Taken from Philadelphia: T. Ellwood Chapman, 1851.
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ON THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE All! whither, sainted spirit, art thou gone, And left thy tender spouse now all alone? Our time together sweetly passed away, While we were partners, each returning day. But now, my love, no more can I behold Those brilliant eyes that oft thy kindness told. No; dearest partner,--thy blest race is run, And thou art told that all thy work is done. While we were passing through this world of care, How oft thy counsel bid me not despair. When storms and tempests seem'd on ev'ry side, In thee I found (however greatly tried) A mind superior to the darkest hour, Whose trust was firm in the Almighty's power. Thy gentle spirit, govern'd by the Truth, Maintain'd with constancy the vows of youth. Nor did thy soul e'er separated stand From thy all-wise Creator's blest command. But, being faithful to "the Light within," Was thereby kept from each besetting sin. And having known a heart that was sincere, Thy end was peace,--thy future prospects clear. Thus pass'd the partner of my life away, The blessed subject of eternal day. No sorrows, griefs, nor clouds of dark despair, But joy and peace forever centre there. Oh! may her offspring, guided as she was, By principles Divine, and holy laws, Enjoy with her the pure reward of peace, Nor from the beauty of her life e'er cease. Then will they ever prove themselves to be Examples from all vice and folly free. Thus wisely meeting ev'ry task assign'd, In ev'ry trial they will be resign' And when their race on earth shall have an end, Jehovah God will be their lasting Friend.