Page:Reflections among the monuments.pdf/14

 head on her gentle arms, ſometimes reſt it on her compaſſionate boſom.—See! how the gazes, with a ſpeechleſs ardour, on the pale countenance, and meagre features! While all her ſoft paſſions beat unutterable fondneſs, and her very ſoul bleeds with exquiſite anguiſh.

The ſufferer, all patient and adoring, ſubmits to the divine will; and, by ſubmiſſion, becomes ſuperior to his affliction. He is ſenfibly touched with the diſconſolate ſtate of his attendants, and pierced with an anxious concern for his wife and his children; his wife, who will soon be a deſtitute widow; his children, who will soon be helpless orphans. Yet, "tho' caſt down, not in dispair." He is greatly refreſhed by his truſt in the everlaſting covenant, and his hope of approaching glory. Religion gives a dignity to diſtress. At each interval of ease, he comforts his very comforters; and ſuffers with all the majeſty of wo.

The soul, juſt going to abandon the tottering clay, collects all her force, and exerts her laſt efforts. The good man raises himself on his pillow; extends a kind hand to his servants, which is bathed in tears; takes an affecting farewel of his friends; clasps his wife in a feeble embrace; kiſſes the dear pledges of their mutual love, and then pours all that remains of life and of ſtrength, in the following words;——"I die, my dear