Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-06-01

a self.sacriacine devotion that rendered thcm
more attractive than if decorated for bride:
The occasion was one that could not fail to
imnress the most thoughtiess mind. The clear
strong voice of the youthful clergyman, rising
above the dash Of the waves that were forced up
the shelving beach, with just enough OF motion
TO give spirit to the scene; the solemn attitudes
of The listening throng; with the reverentiy un'
covered heads Of the males, from the hoary LOCKS
Of age to the bright hair Of the stliplIng"and
then the swell Of voices in the hymn that follow
ed the prayer-thc exhortation OF the graceful
preacher to those who had taken upon them holy
vows to persevere-and his invitation to the mum.
Bile penitents to come forward in confidence, and
be buried with Christ in baptism, and his warn
ing to the careless slnner--in all these, combin.
ed, there was that kind Of thrilling interest which
warns the blood. and stirs up emotions that can
not but be sa!utary, even if they pass away with
the occasion, aud from which lasting and eternal
good would come, if they were permanent. He
who could look upon such scene with scorn and
evity, must be wanting in the sources whence
thought and feeling spring in the soul.
Among the gronp Of candidates there was one
more timld. as she was more lovely than her
companions; and yet strong IN faith, she follow
Ell her pasortearlessy into the water and after re-
ceiving the impressive benediction, sunk beneath
the wave, as gently as if falling upon couch.
There was slight gasp for breath, as she again
stood upon her feet, and then bright smile
lighted up her features with holy confidence
before the truth Of which, the bodest inidel must
have shrunk, had he dared to mock the hallowed
feeling AS she came up out OF the water, the
youthful devotee broke forth in full rich strain
with the following stanza:
| Oh Jesus my Saviour, 10 thee submit.
With love and Thanksgiving, fa! down at thy feet.
In sacrifice cf'rr my heart, life AMI soul.
Thou art my redeemer, my Lord ard ny al''
The ceremonies were followed by a sermon in
the village church, from Luke xiv. 90" Lord,
it is done as thou hast commanded, aud yet there
is ROOM" A Young lady, upon whose imagina'
ton the scene had made vivid impression.
caught from this motto happy inspiration. which
was uttered almost mpromptu, in the following
beautifully simple lines:
Ills done, the sacred rite is done,
Aud they from death to life hath risen,
| g,or ca,s laurel each have won
| From The triumphant arch of heaven;
| crown of faith, an anchor sure,
| a hope that shall for aye endure.
'1is done; the fervent prayer is said
! That ask blessing this Vows
Though age hath silvereG not his head
Or stsmpt one fu,row his brow,
| Ye,truth and light to him given.
TO point their pathway On 10 heaven.
Ills done; the holy psalm is sung,
And echo soft repeats the strain,
| Till rock and hill, and vale, have ruBg
Those hymns OF lofty praise again;
And ali with one harmonious voice,
| Earth, sir, and seas, and skies rejoice.
! IT'S done; the cloud that veipd the day
Has vanished with the dying strain;
| So shall their tears be wiped away,
! Aud eriefan sin remsn
| For He who babe those waters How
Can make their crimson hue as snow.
Ills done, no wave has left the shore,
No murmur breaks their silent rest,
And yet-oh! there ia room for more
Within the blue waves peaceful breast
Where love and peace forever bloom,
Oh! there is room--there yet is room!