"Though our tears fell fast and faster, Yet we would not call her back; We are glad her feet no longer Tread life's rough and thorny track. We are glad our Heavenly Father Took her while her heart was pure; We are glad He did not leave her, All life's troubles to endure. We are glad--and yet the tear-drop Falleth, for, alas! we know That our fireside will be lonely, We shall miss our darling so!"
HOW beautiful a young child in its shroud! Calm and heavenly looksthe white face on which the blighting breath of sin never rested.
The silken curls parted from the marble brow--the once bright eyesclosed--once red lips pale--little hands that have ofttimes beenclasped as the lips repeated "Our Father," now meekly folded overthe throbless heart, tell us that Death, cruel, relentless Death,has been there.
Surely, the soul that once beamed from those closed eyes is happy!Hath not the Saviour said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven?" Robedlike an angel is she now, a lamb in the Saviour's bosom. Couldparental love ask more? Surely not. Cleansed from all earthly taint;secure from all trouble, care, or sin, those eyes will no more weep;but the tiny hands will sweep a golden harp, and the childish voicewill be heard making music in heaven.
Often, O, how often had our hearts said, "God bless her!" And hasnot our prayer been answered? The yearnings of love cannot bestifled; for we miss the loving clasp of white arms--the softpressure of fresh lips--the prattle and smile that were music andlight to our world-weary hearts; our hand moves in vain for aresting-place on the golden head; yet we feel, we know that "it iswell with the child," for we see how much of woe she has escaped;how much of bliss she has gained; a home with the sinless; thecompanionship of angels for ETERNITY. Blessed one!
Alone, yet fearlessly, didst thou pass through the "dark valley" andenter into the home prepared for thee. As fearlessly, trustingly maywe meet the conqueror, Death, and when the conflict is ended, meetthee in thy new home to dwell for evermore!
THE END.
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