But we will leave the dear infant, the brother, and the mother, to that rest that remains for the people of God; they have fallen victims to consumption, with the vast multitudes that have fallen a prey to the ruthless destroyer.

Memory brings up, upon her retentive tablet, the recollection of a family that fell before its withering blight, ere the elasticity of youth had passed away.

The first that died was a young wife and mother.  She faded like the early spring flowers, and soon her brothers and sisters younger than she were laid by her side in the silent chambers of death, all in the vigor and beauty of youth.  The rose faded suddenly upon their cheeks, and they fell before thee, thou ruthless destroyer of the generations of men.

The infant of a few days laid down its young life, and joined the multitude in the place of graves.

One young man just verging upon manhood, was cut suddenly down with but little warning.  He apparently had a slow fever, and had been confined a few days at the house of a friend, but had so far recovered as to anticipate a visit to his family on horseback, as the distance was short, and the doctor had recommended that exercise.  But on the appointed day, while his horse stood saddled at the door, he came in from a short walk, and asked a niece to help him off with his coat, as he wished to lay down.  As she did so she perceived the blood was settled under his nails.  He flung himself on the bed; concealing his hands under his back; his breathing became difficult, and death soon claimed him for his own.

Sorrow filled the afflicted household when the intelligence reached them.  The father saw the messenger approaching, and informed the family the son was coming.

A younger sister and brother were lingering in the last stages of consumption.  They were now filled with eager expectancy.  The father soon discovered the horse, but not the rider they were expecting, and waited the issue with fearful forebodings.

Loud was the burst of grief that rung the air when the stricken family heard of the death of the absent one in so unexpected a moment; thus crushing out forever the hope that had sprung up in so many hearts of returning health and usefulness.

Upon a post mortem examination, it was discovered that the rupture of a blood vessel was the cause of his death.  His lungs were found to be in a bad condition, betraying that the foe of the family had been holding secret revel there.

A day or two later, and the sable plumed angel returned again, and hovered over the gentle sister, casting his shadow upon her brow, and chilling her with his icy breath.  His snowy fingers rested upon her fluttering pulses; she cast one fond gaze upon the dear brother that was soon to follow her, bade farewell to her earthly friends, and went with the angel to the spirit land.