“On one occasion he inquired after a man who had been with him for some time for religious instruction; and being told he was at hand, desired he might be called. On his approach, he questioned him on some points of religion, and explained to him the Lord’s Prayer throughout: he spoke of his intention to baptize him, should he recover; and desired, that, in the event of his death, a clerical friend might be requested to do so. Shortly before he expired, being told that the New Testament was at hand, at his desire, the fourth chapter of St. John was read to him; at the conclusion of which, he said, ‘Thanks be to God!’ A hymn, which he had composed a short time before, was then sung, and of which the following is a paraphrase:—
Blest Saviour of the world! who art
Beloved supremely still by me,
Now, in thy ever-loving heart,
Oh let me not forgotten be!
Of all that blooms in earthly bower,
Or in ethereal field that blows,
Of every sweet and fragrant flower,
Thou art the fairest, Sharon’s rose!
Long passed away youth’s cheerful morn,