The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-09-30
J.F. MCCLELLAN, Printer.


formed, but in witnessing the really i'm
!, proved circumstances of her parents, and in
the increased love, mingled with something
not unlike reverence, which they manifested
for their daughter.
These were the circumstances which came
to the knowledge of Joab, and which seemed
to interpose a barrier to his union with
Dolby. She affected no coyness-her life
was too much sanctihcd by high purpose TO
admit of coquetry-but while she frankly &C
knowledged that she loved him, and would
under other circumstances willingly become
his wife, she could assume no new obligations,
least Of all such obligations as marriage in
volycd, while her life-service was clearly due
to the guardians of her infancy. Inyain her
lover remonstrated--in vain urged that the
duties Of wife and daughter might be con-
temporancously performed-she remained
true to her convictions and firm to her pur-
pose.
/ why, Dolby argued the impatient Joab,
your father & mother might live with U.s.
rent would be no more for four than for two
you could take care of them and find timG
to earn something besides by plain sewing,
and my wages would be enough to support us
all comfortably
No, Joab-God has committed this charge
to me. ltwould not be right to compel yow
TO share it besides you caunot love them as
l do, and for all you think now, might be-
come tired Of them in time
How can you think so, Debby ? Wouldn't
they be my father and mother, as much as
youl'n and it isn't natural for nan to
turn agin his own flesh and blood
i know you are good, Joab, and mean
well. | do not distrust either your promises
o. your priuciples-but it would not be right
to burden yoG.with the support Of two infrm
people who have no natural claims upon you
nor for me to assume new duties which
would almost certainly interfere with those
owe to my parents. Married people are apt
to be engrossed with each other; BESIDES she
added, with a slight blush but without em-
barrassment, they are not long alone, and
maternal cares and anXietes are enough to
fill the heart and hands Of the young mother;
to the exclusion of every thing else No
Gods will be done. He has not conplica-
ted my duties, and will not The right
path is plainly before me, and while I walk
in that He will give me strength sutiicientto
my day
Such was the substance of Debbys replies
to the persuasions of her lover, and neither
his eloquence, nor the frequent pleadings OF
her own heart on his behalf could move her
resolute will. Accustomed to decide all mat
ters of duty by fixed principles Of action, she
made her inclinations bow to her convictions
of right, and with martyr-like devotion, sac
slfced, if need be, the former to the latter
! Let it not be thought that this decision cost
Dolby no effort or that it was made Without
pain, Long and bitter was the struggle Wiz.
in her breast; many were the tears she Shed
many were the prayers she offered for Divine
guidance; many the regrets she felt, before
her soul became strong in its resolution TO
live tol her parents, whatever sacrifice OF her
own wishes and prospects, it might involve.
But her resolution once taken, she became
calm; calm, indeed, but sadder than before
She had triumphed, but at the expense CT al!
her girlish joyousncss, which was gone forey-
er. But was she therefore unhappy? Oh,
wrong not Virtue by the thought! Peace,
with its deep serenity, came down upon her
soul, and hushed its warning passions into
sweetest repose. With quiet, thoughtful
air, she went to her accustomed tasks, and no
smallest duty was neglected; no kind office
that might be expected Of her was upper
formed. If she talked less frequently and
laughed less gai'y, there were deeper mean
ngs in her eyes, and a sweeter meditation
to her voice, than before. She conmuncd
more with her own spirit she read Eer Ri.
Die oftener; but her habit of introspection
rendered her none the less considcrate OF 9TH
ers, and her sadness never dcgenerated into
gloom. Her spirit was chastencd, not sou1cd,
by its trials; and what it lost in buoyancy,
was more than repaid by an increased capaci-
ty of vision, before which the mysteries Of the
unseen world Lecamc evcr-prcsent realities
Joab, though he did not acquiescc in Deb
bcy's decision, saw that it was the result Of
principle, and not a mere caprice he saw,
too, how much it cost her, and his sturdy good
sense recognized, in her devotion to her par,
ents, something beautiful and holy, which he
must needs respect and love His was not =
character to be unaffected by such an exhibit