Page:Duty and Inclination 1.pdf/139

Rh it should be allowed due consideration, ought not to have too great an influence. Providence is always merciful; trust to Providence, and you will assuredly find support. If we could look into futurity, depend upon it we should find that all things have happened just as we ourselves should have directed them. If afflictions come, they are permitted in order to wean us from the things of time, strengthen our souls, and fit them for our final and everlasting abode above.'

"Thus spoke your pious and exalted friend, whose confidence I had been so favoured as to obtain. Why, then, should our union be delayed? He saw no reason; the day was fixed,—that happy day which gave me Angelina, and made me blessed! Surely the sun never shone upon a more charming creature, a more blooming bride, than when her saint-like parent bestowed her on me! Never shall I forget that sacred hour! Delighting in actions of beneficence, never so happy as when witnessing the happiness of others, the good Pastor gave upon the occasion, to a few select families and neighbouring villagers, a little rustic fête. We danced on the lawn before the door of his humble mansion; and never did I experience a more lively joy than when leading off with my bride, nature smiling around us.