The state of the elements was exceedingly favorable to the holding of such an exercise in the open air at a season generally so inclement.  The night before there was every appearance of a heavy N. E. storm.  But Sabbath morning it was calm.  As I went to church I noticed that the sun rested on the Vermont mountains just north of us, though with a mellowed light as if a veil had been thrown over them.  In the after part of the day the open sky had spread southward—­so that the interment took place when the air was as mild and serene as spring, just as the last sun of the year was sinking towards the mountains.  Almost the entire congregation were present....  Thus, dear sister, I have given you a brief account of the solemn but peaceful winding up of what has been to me a sharp and long trial, and I know to yourself and family also.  In eternity we shall more clearly read the lesson which even now, in the light of opening scenes, we are beginning to interpret.

[1] Richard H. Dana, the poet.

[2] The article referred to appeared in The Biblical Repository and Quarterly Observer for January, 1835.  Vol V., pp. 1-32.  It is entitled, “What form of Law is best suited to the individual and social nature of man?”

[3] Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson.

[4] The article appeared in the New York Review for July, 1839.

[5] Some passages from the little diaries referred to, together with further extracts from her literary journal, will be found in appendix D, p. 541.

[6] The Proclamation of Emancipation.

[7] By Anna Warner.

[8] By her friend, Mrs. Frederick G. Burnham.

[9] “The Little Corporal.”

[10] At Fredericksburg.

[11] Referring to the sudden death of a young niece of Mrs. S.

[12] This was written before the assassination of President Garfield.

[13] The “Rhapsody,” referred to by Mr. Butler was preserved by a young lady of the party, and will be found in appendix E, p. 555.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE PASTOR’S WIFE AND DAUGHTER OF CONSOLATION.

1866-1868.

I.

Happiness as a Pastor’s Wife.  Visits to Newport and Williamstown Letters.  The great Portland Fire.  First Summer at Dorset.  The new Parsonage occupied.  Second Summer at Dorset. Little Lou’s Sayings and Doings.  Project of a Cottage.  Letters. The Little Preacher.  Illness and Death of Mrs. Edward Payson and of Little Francis.

We now enter upon the most interesting and happiest period of Mrs. Prentiss’s experience as a pastor’s wife.  The congregation of the Church of the Covenant had been slowly forming in “troublous times”; it was composed of congenial elements, being of one heart and one mind; some of the most cultivated families and family-circles in New York belonged to it; and Mrs. Prentiss was much beloved in them all.  What a help-meet she was to her husband and with what zeal and delight she fulfilled her office, especially that of a daughter of consolation, among his people, will soon appear.