Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/79

Rh tore off the ſlender branches and looſened the roots.

The children were terrified; but Mrs. Maſon gave them each a hand, and chatted with them to diſpel their fears. She informed them that ſtorms were neceſſary to diſſipate noxious vapours, and to anſwer many other purpoſes, which were not, perhaps, obvious to our weak underſtandings. But are you not afraid? cried the trembling Caroline. No, certainly, I am not afraid.—I walk with the ſame ſecurity as when the ſun enlivened the proſpect—God is ſtill preſent, and we are ſafe. Should the flaſh that paſſes by us strike me dead, it cannot hurt me, I fear not death!—I only fear that Being who can render death terrible, on whoſe providence I calmly reſt; and my confidence earthly ſorrows cannot deſtroy. A mind is never truly great, till the love of virtue overcomes the fear of death.

By this time they had mounted the cliff, and ſaw the tumultuous deep. The angry billows roſe, and daſhed against the ſhore; and the loud noiſe of the raging ſea reſounded from rock to rock. Rh