Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-12-11
A Lovely Bride.

was spending an hour not long since, in turn
ing the pages OF pleasant miscellany, in the course
OF which my eye fell upon the following rare, but
beautiful and touching incident, in the history Of
one who that day 10 become bride.
A party Of lively and interested cousins and
friends had early assembled at the bridal mansion
for the purpose Of decorating the drawing room.
where the marriage ceremony was 10 be performed.
At length this pleasant duty being accomplished,
they retired happy in contributing to the Joy of an
occasion which while il would take from them
whom they loved would unite that one to the OBJ
iect of her highest regard. The room was beauti-
fully decorated with rich and varegaled bouquets.
and on centre table lay the goy adorned brides
loaf, an object OF great importance.
| said all had retired from the lovely spot bat
there was one of the cousins. who, short time
after, stole gently back TO look once more at the
varied beauty Of the scene, and TO indulge by her
self the hopes and anticipations OF an Affection
ate heart for the future happiness Of her friend
She gently opened the door, and was about enter
ing, when she noticed the sofa wheeled round
the precise spot where, that evening, the happy
pair were TO rise and exchange their solemn vows;
and there the lovely bride kneeling, so absorb
ed in her own thoughts the intrusion of her friend
was unnoticed That friend stood for moment,
gazing in holy admiration at the scene; she longed
gently 10 approach and kneel by her side, but the
occasion was too sacred TO admit OF social union,
and she retired
And what so solemn and absorbing, was occupy
ing the thoughts Of this happy beingf Was II the
anicipalions of worldly felicity that had brought
her there! Looking round upon the beauty and
gaety Of the room, where in few hours she would
give her hand 10 him whom she preferred to all
others on earth, had she, in the wilderness and ex-
cess of her own emotions fallen into a Teyerie =
Nothing of the kind Delighted she might be, aud
Justly was but she had one duty TO perform; a
high and holy duty, ere she plighted her VOWS To
the object Of her early affections. There in that
spot where she would soon stand, and surrender her
earthly all to her husband, she would FIRST conse-
srale herself to the Lord The prior conservation
was due to him. On that altar she wished 10 offer
an earlier aud holier incensei on that spot, TO
make record Of the prior deed, which she had
given Of herself to her superior Lord.
/ | know not of an earthly scene more lovely, or
of an immortal being in similar circumstances, in
I an attitude more becoming. And | am sure, that
4 il her intended husband had himself the love OF
God reigning in his heart, and could he have seen
her there, whatever he might have thought of her
before, his love would have sald-not perhaps with
perfect truth for Others it is TO be hoped have done
so before her-but he might he forgiven, il, in his
ardor aud admin alton, he had exclaimed, "Many
daughters have done vlTtuousy, but thou excellest
them ALL"
What beautiful example for the imitation OF
those who are about to be led to the hymenea altar
Most beautiful, NEST becoming know not the
subsequent history of that lovely bride, but am
certain she never repened ofthat act of sell-dedi-
cation TO God. She may not indeed, have escap.
ed sorrow and affection but if they her lot,
know that God would remember the kindness o
her youth lie would not forsake her. She might
bury her husband, children friends she might SUI
fer sickness and poverty but in no hour would heI
Heavenly Father forsake her; he would guide her
by his counsel and afterwards receive her to glory
Youthful females would you lay the foundation Of
future peace would you provide against the re
verses OF fortune would you have friend anc
$ protector through this world of yicisstude wouls
you have consolation in the darkest night Of adyer
4 sity which may sci in upon You initiate the exam
pie of "loyely brde"-[ Mothers MagoziHe