Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-12-21

ing love, as if she had been a sister Lu
cia indeed governed well. Guided by he
perfect will, all things took the shape ans
sound of harmony. Her household NIGH
be likened to a sweet and golden harp, OF
which she was the rare and always faultles,
performer. No harsh notes, no iarring dis
cord, discomposcd the order of her govern
! ing system. Gentleness was her love-wand
gentleness her rod of correction. Smiles il
the sunshine of her presence seemed play
ing over even inanimate things, and the
goodness and purity of her lovely spirit
bound altogether as with a mystic chain
Even the stranger within their gates" was
drawn into the charmed circle, and left il
loving and wondering.
Oh! the beautiful order in families where
hearts are truly united, and "pure religion
and undefiled before the father" cements
the bond of union. Stay thy ruthless hand,
fierce reformer. Pause before scene like
this, where angels in human form, linked to
heaven by virtues stronger than adamant,
make of home the ark of safety, the abiding
place of love. All may be thus, if they
will but listen to the dictates of conscience,
and cultivate with assiduous care, the tena-
ment Of this frail abernacle-the SOUL
So We may make our Heaven; and wo to
us though it is in our power, if We create for
ourselves condemnation.
Certainly some were envious. Is it not
always the case? Some, who by bad thrift,
and minds unequal to cope with those adj
Yersltles that prove men, as fire purities
gold, said it was no wonder they were so
happy, loving, good, and all that. "But let
the squire come down." they eroaked, 'let
him be pinehed with poverty, or lose, even
the elegancies of life to which he had been
accustomed, then where will be his constant
happiness; his serenity of mind, which he
boasts, never forsake him? Our word for it,
with the things that were. Or let trouble,
sore and bitter trouble, come upon him, be-
lieve lis, he will change like all others"
And, alas sore trouble did come; came
in awful guise; fell like thick cloud charg-
cd with ruin, upon the happy household.
Their only and beautiful daughter was
sought for iu marriage by young man of
good family, and one every way worthy of
her. They gave him their child with many
but happy tears, and kissed her pure brow, as
she stood upon their Threshold, in all the
loyeliness of timid bride, Just leaving the
dear hall of her father for another and a
distant home, She was fragile and lily-ike
in her beauty, but her health had been per-
feet from infancy. A few short months fled
swiftly by, and the gentle girl returned; re-
turned, alas to die in the arms of her pa
rents. They laid her down with hearts
heavy with sorrow. They saw the young
husband, who had loved her with intense
devotion, mourning like a stricken child that
refuses comfort. She was the first as vet
the only occupant of their family tomb
Crushed, indeed were their spirits, as those
only can tell who have started back paral-
wed with the first stern glance of Death.
But they knew he had no power over that
fair creature beyond the portals Of that in
visible home; and though their smiles were
less frequent, and sadder, when given, yet
did they grow holier by this great afliction.
The silver chord loosened from her gentle
spirit seemed restored in their bosoms, bind
ing their bleeding hearts together and they
lived on.
Their strong affection centered more en-
tirely upon the only one left them now the
son of their declining years.
The bright promise did his manhood give,
nor was it unfaithful in the fulfilment.-
Daring by the strong intellect shot heaven
ward like an eagle painting for the atmosphere
of the upper skies. The death Of his sweet
sister chastened his aspiring soul, spiritual
lied his lofty thought; and as he gazed down
into her early tomb, the home of beauty
among corrup uption, the words, 81 am the res
urection and the life" throbbed in his burn
ing brain.
Il will from this hour devote myself to
heaven" he resolved: 'IIe who died and
rose again, that the sweet spirit, once en-
shrouded in this immortal clay might rise
also, and join Him in the heavenly inherit
ance"
He became preacher of righteousness
and again the hearts of his parents rejoiced.
But alas Death has been envious of the
great and the good from the beginning
The brighter andthe more shining the light,
the more eagerly his pale lips blow out the
flame
Again his unerring shaft sped upon its
mission, and the son too, wearied with con
slant thought and mental toll, laid his head
upon the maternal bosom, never to lift it
again in life.
Lovely in their lives" murmured the
doubly bereaved and desolate ones, as they
turned from the silent church yard towards
the almost deserted home, "lOvly in their
lives, and in their deaths not divided. We
have made them our idols and He has our
Jewels in His keeping"
The tomb-door was closed, and with lin
gering steps they totterred away, while the
good old minister walked by their side and
comforting them with many well chosen
and tender word
PART SECOND.
"Ah! now the Fountaines know what it
is to suffer- cried the envious. "Now their
pride Will come down; now behold their
boasted cheerfulnessn But ah! how many
a true and pure heart bled for them! and
what tears ran down their furrowed checks,
as their clasped hands were held towards
Heaven, and fervent supplications were lifted
to the throne of God for their suffering.
"Whom have we now to love" they ex-
claimed, as they passed the threshold of their
stately home, and saw its splendor mocking-