Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/176

 The sorrow-stricken Chief drew near, and bowed with the deepest reverence upon the hand which was extended to him.

"Think not that Robert condemneth all thy race. Out of the bitterness of a heavy heart hath he spoken. Yet he can see the dew-drop sparkling in its pureness, amid the darkest path. He can distinguish the "herb of life," though the venomous vine overshadow it. He can love those, who shall hereafter be angels, though he come not himself into their holy place."

Soon after the departure of these visitants, Dr. L entered, and said,—

"The affliction, which our Church expected, has arrived. Her venerable pastor, Dr. L*** is dead. The "ides of March" 1784, will long be remembered in her annals as a time of mourning."

"I have frequently thought," she replied, "that, if anniversaries of both our sorrows and our joys were faithfully kept, the dealings of the Almighty would be more deeply impressed on the heart, for its "instruction in righteousness." A tablet of individual, domestick, and social vicissitudes, would serve as a monument to recall the past, and as a way-mark to direct the future. The record of our adversities is not easily forgotten; but, when the Sun of Mercy beams upon us, we do not always, like the Israelites, set up a stone of remembrance, and say "hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Our beloved minister has departed, full of days, and full of honour. Four