which were handed to him by the warders.