ABSTRACT
Mr. Clifford returned from the East Indies, and had the satisfaction of reaching England time enough to see his father again. – The old man had almost despaired of this meeting. He threw his arms round his son’s neck, and embraced him for a considerable time in silence. When he was able to speak, he said to him, in the words of Jacob, for the language of scripture was familiar to him, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive!’ 63 – This happy family experienced those delightful sensations in each other’s society, which can only be felt after long absence. Our affections are not constantly active, they are called forth by circumstances; and what can awaken them so forcibly, as the renewal of those domestic endearments which constitute the charm of our existence?
