BENTHAM (Jeremy, English philosopher and jurist, author of "Defence of Usury," "Theory of Penalties and Rewards," "The Rationale of Judicial Evidence," "Panopticon," and many other works of interest and value. He devoted much of his time and ability to the development of the theory that "Utility is the test and measure of virtue"), 1748-1832. "_I feel now that I am dying._"
BÉRENGER (de Tours, celebrated French ecclesiastic), 998-1088. "_I shall not long hesitate between conscience and the Pope, for I shall soon appear in the presence of God, to be acquitted, I hope; to be condemned, I fear._"
"No more 'twixt conscience staggering and the Pope, Soon shall I now before my God appear: By him to be acquitted, as I hope; By him to be condemned, as I fear."--_Coleridge._
Bérenger opposed the dogmas of Transubstantiation and the Real-Presence. His teachings were condemned by Pope Leo IX. in 1050.
BERGERUS (councillor to the Emperor Maximilian), "_Farewell, O farewell all earthly things, and welcome heaven._"
BERKELEY (George, Bishop of Cloyne, metaphysical philosopher and author), 1684-1753.
The last words of Berkeley are not recorded, but the peacefulness and suddenness of his death are interesting. One evening he and his family were sitting and drinking tea together; he on one side of the fire, and his wife on the other, and his daughter making the tea at a little round table just behind him. She had given him one dish which he had drunk. She had poured out another which he left standing some time. "Sir," said she, "will you not take your tea?" Upon his making no kind of an answer, she stooped forward and looked at him, and found that he was dead. _Life of Bishop Berkeley._
Berkeley directed in his will that his body should be kept above ground more than five days, and until it became "offensive by the cadaverous smell, and that during the said time it lye unwashed, undisturbed and covered by the same bedclothes, in the same bed, the head raised upon pillows."
BERNARD ("Saint," Abbot of Clairvaux and active promoter of the crusade of 1146. He is the author of many beautiful hymns), 1091-1153. "_May God's will be done_," said when he was told that his last hour was at hand.
BERRY or BERRI (Caroline Ferdinande Louise, Madame de), 1798-1870. "_Is not this dying with courage and true greatness?_"