My Mother told me this story when I was a boy.
She had a cousin who was about ten the same age as her at the time. He was very ill and was in bed in his parents tent. One day he sat up and asked for a drink of water, he drank the water and then sang the hymn Abide with me, then he lay back down and died.
His singing of this hymn must have been a comfort to his parents and must have spoken of his faith to all who heard about him, as he still speaks today.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
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