This much is certain, that Gerard did utter these words, and prepare for his departure, having uttered them. He sent for all the monks who at that hour were keeping vigil. They came, and hovered like gentle spirits round him with holy words. Some prayed in silence for him with their faces touching the ground, others tenderly supported his head. But when one of them said something about his life of self-denial and charity, he stopped him, and addressing them all said, "My dear brethren, take note that he, who here dies so happy, holds not these newfangled doctrines of man's merit. Oh, what a miserable hour were this to me an if I did! Nay, but I hold with the Apostles, and their pupils in the Church, the ancient fathers, that 'we are justified, not by our own wisdom, or piety, or the works we have done in holiness of heart, but by faith.'"[N]
Then there was a silence, and the monks looked at one another significantly.
"Please you sweep the floor," said the dying Christian in a voice to which all its clearness and force seemed supernaturally restored.
They instantly obeyed, not without a sentiment of awe and curiosity.
THE DEATH OF GERARD
"Make me a great cross with wood ashes."
They strewed the ashes in form of a great cross upon the floor.
"Now lay me down on it: for so will I die."