To die without a lingering illness

Thu 8 Jul 1736: Mr. Oglethorpe being there [see yesterday], and casually speaking of sudden death, Miss Becky said, ‘If it was the will of God, I should choose to die without a lingering illness.’ Her sister said, ‘Are you then always prepared to die?’ She replied, ‘Jesus Christ is always prepared to help me. And little stress is to be laid on such a preparation for death as is made in a fit of sickness.’