The Rev. Benjamin Morgan Palmer lived through the deaths of 5 of his six children, and his wife. His book, The Broken Home, accounts the personalities and final conversations and days with his dying family. I cannot recommend this book enough. For me, the first chapter was a little difficult to understand, but the second chapter fully captured my attention. It is quite sad, but also encouraging, and beneficial.
From The Broken Home, Ch. I, pg. 14-15:
"'This little soul which I had hoped to lead through knowledge up to God, must I not lead it still in another way, seeing that He calls for it from above? Ah, Saviour, if this be Thy voice saying as of old, 'of such is the kingdom of Heaven,' who am I that I should forbid? If to be taken into Thine arms is to be blessed forever, then, like the Hebrew mothers, let me bring this little one to Thee, even in death, for the great benediction. Oh, troubled heart, be still, and learn that no selfishness can be in love; that He who loves his Master withholds nothing, when He has need of it; and he who loves his child will sink all sense of loss in the everlasting gain to it, of lying safe upon the bosom of the Shepherd.' Thus the sharp struggle between nature and grace was ended in the submission which said, 'not my will, but thine, be done.'"
The first chapter, describing the death of his infant/toddler first-born son is almost poetic, but the chapters afterward describe conversations he had with his daughters, who were upon their death beds, about their preparedness for death.
Have any of you written anything about what you desire if you are upon your death bed? Scripture, books, songs to be read/sung over you in your dying estate? This book prompted me to write a few things down I desire if I am about to die, and for my funeral.
From The Broken Home, Ch. I, pg. 14-15:
"'This little soul which I had hoped to lead through knowledge up to God, must I not lead it still in another way, seeing that He calls for it from above? Ah, Saviour, if this be Thy voice saying as of old, 'of such is the kingdom of Heaven,' who am I that I should forbid? If to be taken into Thine arms is to be blessed forever, then, like the Hebrew mothers, let me bring this little one to Thee, even in death, for the great benediction. Oh, troubled heart, be still, and learn that no selfishness can be in love; that He who loves his Master withholds nothing, when He has need of it; and he who loves his child will sink all sense of loss in the everlasting gain to it, of lying safe upon the bosom of the Shepherd.' Thus the sharp struggle between nature and grace was ended in the submission which said, 'not my will, but thine, be done.'"
The first chapter, describing the death of his infant/toddler first-born son is almost poetic, but the chapters afterward describe conversations he had with his daughters, who were upon their death beds, about their preparedness for death.
Have any of you written anything about what you desire if you are upon your death bed? Scripture, books, songs to be read/sung over you in your dying estate? This book prompted me to write a few things down I desire if I am about to die, and for my funeral.