Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/200

198 the language of entreaty, the mother of him whose earthly remains they were about to witness led the way; as they were quitting the room. Dr. Lovesworth, gently laying his hand on Oriana, said, "Are you assured that you have sufficient resolution? Recollect that it is a picture of mortality only that you would view, whence all that composed the life or being has departed, leaving but those gross particles, that material covering, which is to return to dust, sent for a time but to fulfil its purposes here. It is not a spectacle to convey peace, but rather the contrary."

Perceiving she still made a motion to follow Mrs. Philimore, he added, "But if your mind is strong enough to bear it, I will add nothing further to detain you: the melancholy sight of the dissolution of the human body is not without its utility; it shows us the monstrosity of evil, of which it is the type, or corresponding image!"

Oriana shuddered, and the Doctor, in order to raise her thoughts to more sublime considerations, said, "The soul of our Philimore, in its kindred spheres, will assume a spiritual form, not subject to decay, substantial, bright, perfect, in harmony with its conceptions, and its elevation in Truth and Goodness."

Doubtful whether to proceed, Oriana hesitated; but the voice of Mrs. Philimore encouraged her, and she reached the chamber of death. How great was its solemnity! Mrs. Philimore moved before, and approached the bed. Oriana found her strength