The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-02-04

ACT, ana all may yet DO we'll DutlcS u'c ihlhc,uhu
thine heavenly father, are results, Overlook my
nfrmatieS, forgive all that needs forgivness, sustain
my weakness, and guide me by thine unerring
wisdom. She fell upon her knees to continue her
applications, and pour out her full soul before
her father in heaven: and when she arose, her heart
if not happy was calm; her brow, if not cheerful,
was serene.
Frederick Wesibury was an only child. He
never enjoyed the advantages Of maternal instruc-
ton, impressed on the heart by maternal tender
ness-for his mother died before he was three years
DID, and all recollection of her had faded from his
memory. Judge Westbury was one Of the most
ammbe one of the best of men; but with regard
10 the management of his son, he was loo much like
the venerable israelltish priest. His son like 9TH
or sons, often did that which was wrong, and he
restrained him not lie WAS neither negligent in
teaching nor in warning; bat instruction and dici-
pIine did not as they should do, 20 hand ,n-hand
and for want of this dcipIine, Frederick grew up
with pasE ions controlled-with will unsubducd
lie received a finished education, and his mind
which was ola high older was well stored with
knowledge lis pride of character was great, and
he looked down with contempt on all that was dis
honorable or vicious. He had chvalrous gene
Tosity, and trankness of disposition that led him
10 detest eonceanent or deceit.
lie loved or hated with his whole soul. In person
he was elegant his cnuntenance was marked with
intellect and strong feeling; and he had the bear
ing of prince. Such was Frederick Wesbury
at the age of four twenty.
About year before his marriage, Frederick be-
came acquainted with Maria Edon Il young lady of
great beauty of person and fascination of manner,
who at once ensaved his affections. But against
Miss E.don Judge Weslbnry had conceived Il pre-
udicc and for once in his life was obstinate, in re-
flsing to indulge his son in the wish of his heart
lie loresaw, or thought he did the utter ruin of
that sons happiness, should he so ally himself
He had selected n wife for his son, a daughler-i-
law for himself, more to his own taste. Julia lIor-
ton was possessed of all that hethought valuable in
woman, Possibly Frederick might have thought
so too, had he known her ere his heart was in pos
session ofanolher; but being pointed out to him
as one TO whom he must transfer his affections he
looked on her with aversion as the chief obstacle
to the realization Of his wishes. Julia was born
and had been educated in place remote from Mr.
Weslbury's residence; but from her infancy he
had seen her from Time to time rs business led him
into that part Of The country in which her parents
resided. In her childhood she enwneh herself
around the heart Of the Judge; and from that Pc
Rod he looked upon her MS the future wife Of his
son. Ills views and wishes. however, were strict
" confined to his own breast, until to his dsmny,
he found that his sons affections were cntangled
This discovery was no sooner made than he wrote
apreSsing letter TO Julia, who was now an orphan,
to come and make him visit of few weeks
The reason he gave for inviting her was, that his
health was rapidly declining, (Which was indeed
too true, )and he felt that her society would ne
so'ace TO his heart. Julia came; she saw Fed
erlck heard his enls htened conversations; observ-
I'D sbnb 'yn,'t l,n I,r,,
ofhls feelings and giving the rcins TO her fancy,
without consulting reason or prudence, she loved
him, Too late for her security, but too soon for
her peace she learned that he loved anu!hcr.--
Dreading lest she should belray her folly 10 the oh
ject of her unSought affection, she wished mmcdi-
ately 10 return TO her native place. But to this
tho Judge would not listen. lie soon discovered
the state OF her feelings, and it gave him unmin-
sled satisfaction liangurcd well for the success of
his dearest earthly hope; and as his strength was
rapidly declining, consumption having fastened her
deadly Hangs upon him, 10 hasten him to the grave,
he gave his whole mind 10 the Accomplishment of
his design. At FIRST his son listened Ia the subec,
with disguised impotence; bu his feelings soitcned
as he saw his father sinking To the tomb; and, in
an urgent hour, hr promised him that he would
make Julia his wlfn. Judge WeslJury next exert
ed hlnisef 10 obtain n promise from Julia that she
would accept the hand Of his son, and he rested
not until they hld mutually bligMed their faith by
The bedside. TO Frederick this was Il moment
Of unmng'cd misery lie SAW that his father was
dying ind felt himself constrained to promise his
hand 10 one woman, while his heart was in POSSESS
ion Of another.
Ju'm's emotions were Of the most conflicting char
meter. To he the plighed bride of The man
she loved, made her hear, ,hrob with Joy, and her
f,I, ia,
his affections, sustained her hopes. that his predic-
lion would be verified, ic, when she marked the
,ountcnauce OF her future husband her heart sank
within her. She could not tlAlcr herself into the
belief that his unningc& gloom arose solely from
,rielat the approaching death Of his father. She
eli that he was making sacrifice OF his fondesl
wishes al the shrine oilillal duty
Judge Westbury died; and with almost his part |
ng breath, he pronounced blessing upon Julia
Is his ddugh'er-ihe wife of his son-ino,i solemn
Y repeating his conviction that she would soon Sc
ure thu heart Of her husband
Immediately On the deccasc of her friend and
nlhcr, Julia returned home, and in three months |
frederick followed her to fulfill his promise. lie |
vas wretchca and would have given a world, had |
,e possessed it to have been free from his engage.
nent But hat could never be. Ills word had |
,cen given to his father and must be re-iously re-
cdoemed. u will make her my wife, Thought he;
| promised my father That would. Thank heav-
IN, never promised that would love hcr!' Re-
'uynaht as such an union was to his feelings he
vas really impatient to have it completed; for as
li' idea Of his duty and obligation went not beyond
he bare act Of making her his wife, he felt that,
hat once done. he should be comparatively free
nan.
Il am come, said he to Julia, 'to fulfill my en-
'agement. VIII you name day for the cercmo-
~"
Ills couniennncc was so gloomy. his manners 50
'old--so utterly destitute of tenderness or kindly
ceiling that something like terror seized julia
'cdrt and wllhon, making reply, she burs, into
ears.
why these tears, Miss Horton, said he. Our
mutual promise was given to my fi,her,ii is e, we
edecm it,
No particular time was specified sad JUL,
mildly, and with ficrng voice. is SO much
taste necessary
wy father wished ihat no unnecessary delay
honld be made, said Frederick 'and see no rea.
on why we should mol a. well be married now. as
4 somp fuiurp upriod If ,,, .,,,