Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/262

 Martha lifted up a white sheet, and discovered the lifeless form clad in a robe and cap of the purest cambrick, which those beautiful hands had prepared, and preserved for the occasion. Rich, and profuse curls still clustered round an oval forehead, which bore no furrow of care, or trace of pain. Long, silken eye-lashes fringed the immoveable lids, which concealed, in their marble caskets, gems forever sealed from the gaze of man. But whoever has beheld beauty, which Death has blanched but not destroyed; or has hung over the ruins of the Creator's fairest workmanship, deserted by life, but not by love; may have realized that moment of thrilling tenderness, of speechless awe, which we should in vain attempt to describe.

"It is finished!" said the divine, lowering his head; but no tear stole over his placid countenance. He believed that if there is joy among the angels in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, there ought at least to be resignation on earth, when a saint is admitted to their glorious company. Kneeling down he prayed with the mourners, and after the orison, said—

"Great is the blessing which has been lent to you, my friends. Her prayers, her instructions, her example, how precious were they all to you! May they, through the aid of the Holy Spirit, lead you where she has gone."

"My heart is sorrowful," said old Martha, "because my ears hear no more the sound of her voice. Every