Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-09-18

ed to herself, lovely matron entered, ant
hurrying to her side, kissed the fair brow
you are better to day, child she sait
in tones of forced calmness; may, DON
shake your head so mournfully; indeed, i
you knew how much improved you appear,
and she drew low seat towards the youns
girl and sat gazingi her eyes with the holy
love of maternity.
Mother said the 8consumptive, as sht
took the matron's hand in her own, sthert
is something 1 want yoltsto do for me-
What is it darling: gu know I wouls
lay down my life for you.
For an instant the pale lips quivered
but commanding herself, the young girl said
gently:
i want you to talk to me of death-ot
my own death, which is certain soon.'
'My Amyv was all the mother could ar
tieulate her voice seemed frozen by hor.
ror
'Yes, mother; for listen moment, it will
make your poor sick child more willing to
leave earth, and find heaven. If you will
talk daily and cheerfully of passing away
if you will surround the though with cheer,
fulness and make the last struggle seem
pleasant to me, this strange, horror with
which I regard it would fade away, and my
mind be drawn more wholly to the better
land. 1t may be sacrifice to you my mo-
ther, but shall learn to look forward to
my deathbed with calmness, which I strive
in vain to do now. Will you try to do this,
mother? Will you talk of it often 4? Will
you repeat the sweet words that dying saints
have spoken ? Will you speak of the smiles
that repose upon their faces, until I can
think cheerfully, and talk without reserve
of that change, even as 1 would lie down,
and put my garment by, ready to attire my
self when should awake in the fair morn
ing? Will you tell those who call to see
me never to shrink from speaking to me of
death !? will you do this my mother?'
The matron promised, and retired to her
chamber, to shed the tears of anguish born
of this request. She, too, had long felt that
her child must die, but had put it afar off,
'the evil day. And in the strength of God,
she performed her duty.
Seven months had passed, and still gen.
tie Amy lived. The fatal crimson burnt its
death fire into her check, and her eyes
cleaned with the itful fash of disease but
about her sweet lips lowered constant
smile; she had conquered her fear of the
king of terrors, and dwclt upon her depar-
parture with almost exulting joy. Il knew
that though Christ, was prepared to 60,
she said to her pastor; Il knew there were
glories in the bright world above, that the
imagination cannot conceive of; yet, I have
shuddered from my infancy at death. The
thought of dissolution, with its icy chills
and quivering breath made me cold to my
heart, and strive to forget, but cannot
Yet, since you, since my mother, since all
who know me have made it familiar and a
household world-clothed it in beautiful
lHouSuIs, duu SuIIOuuueu IL Will ucdfeuly
images--it has become less and less terrible,
till now I can hold my hand to him who un-
locks the spirit, and say, Death, where is
thy sting"
As she spoke thus, ray from the setting
sun imaged crown of glory upon her fair
brow. Her mother and friends at that mo-
ment entered.
'Hush!' said the pastor, with uplifted
hands, and they stood trans6xed. With
that last holy smile he had marked an in
Simultaneous change; and, as he bent for
ward through the lips so beautifully wreath
ed, there came no breath.
well might she exclaim, death where
is thy sting ! said the pastor, turning with
tear-flled eyes, never saw I the king of
terrors in so lovely garb. How sweetly she
sleepsv
Aye sweetly still, in grave yard upon
the hill side; and on the white shaft that
bears her name some lovely hand has chisel-
led "IT is NOT HARD TO DIE"