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Show WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT AND FANNY FAIRCHILD '"pHE following is one of the most re-markable re-markable missives inspired by love. It was written by William Cullen Bryant, the famous American poet, on behalf of himself and his bride-to-be, Fanny Fairchild. It is a prayer, a prayer to the Almighty offered by a man who loved so much that he was in dread lest anything should happen to interrupt Its idealized course. It is a prayer that may well be offered by any couple on the altar. "May the Almighty God mercifully take care of our happiness here and hereafter. May we ever continue constant con-stant to each other and mindful of our mutual promises of attachment and truth. In due time, if it be the will of providence, may we become more nearly near-ly connected with each other and together to-gether may we lead a long, happy and innocent life without any diminution of affection until we die. May thre never be any jealousy, distrust, coldness cold-ness or dissatisfaction between us nor occasion for any nothing but kindness, kind-ness, forbearance, mutual confidence and attention to each other's happiness. And that we may be less unworthy of so great a blessing may we be assisted to cultivate all the benign and charitable chari-table affections and offices, not only towards each other but towards our neighbors, the human race and all creatures crea-tures of God. And in all things wherein where-in we have done ill, may we properly repent our error and may God forgivd us and dispose ns to do better. When at last we are called to render back the life we have received, may our deaths be peaceful and may God take lis to His bosom, all which may He grant for the sake of the Messiah. "Great Barrington, 1S20." Bryant's noble prayer was granted. The Bryants were blessed with forty-five forty-five years of happy life together. |