ONE is so often struck by the fact that even many true Christians have a very real fear of death, that I feel compelled to pass on two little incidents connected with the closing days of the life of my dear Father, Dr. Heyman Wreford, on earth.
One morning, after a very bad night, he said to his Secretary, Miss Newton, “I have been nearly Home — but I have a right there, it’s my Home! There’s nothing to be afraid of in going Home.” He dwelt on this thought, and the beautiful comfort it gave him, for some time.
On another occasion, only a few days before the end, he was speaking to some of us who were gathered round him, and after giving an unforgettable individual message to each one, he looked round on us all, with a smile, and murmured, as his own father had done before him on his death-bed, “For ever―all together!” It was exquisitely beautiful, and very, very touching.
It made one realize that, to God’s children, there need be no fear of death — to them it is only the opening of the gale-way, beyond which lie the “green pastures and the still waters”—where there is “no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away.”
The realization of this, in my Father’s home-going was, and is so strong, that we who are left seem to have been lifted by it above the normal realization of our loss, into a wonderful sense of peace and triumph.
I feel sure that my Father, whose whole life was spent in devoted service to others, would wish those to whom he can no longer speak himself, to have the comfort of knowing that the One to Whom he went so peacefully, and with such perfect assurance, will be there to comfort and receive all who trust Him, when their time comes. C. E. C. G.
A friend who visited Dr. Wreford frequently in his last illness has sent the following: ―
“I shall never forget last Thursday night, as taking Doctor’s hand in mine, I asked, ‘Well, Doctor, how are you now?’ With an effort, and in a voice not much more than a whisper, he replied: ‘Home, S―, Home’; and with the utterance of these three little words, the ‘peace of God which passeth all understanding’ — that peace which the blessed Lord left to His own when He said, Peace I leave with you,’ seemed to fill his heart and soul, and was reflected in the radiance of his peaceful countenance. I said: ‘And you have no fear, have you, dear Doctor?’ ‘Oh, no!’ came the joyful response, ‘I am perfectly happy — there is no fear.’”