Page:Complete letter writer (1).pdf/24

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Overwhelmed with grief, I entered over chamber, when she exerted the small remains of strength, and spoke to me as follows:-

"My Dear-I am now going the way of all flesh, but God the everlasting God will be your comfort. When I first became yours, I looked for all the happiness consistent with the state of human nature in vale of misery; and I must confess that my highest wishes have been gratified, and your tenderness has been even more than I could expect. You may have seen faults in my conduct, but I do assure you (and is this a time to dissemble?) they were altogether involuntary. My principal, study was to obtain the favour of that God before whom I am soon to appear. My obedience to the commands of my God has been attended with many imperfections, but I trust for pardon and acceptance in the merits of my dear Redeemer." Here she fainted-looked wistfully at me and shed a tear over her dear children

who were crying by her bed.-She attempted to speak but in vain. At last fixing her eyes towards heaven she repeated those beautiful words;-'Into thy hands I commit ny soul, for thou last redeemed me O thou: God of my salvation;"-and then closed her eyes never to be opened till the sound of the last trumpet. I was sunk for sone time in the greatest distress, looking on the dear remains of my departed spouse, and endeavouring to silence by persuasion, the cries of her orphan children. At last I recollected that I had still a friend left in you, to whom I might with a view of consolation, lay open the inmost recesses of my heart. I am afraid your indisposition may hinder you from visiting me, and if so, let me beg that you will in ihe meantime, favour me with a few lines. At present every sort of consolation will be acceptable.-I am, &c.