It was now Sunday, and he desired the service of the day to be read. A small bible lay on the table before him, and Amanda complied with his desire. In the first lesson were these words: "Leave thy fatherless children to me, and I will be their father." The tears gushed from Fitzalan; he laid his hand, which appeared convulsed with agitation, on the book. "Oh! what words of comfort," cried he, "are these; what transport do they convey to the heart of a parent burthened with anxiety! Yes, merciful Power I will, with grateful joy, commit my children to thy care, for thou art the friend who wilt never forsake them."] When the physician made his morning visit, as he was going to take leave, Alida asked his opinion. He shook his head, and seemed to give no hopes of recovery. Her father requested her to be seated by the bedside. "My child," said he, "I wish to discourse a little with you. And could I again see Theodore, how gladly would I now receive him. I have deeply injured him," said he, "and my child too; and have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own bosom. I have often considered his piety and worth. His moral character was all that it should be. Superfluous wealth is not necessary to ensure earthly felicity, but a competency and contentment therewith, is all that is necessary to happiness." [_A&M_ (Melissa's father to Alonzo): "I have injured (said he) my young friend, deeply injured you, but in doing this I have inflicted a wound still deeper in my own bosom."] "Do not renew your sorrows, dear father," said Alida, "what is past is beyond recall. Let us confide in a just over-ruling Providence, that disposes all material events for the wisest purposes." Her tears flowed in abundance, as her looks rested upon the visage of her father, and deep distress was depicted in her countenance. [_Lives of Signers_: Samuel Adams of Massachusetts: He had been accustomed for years, to confide in a just over-ruling Providence....] "My dear child," said her father, "weep not for me, think that rest must now be acceptable to the weary traveller, whose hopes are centred in the Redeemer, (as the only name under Heaven, whereby we can be saved,) and can leave the world in the joyful anticipation of receiving those inestimable blessings, in a life to come, which the Gospel promises to every true believer." [_Children of the Abbey_: my Amanda, weep not too bitterly for me; like a weary traveller, think that rest must now be acceptable to me.] He had scarcely uttered these words, when he sunk almost senseless upon his pillow. The greater part of the family now assembled round him. The physician came and gave no hopes of recovery. He faithfully watched over him the whole evening and a part of the night, and about twelve o'clock his family had the sorrow and misfortune to witness the distressful and trying scene. Their father was no more.