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Show Continuation of Til Death Us Do PartOurselves suddenly girt about by the sustaining arms of eternal love, that, while we trust them, will never more let us stumble or fall, but will bear us unharmed through the fiery trial from which we shrink and pray to escape, wailing in that tone of anguish which echoes through the heavy night in Gethsemane, "Take away this cup from me. Nevertheless" [mark the influx of divine strength-the mighty, calm falling the in the midst of the raging tempest], nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt." It seemed to Rollin, in the delirium of his moral sickness, that he? went down to the dark river over which Alma had floated, desperate in his desire, and resolute to cross the unknown tide in search of her whom he had lost. But Charon's boats were full (for there were many souls launching at that time); and when he stove to get passage, the grim ferryman waved him back imperiously, saying, "Return, thou art not bidden, and another day will do for you," and, notwithstanding there were some on board, who would gladly have yielded him their places and returned in his stead, it was not permitted. Then, in his desperation, he was about to leap into the cold tide, and strike boldly, in his own strength, for the other shore, when [so ran the fever-dream] there appeared one of celestial loveliness and grace walking to him over the troubled waves, that straightway grew smooth as glass under her feet, for she had gotten the victory over death-and when she drew near, he cried out joyfully, yet with awe and reverence, "Alma! Alma!" So those who ministered to him said, looking wondering at one another: "He dreams with open eyes." The radiant one, with an ineffable love shining like the glory of the sun in her face, came close to him, standing on the shore of Time, saying, in a voice that seemed some sweeter echo of Alma's, "Beloved, content thee for a little. Thou shalt pass the river by and by. Patience! the good Father knoweth the time. Our work in the earth is not yet finished; but for the better accomplishment of it, it is expedient that one of us be lifted into clearer vision than is possible in the human state, and, with the strength and freedom of a spirit unclothed of flesh, flow into and inspire the other with courage and faith to act. We will work together as old, and my life shall be in thy deed. Our love has been something too earthly in its nature; but now, purified and exalted, it shall become as the loves of the angels. Both of the world, we walked in worldly ways, one lifted into heaven [unreadable line]. The shining face vailed [veiled] itself from Rollin's eyes, but a deep peace fell upon his soul, and remained. Thenceforth his life must be held sacred, for it was a medium through which a glorified soul communicated with earth, and shed abroad its benign influence. Reverently he took up his world's burdens and went forward, faithfully discharging every duty of his station, with consciousness that not one of them was so trivial and unimportant that it bare not some relation to eternal ends. When dark days dropped in upon him, he saw a seraph face shining behind the cloud; and when his feet slipped into evil ways he felt the tender, clinging clasp of a hand, which, if disregarded, slowly relaxed its hold, as Alma's did to her dying hour, signifying that as death severed their natural ties, so should sin their spiritual. |