The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-04-21

my husband known in the gates, as he sit
t teth among the elders of the land" She
, seemed always to take for her model the
wise mans description of ga virtuous wo'
man"
She was prudent in making provision for
the most efficient discharge of her duties
Selfimprovement always urged upon her
claims which she felt and responded to. She
read, studied, and prepared, not only to di-
rect and aid her children in their education,
but to advance the great interests of edu-
cation, particularly among her own SEX
Maternal influence and responsibility occu-
pied large space in her anxious inquiries,
and in her social efforts to impress their prac-
tical duties on others.
She was prudent in her se!f-discipline.
How many are the facts treasured in my
recollection to prove this Sacred deposits,
because they are not suited to be recorded
even in the most private manner! Blessed
recollections, because they furnish balm to
a wounded spirit in the absence of that loved
one, who has ripened in my presence and
society, for state of perfect purity and
bliss. Are these the visions of blind or
partial friend? l think not. She had ene-
mics enough, and of the right kind, to ex-
empt her from the curse pronounced upon
those of whom all men speak well. Her
enduring record is in the heart of pious
friendships. A letter now before me, from
a lady whose intellectual and Christian
character give eminent claims to her deci-
sions, says of her," She was my FRIEND my
intimate, my fellow laborer in prayer and
sacrifice. How prudent, fervent, and eff
cient she was, wide circle of surviving
friends can testify. How lovely, self-devo-
ted, and child-ike? Was ever before such
intellectual excellence and personal lowell
ness SO unconsciously possessed, and so eff
GENTLY exercised? p
One other circumstance only, shall here
record, While sat watching her lifeless
body and seeking some sweet consolation
among her private papers, how bitter were
my reflections, when, in manuscript book
of extracts dedicated to her daughters, 1
read in the last, evidently recorded few
days before her unexpected death, that
touching appeal from the Sketch-Book,
which closes thus: "Art thou child, aud
hast ever added sorrow to the soul, or
furrow to the brow of an aHectionate pa
rent! Art thou husband, and hast ever
caused the fond bosom, that ventured its
whole happiness in thy arms, to doubt one
moment of thy kindness or thy truth2 Art
thou a friend, apd hast wrkaged in
thought, or word, or deed the spirit that
generously confded in thee? Art thou
lover, and hast ever given one unmerited
pang to that true heart that now lies cold
and still beneath thy feet? Then be sure
that every unkind look, every ungracious
word, every ungentle action will come throb-
bing back upon thy memory, and knocking
dolefully at thy soul; then be sure that
thou wilt lie down sOrrowing and repentant
in the grave, and utter the unheard groan,
and pour the unavailing tear, more deep,
more bitter, because unheard and unavail-
ing" Memory, almost with the ightning's
speed, ran back to inquire what record
stood against that page. Oh, how did my
spirit sink within me, when I was then and
there compelled to look on many things in
which had treated too rudely her gentle
spirit. l loved her indeed, always, and most
ardently. But easily excited and sometimes
respondent, I bitterly accused myself that
had often neglected or ill-requited her
tender, and always devoted love. Times,
places, actions, words, all came rushing upon
my recollection to give in evidence against
me. And there she lay my bold accuser,
silent in death, and there stood criminal,
self-condemned, beyond apology, for she
was beyond reparation. But why this cruel
ty at parting? 1 almost accused her, but
self. convicted, the accusation recoiled with
unsupportable power on myself. AS if con-
signed to dungeon, l sat in silent and
bitter meditation, until letter superscribed
by her hand to a particular friend, forced
itself upon my notice. Itwas sealed. More
accusations, thought has she here ex-
posed me? I broke the seal. 1t was dated
the day before her sickness. and week
before her death. 1t was written in pen
siye strain, full of submission and Christian
hope. 1t mentioned, with resignation, af-
fictions that weighed heavily on us both.
Then it added, "I should sink, but fer d.
vine support, and the unwearied attentions
, of my devoted husband, who is too kind,
and who gives me daily evidence that he is
sustained by divine grace, amid trials such
as few perhaps have been called to suffer. "
This was enough. breathed fres again.
| was self-condemned, but she had reprieved
7 me. 1 could endure self-reproacl, but [
could not bear her reproach. W had in
deed lived together in mutual harmony,
"helpers I hope "of each othes joys"
but my hasty spirit had sometimes been too
, hasty. She had good sense enOug to con-
slider my infrmity, and not retort and she
had forgiving spirit, not to leavea record
! against me. She gently drew b!this last