Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-01-01

ilized corner of the globe whittier she was goins
But both our parents had dedicated their childre
to God; and they would not cast even q, shadow o
the path of sefsacri6ce and duty their darling ha
chosen.
To come down to the unromantic little details O
wedding preparations how we stitched and trim
ed, packed and prepared-how we stoned raisons
with tea7s in our eyes; and seasoned the wedding
cake with signs But there is little use in thinking
over these things. Ellen was the first and fore
most of all, as she always had been in every emer-
gency, great or small. Nothing could be made
without her. Even the brides cake was taken
from the oven by her own fair hands, because no
one-servant sister, moiher-was not willing to
run the risk of burning sister Ellens brides cake
and she " knew just how to bake it,"
We were not left alone in our labcrs for Ellen
had been loved by more than the home roof shell
tered. Old and young, poor and rich, united in
bringing their gifts, regrets and blessings, to the
chosen companion of the pastor they were so soon
to loose. There is something in the idea of mis-
sionary life that touches the sympathy of every
| heart which mammon has not too long scared. To
see one, with sympathies and refnements Ike our
I
comfort and civilization, for the good of the lost
and degraded heather, brings too strongly into re-
hef by contrast the sel6shness of most human lives
led among the gayeties and luxuries of time
The day. the hour, came. The ship was to sail
from b., on the ensuing week and it must take
away an idol. - $500. s.
She stood up in the village church, that all who
loved her. and Ionged for another sight of her sweet
face, might look upon her, and speak the simple
words that should link hearts for eternity We
sisters stood all around her. but not too near; for
our hearts were overlooking, and VIC could not
wear the happy faces that should grace a train of
bridesmaids. She had cheered Us through the
day, with sunshine from her own heart, and even
while We were arraying her in her simple white
muslin, like lamb for sacrifice, she had charmed
our thoughts into cheerfulness 1t seemed like /
some dream Of fairy land, and she the embodiment
Of grace and l0yeliness, acting the part of some
Queen Titania for a little while The dream chan
ged TO far different reality, when at the door of
her mothers room she put her hand into that of
Henry Neville, and Lifted her eye with the lock
that said, Where thou goest will L go, even from
all besides
Tears fell fast in that assembly though the good
old matrOns tried to smile as they passed around |
the bri1le to bless her and bid her goodbye. A
little girl in patched but clean frrock pushed for
ward with boquet of yolets and strawberry bios |
SONS in her hand.
Here Miss Ncly-please, Miss Nelly. she cri-
ed half laughing, lalf sobbing, :" picked them on
purpose for you" -- -.
Ellen stopped and kissed the little, eager face |
The child burst into tears and caught The folds of
her dress, though she would have buried her face
there. But a strong armed woman, mindful of the
brides attire, snatched the child away.
And for what would We be whimpering in that
style, as if you had any right to Miss Ellen ?''
She was always good to me, and she's my Sun
day-school teacher =. plead the little girl in sub
dued undertone.
Agnes drew her to her side, and silently comfort
ell her.
"Step aside-Father Herrick is here :" said one
just then.
The crowd about the bridal pair opened to s.l-
NIT white haired, half blind old man, who came
leaning on the arm of his rosy granddaughter-
Father Herrick was a superanuated Deacon, whose
good words and works had won for him place in
every heart of that little assembly.
They told me she was going" he murmured to
HIMSELF " they say, its her wedding. 1 want to
see my little girl again-bess her."
Ellen sprang forward and laid both her white
trembling hands in the large hand of the good old
man. He drew her near his failing eyes, and look
ed searchiDgy into her young soul-lit countenance
Il can just see you, darling and they tell me l
shall never see you again. Well, well-if we go
in Gods way, We shall all go to heaven and its
light there - He raised his hand over her head,
upon thee, my child. Amen!
Amen - echoed the voice of Henry Neville.
And Ellen looked up with the smile of an an
gel So she went from us o, the last moments
of that parting hour has burnt itself into my very
being forever. Could the human heart endure the
agony of parting like that, rsaliSed to be the
last, lighted BY no ray of hope for eternity? Would
not reason reel under the pressure?
1t was hard TO bear, but | have no words to tell
of its bitterness, She went to her missionary life
and we learned at last to live without her though
it was many month before the little ones could
forget to call on " Sister Ellen in any impulse of
joy, grief, or childish want. Then the start, and
the sigh, o, dear she's gone-sister is gone -
And fresh tears would GOw.
"GOne, bat not lost = for that First Marriage l
in the family opened to us fountain of happiness
pure as the spring of selfsacrifce could make it.
Our household darling has linked us to a world of
needy and pershing spirits-a world that asks for
the energy and aid of all not only those who go
from US, but Of those who remain in the dear coun
try of their birth God bless her and her charge
Dear sister Ellen there may he many another
breach in the family-wc may he all scattered to
the four winds of heaven-but no change can come
over like that which marked the FIRST Marriage.
Gallery Of Egyptian Antiquities.
COLLECTED BY DR.. ABBOTT.