As he held his hands up, I thought he wished to pray, and commenced reciting prayers out of the very book which he had put aside to be used in the last moments of his life on earth.
He followed every word I said, and frequently joined in the principal sentences. I then remained silent for a time, when I noticed again his raising his hands in prayer, or invoking the name of God; and I again recited prayers, in which he joined by moving of his lips or raising of his hand.
His medical attendant came in and spoke to him, and he appeared still conscious of all around him. The doctor again tried to make him take some wine, but he could only take very little. His hands now became very cold, and he would not allow them to be covered; he remained almost in a sitting posture, supported by cushions.
Relatives and friends now arrived. The gentlemen of the College, the ministers of the Synagogues, and several members, of the congregation were in the room. All his faithful attendants entered to take leave of their good master.
Mr Joseph Sebag Montefiore, Mrs Guedalla, Mr Guedalla, and the writer were also at his bedside.
We recited part of the daily Morning Service: "My God! the soul which Thou hast given unto me is pure. Thou hast created, formed, and breathed it into me. Thou dost also carefully preserve it within me, and Thou wilt hereafter take it from me to restore it unto me in futurity.
"During the time that my soul continues within me will I be making acknowledgments to Thee, O Lord, my God! and God of my forefathers, Sovereign of all Creation, Lord of all Souls. Hear, O Israel, the Eternal is our God, the Eternal is One!"
With the last word his soul took flight to heaven. The heart which beat so warmly for all that is good and noble had stopped for ever.
Serene calmness, peace—heavenly peace—lay upon his countenance, lit up by the glorious sunset of a life illumined by the love of God.
"The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away. Praised be the name of the Eternal now and evermore." According to ancient custom, all present rent a portion of their attire, saying, "Praised be the name of Him who is a righteous Judge."