What would you be found doing when overtaken by Death?
If I might choose, I would be found doing some deed of true humanity, of wide import, beneficent and noble.
But if I may not be found engaged in anything so lofty, let me hope at least for this—what none may hinder, what is surely in my power—that I may be found raising up in myself that which had fallen; learning to deal more wisely with the things of sense; working out my own tranquillity, and thus rendering that which is its due to every relation of life. . . .
If death surprises me thus employed, it is enough if I can stretch forth my hands to God and say, "The faculties which I received at Your hands for apprehending this Your Administration, I have not neglected.
"As far as in me lay, I have done You no dishonor. Behold how I have used the senses, the primary conceptions which You gave me.
"Have I ever laid anything to Your charge? Have I ever murmured at anything that came to pass, or wished it otherwise? Have I in anything transgressed the relations of life?
"For that You did beget me, I thank You for that You have given: for the time during which I have used the things that were Yours, it suffices me.
"Take them back and place them wherever You will! They were all Yours, and You gave them to me."
If a man depart thus minded, is it not enough? What life is fairer and more noble, what end happier than his?
IMAGE: Frans van Kuyck, Death and the Girl (c. 1900)
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