Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-05-09
A Touching Letter.

Rev. H. M. Dexter, editor of the Boston
Congregaiiondlist now abroad, under date OF
London, April 9th, writes to his paper as
follows, concerning the late DIR. Lord
at was with pang of sorrow, which ]
should not have anticipated two years ago,
that saw, in our last number which has
reached me, the announcement of the death
at Montpelier of William II. Lord. May ]
be pardoned here a somewhat close personal
reference We were together at Andover-
where, for various reasons, I fancy neither
of us much enjoyed the other. And, as years
passed on, the conscience which both Of u
tried to follow led us, in general matters, and
especially in all matters which the subjec,
of slavery touched, farther and farther
asunder, until became conscious of feel
ing of positive repugnance toward hing
which had, now and then, occasion to know
was fully reoiprocated on his part. For
twenty-five years we scarcely met. In fact.
until the first great Brooklyn Council OF
which both of us were members, | hardly
hhON bnd1 nhu 0ttil bluf w tAihhi6'
greetings even, more than once or twice sihc'
our Andover days. And what took place at
Brooklyn did not result in overcoming our
mutual willingness to keep apart After
ward, indeed, there were drifts and current,
which, in general way, drew us more to-
gether, aud became conscious of a respect
for his judgment which | had not before en-
tertained-but this was ALL
"But one day, few months ago. for
get now how many-as was riding home
from my days work in town, was shocked
to see in the evening paper the account of
terrible accident which had befalen him. re-
sulting in the instant death of his sweet lit
tie daughter, who was riding with him. My
heart bled for him. as I read the frightful
particulars. | could not keep them, or him,
or his stricken household, out of my mind
for too had had experience of sudden do
nestle bereavement. And could not sleep
until had written to tell him how pited
him, and how my pity and sympathy made
me love and pray for him, aud how earnestly
begged the Great CONSIDER to remember
and supply his sudden and great need. After
the letter was beyond my reach, in the mail
box, | almost regretted what had done
or, at least that ! had not waited few days,
or weeks, lest my words should be an unmeet
intrusion upon the sacredness of a great
grief. But the return mail brought me
an answer so full of grateful reciprocal
ton of what had said, that my mind was
at ease at once Aud SO, over four little
graves-three on my side, and one on his
our long parted hands met in tender, may
say thrilling, clasp. Other letters followed,
which, on my side, were locked among my
specially cherished memorials when left
home; and after that | never opened the
VERMONT CHRONICLE without special search
for whatever in its columns | fanced might
be from his pen, with an eagerness of inter
est and appreciation | had never known be-
fore. Had been within reach when the
messenger came for him, should have gone
to Montpelier, to have testified the genuine
ness of my newly-awakened sense of his
great value to the churches, and the sore
loss to us all of his removal
81 do not know that there is any moral
to all this, except the very obvious one that,
if Christian people only knew each other
better, they would be likely to love each
other more; and, perhaps, the further one
that it is sometimes very wise thing to
follow an impulse. | shall never cease to be-
grateful that on that occasion | followed
mine, and was led by it into a tenderer rela-
lion to noblr-hearted and good man, befor
t was too late for earth %