Last Words

Ever thought about your last words?

I know it's a very morbid thought, but my mind has been occupied by these types of words after I gave Wes a book recently, that I find fascinating.

Last Words of Saints and Sinners by Herbert Lockyer.

Elsie Newell quoted several people's last words at a women's conference this past weekend and I was intrigued and therefore, found the book, not in a bookstore, not in any of Charlotte's libraries (24), but on faithful Amazon.

I have really enjoyed reading these well-known people's last words. Surprised by many, not at all surprised by a few. Some are full of hope and security, others are lonely, dark and full of despair.

I can't imagine a sweeter time on this earth for a believer than his or her dying moments.

James Montgomery put it this way:

"So when my latest breath

Shall rend the veil in twain,

By death I shall escape from death,

And life eternal gain.

That resurrection-word

That should of victory;

Once more, 'For ever with the Lord!'

Amen, so let it be!"

Here are a few worth sharing:

JOHN ADAMS (1735-1826)

He died on July 4, 1826, just fifty years to the day after the Declaration of Independence. Having a great admiration for his compatriot, Thomas Jefferson, the last words of Adams were:

"Thomas Jefferson still survives."

But unknown to Adams, Jefferson had died an hour before Adams was called Home.

THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826)

Jefferson had a deep reverence for the Bible of which he wrote: "I have always said and always will say, that the studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make us better citizens, better fathers and better husbands."

When Jefferson came to die, author of the Declaration of Independence, he was fully prepared to meet the Christ he had sought to follow. His death also came 50 years to the day - July 4, 1826 and after taking affectionate farewells of members of his family, his last audible words were:

"I resign my soul to God, my daughter to my Country. Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace."

THOMAS PAINE,

the renowned American author and infidel, exerted considerable influence against belief in God and in the Scriptures. He came to his last hour in 1809, a most disillusioned and unhappy man. During his final moments on earth he said,

"I would give worlds, if I had them that Age of Reason had not been published. Oh Lord, help me! Christ, help me! O God what have I done to suffer so much? But there is no God! But if there should be, what will become of me hereafter? Stay with me, for God's sake! Send even a child to stay with me, for it is hell to be alone. If ever the devil had an agent, I have been that one."

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)

"I commend my soul into the hands of God my Creator, hoping and assuredly believing, through the only merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour, to be made partaker of life everlasting; and my body to the earth, whereof it is made."