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devotion; her victory over the world; and the celeſtial diadem, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, ſhall give her at that day?*[1]
How happy the huſband, in ſuch a ſharer of his bed, and partner of his fortunes! Their inclinations were nicely-tuned uniſons, and all their converſation was harmony. How ſilken the yoke to ſuch a pair, and what bleſſings were twiſted with ſuch bands? Every joy was heightened, and every care alleviated. Nothing ſeemed wanting to conſummate their bliſs, but a hopeful progeny, riſing around them; that they might ſee themſelves multiplied in their little ones; ſee their mingled graces transfuſed into their offspring; and feel the glow of their affection augmented, by being reflected from their children. "Grant us this gift," ſaid their united prayers, "and our ſatisfactions are crowned; we requeſt no more."
Alas! how blind are mortals to future events? how unable to diſcern what is really good! Give me children, ſaid Rachel, or elſe I die. An ardour of impatience altogether unbecoming, and as miſtaken as it was unbecoming. She dies not by the diſappointment, but by the accompliſhment of her deſire. If children are, to parents, like a flowery chaplet, whoſe beauties bloſſom with ornament, and whoſe dours breathe delight; death or ſome fell misfortune, may find means to entwine themſelves with the
- ↑ Tim. iv. 3.
