Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/423



DOCUMENTARY 415

Though thy journey may seem dreary,

While removed from her you love; Though you often may feel weary,

Look for comfort from above: God will bless you

And thy journey prosperous prove.

Farewell, husband, while you leave me,

Tears of sorrow oft will flow; Day and night will I pray for thee,

While through dangers you may go : Oh, remember,

Her who loves you much : Adieu.

Jason Lee Anna Maria Lee.

Some might imagine that there is, in the above, a tinge of melancholy and feminine softness, or weakness that ill comports with the firmness of the Christian, but I am inclined to think, that neither the spirit of religion, or true philosophy would exclude feeling, even delicate and intense emotions, on such occasion. Stupidity or stoicism alone would dictate it. There may be much feeling where there is perfect submission, and a firm trust in the promises of God.

On the morning of the 25th of March we parted, to see each other no more, for, at least a year and a half; and the fact, that there was no prospect of my hearing from her during the whole time, and she from me only for three months, added poignancy to our grief, and made the pain of parting much more acute, than it otherwise would have been. If I know myself, nothing but a sense of duty would have induced me to leave under such circumstances ; but it becometh the Chris- tian, ever to say, not my will, but thine O God be done. There is one reflection which gives me exquisite pleasure in the retro- spect; that is, that there was not the least thing transpired, during our intercourse with each other, that causes a blush to tinge our cheek, or gives the least pain; or that we would