Page:Tragical history of George Barnwell (2).pdf/2



R BARNWELL, the father of, was the worthy and pious Rector of Hanworth; an ornament to ſociety and a bleſſing to thoſe amiable beings who formed his domeſtic circle. An illneſs, with which he was ſuddenly attacked, threatened his ſpeedy diſolution:-mortification had nearly advanced to its laſt ſtage and he had heard with placid reſignation the opinion of his Phyſician. Though he felt no pangs of guilt no dread of future worlds and though perfectly content to ſubmit to the will of his Creator, and reſign his ſoul to him that gave it, yet there were attractions whoſe reſiſtleſs force made him yet wiſh for a longer existence. Around that couch from which was never to riſe, knelt object that awakened in his breaſt the feelings of a huſband, father and friend. His amiable wiſe, too deeply affected to ſleep gazed alternately on her expiring huſband and on those who were ſoon to be the orphan pledges of his love, with the piercing of despair. Their ſon youth of ſixteen held his father's hand claſped between his own and bent his face over it to conceal his tears. A daughter, who was ſomewhat