Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1854-03-14
From the Genius oflhc Vast.
THE DYING HU 8 B AN d .
BY LOUISA MANFoRD.

BY LOUISA MANFoRD.
1t was q lovely autumnal evening:
the gentle breezes lightly touched tho
check OF the weary traveller, or passed
with low toned melody thro ugh the for.
est, where the leaves were already ting.
ed with a thousand varying colors,
which an American forest ever exhibits
in autumn. Tho happy warblers of the
forest. Outright end beautiful pluma age
and most melodious songs, seemed tax.
ing last jubilee amid the fading leaves
ere they were scattered by the wintry
winds, or nipped by the coming frosis.
The clear bubblng brook flowed noiss.
lessly by; its waters dancing and sparkl.
ing beneath the last rays Of the declin.
ing sun. From the hills came the mer.
ry tinkling Of many bells, as the focks
are lesureIy vending their wey from the
pastures still green and beautiful, to
the welcome shelter Of the fold; and the
farmer boys merry whistle, or snatches
of wild songs, aid the glad m: sic as he
homeward hies from his daily toll. A..
round the farm houses still remain many
vestiges Of summer flowers, and a few
bright, nutumnal roses may be seen. as
il 10th to leave the parent stem alone.
The old watch dog dozes dreamily on
the steps at the door; now giving low
multered growl as if disturbed by un.
pleasant dreams, and again lifting his
shaggy head an | uttering short quick
bark, as each new conner passes silent.
ly through the op en- doorway, and then
finding all things right, composes him.
self again to sleep; he is the old favorite
and is not often lett thus alone to deem
his hours away; but now, If in con.
lfast with the beauty and harmony with.
out, there is mourning, aud deep, heart.
felt sorrow within.
Consumption, that fell destroyer OF
many household idol. has laid his
hand heavily upon one, the most 10, ed {,
the dearest of that household band. His
counterance exhibits singular beauty,
and wears that peculiarly interesting ex.
preston which consumption alone can
give. The raven locks are thrown back
in rich clustering curls, from noble
forehead, while those large hazel eyes
wear the illuminated expression pecul.
ar 10 the disease, and the setting sun as
it falls for the last time in fitting rays,
on his palId features, renders them al.
most superhumanly bright and beautiful.
His arm is thrown fondIy around the
kneeling form Of her, who not year a.
go, he for the first time called wife. Ev.
er and anon his eyes are turned 10 her
for the still treasured kiss, while again
a nd again he repeats, Dearest must
60, but weep not, for you will come soon
alter me! Oh Father in heaven, protect
and comfort my beloved wife!' Again
and again did that PROSTATE being pra ~
that his life, which seemed essential TO
her own existence, might be sparcd;tha
he might again be restored 20 health,
and it seemed that prayers so ardent
must be ans~eret-and they were an.
swered; yet not as she prayed, but far
more to the happiness Of the beloved
Que, and the glory OF God. God in his
wisdom knew what was best, and he
granted TO the beloved, life: not fleeing
earthly life, but life eternal; and to the
bereaveJ, grace 10 sustain her in the hour
of'lrial AMI suffering.
Oh! who would call one from the glo
fious and eternal life with Christ ard
his angels, to share this suffering life
with US on earth? Who would murmur
al the will Of our AIlwise Creator, who
calls 10 himself those who are TOO pure,
too fralI for this life and its trials? Who
would long for friends to live on, life
Of toll, suffering. and temptation? God
docth all things we'll: He wills no idle
pang or needless ,ea,; His hand is ever
stretched out for good and not for evil,
10 his creatures And what a blessed
assurance he has given US Of u happy re-.
union hereafter; a re. union in the bright
land above: the glorious spirit land
the home OF the soul-lhe land Of plen.
ty; where the waters Of life increasingly
lave; where we may ever roam with those
best loved ones, in bright elysian fields,
and sing the praises Of God the Father,
and dwell with Christ tho Son for aye.
Princeton, Ind.