The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1859-12-14
nI ED.

At the house OF her brother IN Detroit Mich
Dec. 9th Miss CLARA 6. SWIFT youngest daugh
, ter oil Hon. Samuel Swift Of this village, aged
20 years.
She needs no euloGy But her memory is pryl
cious.
She was tho pride and stay Of I'm aged Fath5r
the strength and comfort Of an invaded SisaN
She seemed like Mother to lamcnted Sisters
child She was deeplv attached to those arofnd
her and wished to live ior their sake, rather slan
for her own.
But ia the church ns well as family, she .houe
brightly, and humility was the hidden charm Of
her devotion. She could be everything without
ever pretending to he anything, She could bear
heavy responsibilities and discharge difficult
duties without any sign Of complaining and with
out any idea Of being praised. She was Just as
ready to pray with two or three In private par
Tor, az to join in the prayers of public assembly
She could teach in the Sabbath School with in
creating interest and with marked success, though
always wishing to he pupil, and never pleased
with her own services. She could withstand
worldly temptations, when almost all Welded and
without 30 much as rejecting on them for yield
ing.
She carried her conscience into everything.
without making any sboi0 OF IL. Hence she studied
the word Of God, ald delighted in reading what
might help her 10 understand it. Hence even In
her most familiar and trfns pursuits she was
meditative, and careful Of e very cords rs well
as actions. Hence size watched for opportunities
OF Christian conversation and improved them
wien she saw fair prospect Of doing good, though
she could not without evident enbaras- lncnt.
Hence she had special anxiety for the salvation
- her nearest friends. She bushei no. 70 own
hel Saviour before them. She paved for them
&c lin agony, She spoke Of some Of them in
secret confidence as if She might willingly die to
save thsm.
Her mind vas superior in its powers of ms 81.
and discrimination. We are NOT Surprised 10
hear that she excelled in scholarshp She was
not very quick and lively in her emotions, But
she had the most deep and decate-the most
clinging affections. Her love could not confess IL
self But it was ever longing and striving for the
good Gifts chosen. Hence, she could hide or
crush her own troubles in her care for her friends
And If she suffered from a dreadful anxiety for
any one Of them, however hopeful and cheerful,
she could not pluck it from her bosom. She
could only conquer it in communion with her
dearest Lord,
Last January. she went to Casteton Tor the
burial of one Of her earliest an tondest friends.
II was to her, at least che 50 est Of funerals
She was smitten with Grief nich could not
spend itseliin tears Her only comfort VIVA in
Him, who healeth the broken hearted.
Since then, she has gradually declined. IL
October she went to the west, probably expect
inE to recover. But in vain; she wasted awGy,
thos.h just In the maturity Of her powers. She
died as she lived, modestlv, peace 'ulv, trust
fully; not word of victory on her lips, but
with Chrfts deep triumph in her heart, Her
disease prevented her tram convers.ng freely,
" 1t is all right" 81 am going ives enough for
her 10 say. Her re 2nlsr habits were better than
any raptures, Her life needed no demonstration
at It's close
Doubtless she would bid us be silent concern
ing her But in the quiet dignity and beauty Of
her character, was she not worthy Of imitation
May not Pastor say q few words in parting
from one of his most valued and cherished help.
ers in the Lord? Let the grace of Christ be hon
ored in her memory. ]. T. II