Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-07-05

eXterlorly, and that sentiment still existed In the
chilly frame that was now going to be conveyed to
the grave? What a horrible idea My God is
this dream? No; all was real I recalled to my
mind the last words of the doctor: he knew too
well the signs of death to allow himself to be de-
celved by false appearances No hope! None l
felt myself being placed in the coffin. What Ian
guage can describe all the horror Of that moment?
knew not how long | remained in this situa-
ton. The silence that reigned in the room a
gain broken, and ! was sensible that many of my
friends came TO look at me for the last time.
My mind was awake to all the horrors of my sit
uation in moment my heart became sensible Of
acute suffering. But what thought to myself
is everything within me dead Is the soul, as well
as the body, inanimate? My thought nevertheless
was proof to the contrary. What is then be-
come OF my iciU to speak, to see, to live? Every
thing within me sleeps, and is as inactive as if
never had existed Are the nerves disobedient to
the commands of the brain Why do those swift
messengers refuse to obey the soul? / recalled to
mind the almost miraculous instances of the power
of the mind directed to one purpose and urged by
a strong impulse. | knew the history of the lndi
an who, after the death of his wife, had offered his
breast to her infant, and had nourished it with
milk. Was not this miracle the effect of strong
will? | myself had seen life and motion restored
to palsed limb by mighty effort of the mind
which had awakened the dormant nerves. ] knew
a man whose heart beat slowly or quick as he
pleased Yes, thought I, in transport of Joy, the
will to live remains. 1t is only when this faculty
has yielded that Death can become master of us.
| felt hope of reviving, as may express it. by
the vigor of my will; but alas! | cannot even now
think of it without fear The moments were
speeding fast away, and by the noises around me |
comprehended that preparations were making to
close my coffin. What was to be done? During
all my illness often strongly desired to speak and
move, but could not do so. now made another
effort AS the wrestler puts forth his utmost strength
Of every muscle to raise up his antagonist, en-
ployed all that my will could command, and en-
deavored to i1npart to my nerves the impulse of
that energetic volition, my only hope! II ,cds an
PAIN In vain did try to raise one breath within
7 my breast-to utter one sigh And oh what in.
crease of horror! heard the nails applied to my
coffin! Despair was in the sound
AT that very instant E., my oldest, my dear
est friend, came into my room. He had performed
2 a long journey to see me once more, to bid an e.
ternal farewell to the companion of his childhood
$ They made way for him. He rushed forward and
S laid his hand, his faithful, fond warm hand on my
5 bosom. Oh, the warmth of that friends hand! il
touched the inmost fbres of my heart, and itsprang
to meet him. The emotion acted upon my whole
1 SYSTEM the blood was ag!tated it began to flow
: my nerves trembled and convulsve sigh burs
e from fhy disenchained lungs; every fibre moved
d with a sudden bound, like the cordage Of yesse
$ struggling against mighty sea. breathed again
d But SO sudden and so unexpected was the change
: in my frame, that an idea came to my mind that
Q could not be real--that | was again deprived o
reason. Happily this doubt soon ceased. A CRY
It of terror, and these words: lie vesw uttered
distinctly enough for me to hear, put all boyon'
s doubt. The noise became general, and some voice
| exclaimed, r. has tainted raise him up. car
1t ry him hence that he may not, when he opens hi
eyes, first behold his friend" Orders EXPLANATIONS
y cries of Joy and SURPRISE increased every instant
al is Mt | yynS cd out a
my coffin, and, before good fire, was brought t.
1t life, and found myself surrounded by friends AT
]. ter some weeks 1 was restored to health; | ha,
h seen death us near possible, and my lips ha,
touched the bitter portion which one day | mus
J. yet drink to the last drop.