THE

CLOSING SCENE;

OR,

Christianity and Enfidelity contrasted

IN THE

LAST HOURS OF REMARKABLE PERSONS.

BY

THE AUTHOR OF

"THE BISHOP'S DAUGHTER," "SELF-SACRIFICE,"

"He liked to teach by example; and would dwell with emphasis on the
anomalies of that scene, - always significant, and ofttimes studiously
screened from vulgar gaze,—the death-scene of a professed Infidel."
COTTON MATHER, D.D.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR

LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, & LONGMANS,

PATERNOSTER-ROW.

LONDON:

SPOTTISWOODE and SHAW,

New-street-Square.

PREFACE.

THE celebrated Richard Cecil, when told that a young man for whom he had felt deep interest had "embraced the notions of the free-thinkers," and was "prepared to live by them,” replied quickly, "Ay! ay! but will he die by them?”

Often musing on this rejoinder, and persuaded that among certain classes of society sceptical views are steadily progressive, it struck me that a small volume might be useful, which should contrast the dying hours of the Believer with the dying hours of the Infidel, and show that the opinions which it may be convenient to live by, are wretched supports to die by.

In carrying out my scheme I have quoted largely from various narratives; and have availed myself, unscrupulously, of every source of information within the reach of a retired village clergyman.