Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/250

 The clergyman, regarding them steadfastly, but kindly, inquired—

"Are ye in perfect charity with all men?"

Bowing himself down, the old warriour replied solemnly "We are. Your religion has taught even us Indians, to forgive our enemies."

"Approach then," said the minister of Heaven, "approach, ye who do truly, and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God."

They kneeled by the bed of the sufferer. Often did the tears roll in tides over the face of old Martha, and the strong frame of the warriour tremble with emotion, as that voice so deep-ton'd, so sweet, so solemn poured, in its varying modulation, the sublime language of the most holy office of religion, through the breathless silence of their abode. But she, who, reduced to the weakness of infancy, might have been supposed to be the most agitated, was as calm and unmoved as the lake, on which shines nothing but the beam of heaven. Raised above every cause of earthly excitement, she seemed to have a foretaste of the happy consummation that awaited her. And, when the clergyman, with uplifted eyes, pronounced the "Gloria in excelsis," a voice of such thrilling, exquisite melody warbled from the couch, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."