A single
verse written on paper, now yellow with age, hangs on the wall of a
nobleman's study in |
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In peace
let me resign my breath; |
And Thy
salvation see; |
My sins
deserve eternal death, |
But Jesus
died for me. |
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On one occasion,
Dr. Marsh was visiting the house of Lord Roden where he held a Bible reading
with the family. He mentioned Dr. Valpy's conversion by way of illustration
in the course of his remarks, and recited the verse. Lord Roden was
particularly struck with the lines, wrote them out, and affixed them to the
walls of his study, where they still are. Lord Roden's hospitable mansion was
often full of visitors, among whom were many old army officers. One of these
was General Taylor, who served with distinction under |
At length
Lord Roden broke the ice by saying, "Why General, you will soon know
that verse by heart." "I know it now by heart," replied the
general, with emphasis and feeling. A change came over the general's spirit
and life. No one who was intimately acquainted with him could doubt its
reality. During the following two years he corresponded regularly with Lord
Roden about the things which concerned his peace, always concluding his
letters by quoting Dr. Valpy's verse. At the end of that time, the physician
who attended General Taylor wrote to Lord Roden to say that his friend had
departed in peace, and that the last words which fell from his dying lips
were those which he had learned to love in his lifetime. |
A young
relative of the family, an officer who served in the |
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From:
2700-PLUS SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS By Duane V. Maxey |