Page:In Memoriam. Matthew Fontaine Maury.djvu/25

 A Christian from intelligent conviction—a diligent and reverential reader of the Divine word—he was not demonstrative in his religion. His life bore testimony that he walked with God. The effect of his disease was to depress his spirits, which were naturally cheerful—even playful—and this depression continued for long and weary weeks, against every effort of the loving members of his family to comfort and cheer him. He would affectionately wave them away with his hand, and asked to be alone. He desired to be alone, that he "might commune with his own heart, on his bed, and be still." He was putting his house in order, and preparing to meet his God. It was observed that by degrees he became brighter and more cheerful. The comforting assurance that he was "accepted in the Beloved," found grateful utterance in such words as these—

"Lord God, Thou Redeemer of the world, and Ransomer of my soul! Have mercy on me. Pardon my sins. Teach me the errors of my way. I thank my Gracious Master, He has done so now."

These utterances were made as if in solemn communion with God. Then he would pass into a doze, and as he aroused, he continued—