Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... II THE END WITH the autumn came the final crisis. By gentle manliness he had managed to keep to himself the secret of much of his suffering, because he would not distress the children who had sought to pray him back to health; but God's wisdom had ordained otherwise. Now that he was to bid them a last farewell, all he wanted was their prayers for a happy death. "Autumn had come and almost gone, the leaves had fallen from the trees, the birds were seeking shelter beneath the laurels," so he too would seek shelter beneath mother earth and within the shade of his little church, to await the awakening of a new spring in Paradise. He brought to bear the same strong zeal and earnestness that had characterized all his previous doings upon the last important act of his earthly life--he meant to die well. After he had seen his people for the last time in the church he took to his bed. Thenceforth his days were spent in almost unbroken silence and prayer. He had no apparent dread of death; and when it definitely knocked to summon him, he met it with a quiet alacrity that betokened the realization of a true home going. I followed a morning star And it led to the gate of light. With a cry of "Hail and rejoice!" And farewell to the things that are, And hail to eternal peace, And rejoice that the day is done, For the night brings but release And threatens no waking sun. A few intimate friends were allowed at intervals to see him, and their memories, to the very last, are those of a HEADSTONE MARKING THE GRAVE OF CANON SHEEHAN AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARISH CHURCH, DONERAILE tranquil joy, with which, in full possession of all his faculties, he recognized their affectionate regard, grateful for each least kindness. The priests who had labored with him...
