There is a superstition in some rural areas that a person cannot die comfortably if there is a pigeon's feather in his pillow! Many a dying man, before now, has had his pillow changed by those keeping the death watch, in hope that they could thereby remove the disturbing thing.
Perhaps you are inclined to smile at the folly of such people, or at least to pity their ignorance and stupidity. But wait a moment. This is not the only popular delusion in connection with the bed of the dying. Here is another, and one far worse in its effects upon others. Many people consider that if a man dies "peacefully," as it is called—that is, without restless tossings or any outward sign of excruciating pain, such as distortion of countenance and the like he has certainly gone to heaven. Yet if we take our stand on the truth of Scripture, there is no more ground for one thought than for the other. Both are delusions. Indeed, it is not of the righteous, but of the wicked, not of those who die in the Lord, but of those who die in their sins, that it is said, "There are no bands in their death." Psa. 73:44For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. (Psalm 73:4).
It is well to remember that there may be two causes of outward uneasiness: one through physical pain, the other through smarting of conscience; one because of the dying body, the other because of the state of the undying soul, and this in view of its entering into the immediate presence of God. "The spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Eccles. 12:77Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
It is related of Sir Walter Raleigh, that when his executioner gave him the choice of position on the block on which he was to be beheaded, he said: "It matters little in which direction my head falls, if my heart is right."
When Richard Baxter, the author of those two God-used little books, "Calls to the Unconverted" and "The Saints' Everlasting Rest," was dying, he said to one who visited him, "I have pain, for there is no arguing against one's senses; but I have peace, I HAVE PEACE." With intense bodily suffering he had the calmest, sweetest rest of heart and conscience, for he had Christ.
Should the writer or reader of these lines be called from this scene before the year is out, it will matter very little what his body may be passing through, and still less what kind of pillow his head may be placed upon. If Christ is his, through faith in His precious blood, there will be no stain on his conscience; and, through the knowledge of the God who provided such a Savior and gave such a gift, there will be no fear in his heart. All, all will be well.
But what must it be to be without Him at such a moment? If still a stranger to this blessed and (to those who know Him) never-absent Friend, take timely advice, and seek to make His acquaintance at once.
No other friend can say what He can say, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
"Jesus can make a dying bed
As soft as downy pillows are,
While on His breast I lay my head
And breathe my life out sweetly there."