much as dull, year after year has rolled over my silvering hairs in perfect health and peace and rest, and year by year have I rejoiced more deeply in the true love of a wife such as few have known.  For it would seem as though the heart-ache and despair of youth had but sweetened that most noble nature till it grew well nigh divine.  But one sorrow came to us, the death of our infant child—­for it was fated that I should die childless—­and in that sorrow, as I have told, Lily shewed that she was still a woman.  For the rest no shadow lay between us.  Hand in hand we passed down the hill of life, till at length in the fulness of her days my wife was taken from me.  One Christmas night she lay down to sleep at my side, in the morning she was dead.  I grieved indeed and bitterly, but the sorrow was not as the sorrows of my youth had been, since age and use dull the edge of mortal griefs and I knew and know that we are no long space apart.  Very soon I shall join Lily where she is, and I do not fear that journey.  For the dread of death has left me at length, as it departs from all who live long enough and strive to repent them of their sins, and I am well content to leave my safety at the Gates and my heavenly comfort in the Almighty Hand that saved me from the stone of sacrifice and has guided me through so many perils upon this troubled earth.

And now to God my Father, Who holds me, Thomas Wingfield, and all I have loved and love in His holy keeping, be thanks and glory and praise!  Amen.