Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-07-15

H. ~ III IlaC moment seemed to close
also on the prospects of Birtha! for sbe
hheW tnat there was no beacon, no land
marx 10 warn the vessel of it's danger and
INFORM the pilot what coast they were an
proachlng, and what perils they were f.
AVOID; and 1T is probable that the almost dos,
pairing girl was, with her anxious friends
that llVelong night wanderer on the near
est shore. -'0"'-
With the return of morning came the aw-
tul confirmation of their worst fears
Ihere was no remaining vestige of Will
liam,s vessel, save the top Of the mast which
showed where it had sunk beneath the waves
and proved that the hearts which in tbe
morning had throbbed high with tender
hopes and joyful expectations, were then
cold and still "beneath the mighty waters p
How different now was the scene in Birtba,s
cottage, to that which it exhibited DURING
the preceding morning.
That changed dwelling was not indeed
deserted, for sympathising neighbours came
10 u as before; but though many NAV he
ADMITTED with readiness when it is time for
congratulatlon, it is only the few who can
pc welcome In the season of sorrow and
Birtha's sorrow, though quiet was deem
while neither her nearest relative nor dear
est friend, could do any thing to assist her
save, by removing from her SIGHT the new
furniture, or the new dresses, which had
peen prepared for those happy hours that
now could never be hers.
AT length, however, Birtha, who had al
ways appeared calm and resigned, seemed
cheerful also still she remained pale as in
the first moments of her trial, save when a
teverish flush occasionally increased the
brightness of her eyes; but she grew thin
ner and thinner, and her impeded breath
made her affectionate friends suspect that
she was going into rapid decline.
Medical aid was Immediately called in,
and Blrtha's pleased conviction that her end
was near, was soon, though reluctantly con-
tirmed to her, at her own request
1t is affecting to see an invalid rejoice in
knowing that the hour of death is certainly
approaching; because it proves the depth
and polgnancy of the previous suferings:
but then the sight is comforting and edify-
ing also. 1t is comforting, because it proves
that the dying person is supported by the
only "help that faileth not;'' and it is edifl-
ing, because it invites those who behold it
to endavour to belieCe, that they also may
hive and de like the departing Christian.
But 1t was not alone the wish " to die and
be with Christ" nor the sweet expectation
OF being united in another world to him
whom she had lost, that was the cause of
Blrtha's increasing cheerfulness, as the hour
OF her dissolution drew nigh. No
Her generous heart was rejoicing in
project which she had conceived, and which
urnuld. if-aalized he the snufcn of benefit
to numbers yet unborn. She knew from
authority which she could not doubt, that
had there been a proper landmark on the
shore, her lover and his ship would not, in
all human probability, have persisted.
"Ihen," said Birtha, "henceforth there
shall be a landmark on this coast and
will furnish it Here at least, no fond and
faithful girl shall again have to lament over
her blighted prospects, and pine, and suffer
as l have DONE"
She sent Immediately for the clergyman
OF the parish, made her will, and had clause
inserted to the following effect: 81 desire
that may be buried on the top of the tower
of CT church! and that my grave may be
made very high, and pointed, in order to
render it a perpetual landmark to all ships
approaching that dangerous navigation
where he whom l loved was wrecked. l
am assured that, had there been land
mark on the tower of CT church, his ship
might have escaped; and | humbly trust
that my grave will always be kept up, ac-
cording to my will, to prevent afectionate
hearts,in future, from being afflicted as mine
has been; and leave portion of my little
property in the hands of trustees, for ever,
to pay for the preservation of the above
mentioned grave, in all its usefulness !"
Before she died, the iudicious and benev-
client sufferer had the satisfaction of being
assured that her intentions would be carri-
ed into effect.
Her last moments were therefore cheered
by the belief that she would be graciously
permitted to be, even after death, benefit
to others, and that her grave might be the
means of preserving some of her fellow
creatures from shipwreck and affection.
Nor was her belief a delusive one. The
conlcal grave in question gives so remarka-
Bile an appearance to the tower of CT
church, when it is seen at sea, even at
distance, that if once observed it can never
be forgotten, even by those to whom the
anecdote connected with it is unknown
therefore, as soon as it appears in sight, pi-
lots know that they are approaching dan
gerous coast, and take measures to avoid its
perils.
But if the navigation on that coast is no
longer as perious as it was when the hero
inc of this story was buried, and the tower
of CT church is no longer necessary
landmark, still her grave remains pleas
ing memorial of one whose active benvo-
lence rose superior to the selfshness both
of sorrow and of sickness; and enabled her,
even on the bed of death, to ooniriue and
,oiH for the benefit of posterity.
1t is strange, but true. that the name of
this humble, but privileged being, is not on
record; but many whose names are forgot
ton on earth, have been, / doubt ot,receivea
and rewarded in heaven.