to take my life away.”
From this time on the storm abated its violence.
When at last the benediction was pronounced, the soldiers and men, in constant dread of attacks by Indians, left the meeting-house before the women and children, thus making sure the safe exit of the latter.
The people, crowding out, beheld the setting sun shining brightly. The odour of the rain and the fresh earth greeted them. All the trees in the leafy greenness of June quivered with fresh life.
The hail lay white upon the ground as petals new-fallen from cherry trees in bloom.
All nature was refreshed.
Only the mighty oak that had stood near the entrance was split in twain.
And the people,—the goodmen with heads uncovered,—in the mellow light of the departing day, rendered thanks unto God that they had been delivered.