Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-01-25
For the Spectator.


This tells of months, perhaps years, of suf
tering borne with the patience and resignation
learned from the blessed Christ; of nights of
sleepess anguish, and days carried on the wings
or time, to bring pain more excruciating. 1t
tells of anxious loving hearts-of wife's pa
tlent endurance and never-wearying devotion.
1t tells OF earnest, importunate prayer and daily
wrestling at the mercy seat, that the sick one
might be spared. 1t tells of the temptations
OF the arch tiend to make us doubt the good
ness of God. 1t tells of Christians doubts
and fears, and of faith burning brighter: of
hope more radiant; and gives heavenly tastes
OF what Is In store for the faithful. The crisis
passed, a hushed stiffness reigns, and hearts
| cry out: Leave me to my speechless sorrow.
| Leave me In the deadly single handed struggle
with the monster, Grief" For there is one
that has been bound in the circle of love form.
ed here daily that will meet with us no more
he the father and husband. Heaven resounds
with praises that another one has come up hith-
er through great tribulation. We read care
lessy and pass to the next, never thinking of
the sorrowing hearts-the dcsolate home-the
months of suffering-the glory of the saipt--
the new made grave.
DIED-AN ONLY CHILD AGED TWO YEARS
This tells of little pattering feet. busy hands,
prattling tongue-of baby smiles and little
tricks that only baby could do-of the bright
ness that little form ever brought through
out that home-of crushed hopes which Gen.
tired around that little one, now blighted.-
Anxious hearts are stilled, rested from their
weary watchings. God needed another angel
to swell the song of the cherubim. All that is
left them is the little coffin, with the precious
form in its marble whiteness, and this but for
day Then a little mound, not noticed by those
who think they have greater trouble, but pre-
cious as heaven to those who weep over it
We notice it but slightly, not thinking of the
radiance that little one brought with it and the
gloom it left when it departed nor Of the song
that sweed the anthem of the cherubim and
seraphim as they, with veiled faces, bow before
the throne, thanking Him who said ''Ot such
is the kingdom that another has left this beau
tifu world of sin for one brighter of purity.
'DIED-A YOUNG WIFE"
This tells of one in all the glowing beauty of
glorious womanhood, with rare excellence of
mind and heart, one who had everything to
make her life bright aud beautiful 1t tells Of
a strong mans sorrow-for she was enthroned
queen in his heart. He looked to her for
comfort in life s troubles for sympathy in life's
sorrows for counsel in life's duty. Now the
world seems, as does his home, a darkened
wilderness, and he must gaze henceforth on the
gem encased in the casket of his faithful heart,
with the eye of memory. o do we never won
der Why such rare excellence is not of earth?
| w ny Sucn prospects or happiness anu useful
ness should so early perish?
'DIED-A SOLDIER"
| We read first carelessly, then repeat and read
sympatheticaly- We feel that he was in
part our oara-that for us be suffered. 1t tells
of like sorrow in many homes; of ''the vacant
chair" Of the clouds that yet linger and ever
will, YEARLY and heavily upon the hearts thus
crushed Of those to whom we looked to fill
places Of church and State; cut down as un-
| feelingly as flowers before the mowers scythe,
| leaving but the incense of their pure lives,
blessed affection, and undaunted bravery. 1t
| tells of lonely sentinel treads; of weary march
ing; of home-yearning of secret fervent
| prayer in the bivouac and battle, for strength
| to perform duty. 1t tells of hopes and dreams
of nations birth and future glory of spir-
it to willingly endure all that the Great Cause
might need. 1t tells of nations wall at its
| death-knell of nation prayers unanswered,
at least in the light of man. We turn not care
lessly away, for we have but these memories,
and we love to dwell at our nation grave, even
though we feel saddened We then learn that
| Gods path is unfathomable This is left u.s.
| I'm heaven there shall be light
| ''DIED-A MAIDEN AGED SEVENTY"
| This tells of a heart in its springtime being
| launched on the ocean of love and wrecked; the
sacrifice Of woman's constancy being laid upon
| the altar of duty. 1t tells of lonely life q
longing for sympathy; of patience in suffering;
of kindness to all; of life made up of sacri-
fees Thus the list is extended and we read
week after week, never needing or caring to
heed, the list of sorrow.