made the universe; and she knew that while he guided those glorious orbs
in their courses, he also felt compassion and love for her poor
suffering heart. _He_ had afflicted her, and He, in his infinite
power and love, knew so much better than she what was best and good,
that it was pleasant to commit all her interests into his hands.

Her older son, her bright, beloved boy, had gone she believed to mingle
his songs in a purer worship than that of earth, and would she call him
back from glory? As she lifted her eyes up to the serene heavens, she
almost fancied she heard his voice, saying, "He doeth all things well,
do not fear to trust him." And when she returned to her dying child, it
was with a feeling of sweet confidence. "I will not fear to trust him,
even with this darling child. His gentle spirit was not fitted for
earthly strifes; now it shall expand in an atmosphere of perfect love.
'The Lord gave him, the Lord taketh him away; blessed be his name.'"

The dying boy breathed gently, and looked as if in a sweet sleep,
sometimes a smile would play around his mouth, as if he were in a
pleasant dream. There was no perceptible change till nearly morning,
then Mrs. Hamilton called Mr. and Mrs. Martin. They stood in tearful
silence round his bed, (for they loved Arthur almost as a child),
watching his shortened breathing. There was no pain, no sigh, but as the
morning light gleamed across the eastern hill, the spirit passed away.




CHAPTER IX.