CHAPTER XXXIV.
In the Almighty Power he placed his trust, Through all the changing scenes of deep distress; His fortune now is better than before; Again the Omniscient Hand has deigned to bless.
Theodore's father was soon in complete re-possession of his formerproperty. The premises from which he had been driven by his creditors,were yielded up without difficulty, to which he immediately removed. Henot only recovered the principal of the fortune he had lost, but thedamages, with the interest; so that, although like Job, he had seenaffliction, like him, his latter days were better than the beginning.Like him, he reposed faith and confidence in his Maker, who had secretlysupported him in his misfortunes; and who now, like a cheering sundispersing the surrounding gloom, again gladdened his heart withreturning peace and prosperity. Wearied of the business of life, he didnot again enter into its affairs, but placing his money at interest insafe hands, he lived retired on his estate.
It was also the decided choice of Theodore and Alida to reside in thecountry. The calm and serene pleasures of retirement were particularlyinteresting to both, and they were now supremely blest in each other'ssociety.
The parents of Theodore rejoiced at their present happiness, and tookupon themselves the necessary preparations for their nuptials, whichwere to take place as soon as all was in readiness for this happy event.
No cross purposes stood ready to intervene, to disturb their repose orinterrupt their tranquillity. It was at that season when nature wasarrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetestfragrance. Silk-winged breezes played amidst the flowers, and birds ofevery description carolled their song in varying strains. The air wasclear and salubrious, and the scene enchanting.
And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thybosom, at the approaching union of Theodore and Alida. To our hero andheroine, the rural charms of the country furnished a source of pleasingvariety. Spring, with its verdant fields and flowery meads--summer, withits embowering shades--the fertility of autumn, with its yellowfoliage--winter, with its hollow blasts and snowy mantle, all tended tofill their bosoms with sensations of pleasing transition.
Their religious principles were the same. They were a constantassistance to each other in the fulfilment of their pious duties, trulyendeavouring to follow the life of the Redeemer, who taught by hisexample and practice, what he required of us. Assiduously cultivatingthose innate Christian principles and perfections, best calculated topromote the praise and glory of God, and whereby we may obtain theeverlasting favour of that ineffable Disposer of all things, in whom welive, and move, and have our being.
But soon a mournful shade was thrown over their peaceful tranquillityand happy anticipations; and manifest was their grief, when theyreceived the dreadful intelligence that Mr. More had committed suicide.At the news of this rash and sinful action, they were thrown into anabyss of sorrow, the painful remembrance of which, for a long time,threw a dark and melancholy cloud over their felicity.
It is to be regretted that a spirit of religion and philosophy had notbeen more duly exercised in the mind of Mr. More, that at length bypatience and resignation, he might have been brought to see how vain andtransitory are all these things; and thereby have been led to look forpermanent happiness to a nobler source.
Alida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War. Page 37
