e have gathered here some of the last words of some of God's more illustrious saints. The point is not to exalt these faithful servants beyond due measure, but rather to encourage. Some of the quotations are not the very last words spoken, but all were spoken or written as death approached.
Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out . . . Father of heaven, receive my soul!
Hugh Latimer
October 16, 1555/burned at the stake for the gospel
Lord, however Thou dispose of me, continue and go on to do good for them. Pardon Thy foolish people! Forgive their sins and do not forsake them, but love and bless them. Give them consistency of judgment, one heart, and mutual love; and go on to deliver them, and with the work of reformation; and make the name of Christ glorious in the world. Teach those who look too much on Thy instruments, to depend more upon Thyself . . . And pardon the folly of this short prayer. And give me rest for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom, with Thee and Thy Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever! Amen.
Oliver Cromwell
September 3, 1658/died as a result of a fever
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Acts 7:59
Since it is God's will that you should outlive me, remember our friendship. It was useful to God's church and its fruits await us in heaven. I do not want you to tire yourself on my account. I draw my breath with difficulty and expect each moment to breathe my last. It is enough that I live and die for Christ, who is to all his followers a gain both in life and in death.
John Calvin
May 27, 1564/died of old age
In age and feebleness extreme,
Who shall a sinful worm redeem?
Jesus, my only hope thou art,
Strength of my failing flesh and heart;
Oh, could I catch a smile from thee,
And drop into eternity!
Charles Wesley
Late March, 1788/died of old age
A young soldier, while dying very happily, broke out in singing
the following stanza:
"Great Jehovah, we adore thee,
God the Father, God the Son,
God the Spirit, joined in glory
On the same eternal throne:
Endless praises
To Jehovah, three in one."
The chaplain then asked if he had any message to send his friends. "Yes," said he. "Tell my father that I have tried to eat my meals with thanksgiving." "Tell him that I have tried to pray as we used to do at home." "Tell him that Christ is now all my hope, all my trust, and that he is precious to my soul." "Tell him that I am not afraid to die all is calm." "Tell him that I believe Christ will take me to himself, and to my dear sister who is in heaven." The voice of the dying boy faltered in the intervals between these precious sentences. When the hymn commencing, "Nearer, my God, to thee," was read to him, at the end of each stanza he exclaimed, with striking energy, "Oh, Lord Jesus, thou art coming nearer to me." Also at the end of each stanza of the hymn (which was also read to him) commencing,
"Just as I am without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bid'st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come,"
he exclaimed, "I come! O Lamb of God, I come!" Speaking again of his friends, he said, "Tell my father that I died happy." His last words were, "Father, I'm coming to thee!" Then the Christian soldier sweetly and calmly "fell asleep in Jesus."
Anonymous Confederate soldier
1861-65/died in battle in the War Between the States
I am not come hither to deny my Lord and Master.
Anne Askew
July 16, 1545/burned at the stake after torture on the rack, at the age of 25
[Margaret Wilson, a Scottish girl of eighteen, was tied to a stake where the tide was due to come in.] The water covered her while she was engaged in prayer; but before life was gone, they pulled her up till she recovered the power of speech, when she was asked by Major Windram, who commanded, if she would pray for the king. She replied that "she wished the salvation of all men, and the damnation of none." "Dear Margaret," said one of the by-standers, deeply affected, "say God save the king." She answered with great steadiness, "God save him, if he will, for it is his salvation I desire." "Sir, they cried to the major, "she has said it; she has said it!" The major, approaching her on hearing this, offered her the abjuration oath, charging her instantly to swear it, otherwise to return to the water. The poor young woman . . . firmly replied, "I will not; I am one of Christ's children! let me go." Upon which she was again thrust into the water, and drowned.
Margaret Wilson
Early 1680's/drowned for faithfulness to the Reformation
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last.
Luke 23:46
Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.
General T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson
Wounded by his own men, he died shortly after
