Death and Sleep

There is a sort of dreamy consciousness, attending the dying, that makes it bear a close resemblance to sleep.

The dream that Governor Hampton (S. C.) had on one occasion bears a close analogy to scenes often witnessed by the dying. 

The editor of the Columbia (S. C.) Register, in the course of an account of a visit to him on one occasion when he was very sick, tells a striking story of a dream, which the Governor had at the crisis of his case. The visitor, about to take his leave, said to the Governor―At least, in all your serious illness, you had the devoted love of your own people. Ah; yes, sir, was the hearty, deep-toned reply, never man more. 

I believe, as confidently as I do, that I live, that the prayers of the people saved my life. 

I will tell you why I feel, and believe it, so firmly. 

While I was lying here, at the point of death, and had become utterly indifferent whether I lived, or died, I got a letter from an old Methodist preacher, one of my old friends. 

He wrote me word, informing me of the deep and devout petitions on behalf of my restoration by the Methodist Conference; then, in session at Newberry. 

He then urged upon me to exercise my will to live in response to the supplications of the people of the whole State, who were praying for me, night and day, in every household in the State. 

My sister, who had tremblingly brought the letter to my bedside, and read it to me, then urged me to listen to the kind, loving words of the man of God, and to arouse my will to live, and I promised to do so. 

I fell into a deep sleep that night, and the most vivid dream I ever experienced in my life crossed my slumbers. 

I dreamt I was in a spacious room, and that in it, I was moved to all parts of the State, so that I met all my assembled friends everywhere. 

I remember, most distinctly of all, old Beaufort, where I had last been. It seemed that there were immense assemblages, and as I looked down upon them, a grave personage approached me, and touched me on the shoulder, and said to me―These people are all praying for you. Live! live! live! 

I never realised anything like it before. It seemed a vision. 

I woke the next morning, feeling the lifeblood creeping through my veins, and I told my family the crisis was passed, and I would get better.