The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1824-07-06

tinguished
There IN the miserable room, lav tha dcscen
fanis Of two noble houses. Both alike vlctim
% what has always been tie cause ~ So
mems greatest miscry-l1ve--dcep and ua
wcaned love. The Laiy Mary had 10 he
life time been so still and f4ir. that the smiit
on her placid countcnance seemed but
nockery of death and whoever looked up
% the lady Arabella would have Judged thai
thought was still busy beneath those CLOSED
eye Hds.
The next day all was stll 10 that house q
mourning. Each one spoke III a subduet
tone, and moved with light and cautions ire "a
ls If fearful of awakening the repose OF the
lead All had passed a sleeplcss night. and
~ they arose from the pillow which Tad to-
tpurs received their tears. a silent grasp Of
the hand, stroog ia the first desperation u
grisL was their only salutation.
NV friend, said Mr. Conaut. II bccom-
eth not christians 10 be cast down in time o.
Irbulation. Let ~ pray 10 Him who il al
WAYS present help in time Of trouble"
Mary handed down the Bible and her
father read the 88th Pslam, without evincing
any other emotion than the slight quiyering
Of his lip and the gathering moisture Of his
eye. Mr. Johnson rose 70 prayer, and FOR a.
while his voice was clear and undisturbed bot
ia few moments sobs were alone audible.
Even his exalted piety sunk in that dreadful
conflict Of feeling. One burst Of we1kness,
earth claimed as lis own-tbe rest he gave
10 heaven. His brethren we're all eager 10
sneak words Of comfort. He thanked them
for their kindness and tried to hear them calm
"; but the mourner only can tell how pain
ful at such seasons, are well meant offers OF
consolation.
Few honours could there be paid to deceas-
ed nobility. The bodies were placed 10 rough
collins covered with black, aud supported side
bv side, even a. they had expired The pro-
cession stopped on a neighbouring cminence.
and after Mr.. Higginsou had dweIt long Oh
the suferings and virtues Of the departed, the
earth closed over them forever.
Grief like all violent emotions, is still when
deepest. Mr.. johnson returned from that
sad funeral, and not a sigh or tear was seen tc
escape him. The next dav be went 10 Shaw.
nut. mingled in the debates of his associates
encouraged the settlers. and surveyed tLt
tract he purchased at Tri-Mountain How
to build ur the church seemed 70 occupy III,
whole thoughts; and 10 that purpose he d.
rected his active and constant exertions. Bul
in the midst Of this artificial strengths it wa
plain enough TO be seen, that his heart wa:
broken.
A few weeks after Lady Arabella's death
he was seen slowly proceeding through the
forest. on his way Il Salem. lie paused no.
TO rest hrs weary footsteps till ne reached the
place where he had last seen the features b
his adored wife. Silently he laid down hi.
head upon the ground and wept. He arcs,
and for awhile rested his melancholy gaze or
the bright sun and verdant earth. Their
kneeling beside the grave, he prayed, E" Heav.
enlv Father, | beseech thee 10 forgive iii,
worship Of an earthly idol; and if it so pleas.
eth thee, take me from this world Of sin and
misery"
He entered Mr. Commits dwelling, and
tslightly pariOOk Of the food which Mary's as
siduous kindness prepared for him. No ex.
P2stulations could prevail upon him to remain
through the following day. He retraced biz
solitary path TO Shawmut, and it soon became
evident that the hand Of death was upon him
The day before his decease, he called Gov
ernor Winthrop to bis bed side.
YlUGNdTU
mourn that | am removed said he Tel
them to go on, like brave soldiers Of Christ
Jesus, until they perfect the work wherewth-
al he hath entrusted them. bless the Lord
that he has called me 10 lay down my life ii
his service inasmuch as he has suffered me tc
witness the gathering Of one church in apos-
tolic purity. ! have but one request to make
unto yon. Bury me 10 the lot which have
laid out at Tri Mountain = that at the great
Judgment day, may rise among the heritage
which ! have feebly endeavored to build up
| wOnld fam have the Lady Arabella place,
| by my side but it is a wearisome way TO Sa
lem and wheresoever our bodies may be, oui
souls will be united.-God forgive me, if il
sinful weakness, have loved that dear woman
even better than his righteous cause"
The excellent man soon after followed III.
young wife to the mansions Of eternal rest
and on the same day that the news arrived A:
Salem, the pious and reverend Mr. Hirginsor
was likewise numbered with the dead. Mis-
fortunes and discouragements seemed crow
| ding upon the infant colonies, which had Y
lately been rejoicing at their prosperity anc
increase In al their streets was the voice
OF lamentation and wo." The countenance.
Of men became disconsolate, and mournfull,
they passed each other, as they said, Icha-
bod lchabod Verify the Lord hath sorely
smitten Us"
This request was complied with and III,
FIRST buying place ia Boston was laid out arount
his grave.