"Heavenly Father! everlasting and merciful God thou hast revealed to me
thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Him have I taught; Him have I
experienced; Him have I confessed; Him I love and adore as my beloved
Saviour, Sacrifice, and Redeemer--Him whom the godless persecute,
dishonour, and reproach. O heavenly Father, though I must resign my
body, and be borne away from this life, I know that I shall be with Him
for ever. Take my poor soul up to Thee!"
Afterwards he took a little medicine, and, assuring his friends that he
was dying, said three times--
"Father, into thy hands do I commend my spirit. Thou hast redeemed me,
thou faithful God. Truly _God hath so loved the world_!"
Then he lay quiet and motionless. Those around sought to rouse him, and
began to rub his chest and limbs, and spoke to him, but he made no
reply. Then Jonas and Coelius, for the solace of the many who had
received the truth from his lips, spoke aloud, and said--
"Venerable father, do you die trusting in Christ, and in the doctrine
you have constantly preached?"