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CHAPTER XLVI.

CONSOLATION.

N conversation with a friend, on a certain occa

INS

sion, Mr. Hildreth remarked: "In my hours of trial and heart-ache, many, many times have I sought and found consolation in silently reciting again and again the following stanzas by Lord Byron, a paraphrase of Psalm 4, verse 6-And I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove; for then would I fly away and be at rest."

"Oh, that to me the wings were given
Which bear the turtle to her nest!

Then would I cleave the vault of heaven,
To flee away and be at rest."

Mr. Hildreth was a man of strong, deep feeling. and felt an injury, or any wrong done him, most keenly. Still, he was not revengeful, nor was he disposed to retaliate. Usually it was his practice, in regard to those who had wronged him, to leave them alone severely. It was not his habit to brood over the misfortunes and evils of the past, but to turn his thoughts toward a brighter and happier future. If every cloud has a silver lining," then he was one who was ever looking for that "silver lining." With him, as the phrenologists would

say, the organ of hope was largely developed, and he was almost always found in a cheerful and happy frame of mind. Regrets over any disasters of the past he well knew were unavailing, and instead of laments for the setting sun he was sure to turn and look for the rising sun with hopeful eyes. His friendships were strong and lasting.

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PART SECOND.

PERSONAL LETTERS BY AZRO B. F. HILDRETH.

The letters which follow, written by Mr. Hildreth, were found at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Harriet N. Porter, in Vershire, Vt., several years after the death of his mother. It would seem that the mother had carefully preserved them, and, no doubt, took pleasure in re-perusing them from time to time:

CITY OF LOWELL, MASS, Nov. 6th, 1838. Distant but well remembered and honored parents: Although I wrote you five or six weeks since, I thought another letter might be acceptable at this time. Would it be gratifying to you to know that I have engaged in the cause of the Christian Religion? Yes, no doubt it would. Four weeks ago last Sunday morning I humbly trust that God for Christ's sake was pleased to bless my soul. In a retired spot, on the bank of the Merrimac's silvery stream, I implored, and, as I trust, found mercy. A week ago last Sabbath I went forward in the ordinance of baptism by immersion in the Concord river, and last Sunday united with the church. find the ways of religion pleasant, and I sincerely hope that my life may be such as not to bring reproach upon the name of Christ. Pray for me, father and mother, brothers and sisters, that I may live a Christian life and become a useful member of society.

I

My health has been good ever since I left Chelsea, with the exception of a few days in New York, when I had a slight cold. I believe all our Chelsea people who reside here are enjoying comfortable health. I have been anxiously looking for sister Almira. I wish that she or Mary would

come.

I have once or twice been on the point of starting a newspaper here, but now it is doubtful about my doing so before another year. My friend Thomas George, in New York, is ready to help me to type and presses. As to the character of the paper-it would be devoted to literature, antislavery and general intelligence. I am now teaching a writing school and work some in the "Casket" printing office.

If Almira does not come soon I shall expect a letter from her. I like living in Lowell very well, Give my compliments to inquiring friends.

Affectionately, your son.

A. B. F. HILDRETH.

LOWELL, MASS., March 7th 1842..

My Dear Father: Your letter, informing me of my beloved sister Lucy's approaching dissolution, was received on Saturday, when I was absent from the city. It would certainly be very gratifying to me to go to Chelsea and, if it may be, see Lucy once more alive, or even to be present at her funeral. But, situated as I am, it does not seem convenient for me to go. Judging from your letter, it would be exceedingly doubtful about my arriving there in season, so that I think I had better relinquish the object.

None among my sisters did I love more than Lucy. She was always artless and innocent, affectionate and kind, in the extreme, and always appeared like a feeble yet beautiful flower of the morning, that must droop and die ere it was noon.

Should this letter arrive before she passes from this to the spirit world, tell her that I love her; that I would rejoice to see her and talk with her; tell her not to repine at the approach of death. She will then be freed from pain and sickness and sorrow, and be received into the arms of her Redeemer. Then will she inhabit a brighter and better world beyond the skies. There will she meet my dear departed wife, my beloved Hannah, another stricken flower who has gone before. Oh! is it not well to endure a little suffering here that the joys of heaven may be complete?

The affliction of the family from the loss of one so much beloved will be severe, yet we shall not mourn as friends without hope. My brothers and sisters will feel the shock less than you, and certainly less than our dear mother. Oh, mother, do not allow this bereavement to bear you down. You have seen much of this world's sorrow, and it would seem that nothing but the firmest reliance on Him who alone can save, has supported you to the present time. In this severe trial, as well as all others, let Christ be your stay and support. You have ever been one of the best of mothers to me, and I trust you will allow me this opportunity to express my gratitude for your kindness.

And now allow me to say a word for myself. On February 6th I again entered the bands of wedlock. My wife's name was Olive Freeman Fuller. Her parents live at North Paris, Oxford county, Maine. She is nineteen years old, of good size, has rosy cheeks and a healthy appearance. We have a pleasant home, and I find the loss of my dear Hannah almost, perhaps quite, made up by my present companion. If it is not so it will not be her fault.

I have sold out both of my publications, the "Literary Souvenir" and the Ladies' Literary Repository." I am out of business now, but shall not remain so long. It would seem that there are brighter days for me in prospect.

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