JOY AND HOPE. tempest hold undisputed sway. But silently, gradually, almost imperceptibly the days lengthen, and gain upon the domain of night. Mild breezes spring up from the south and west; the northern blasts muster their forces against the gentler influences; but the day-god rises higher and higher in his course, silently, majestically. The genial southern breezes, like the spirit of meekness, return, and at last gain the ascendant. The spring showers fall, the south winds blow, the dews distill through the ambient air, the sunlight spreads its warm mantle upon the tender grass and rising flower-buds: slowly, silently, almost imperceptibly, the fields are covered with verdure; the buds develop into flowers. We have the "joyous freshness of May," "the leafy month of June;" in due time the full maturity of the golden autumn. Great transformation! glorious consummation! But whence and how? We trace it to the skyey influences, to the contact and communion of earth with heaven, to the mystic power of nature in her on-goings of beauty and purity, silently insinuating her vitality into the organic forms of matter, and assimilating them to her own likeness. But the transforming power did not formally proclaim itself. The spring showers and breezes, the summer dews and sunshine, did not previously announce that their mission was to crown the year with plenty. Earth, also, like a trusting, loving child, happy in the light of a father's eye and mother's tenderness, never asked the skyey powers (if we might use the bold figure), "Can ye make me beautiful and fruitful?" but was well content to grow daily in beauty and fruitfulness. It is so also in the spiritual world. Its ways and processes are even more slow and silent than those of nature. It is emphatically said, “It 301 cometh not with observation." The influences which move, and change, and build up a rational spirit, are more subtle than those of the sun and atmosphere, of magnetism or gravitation. Reading the lesson of nature in the outer world in this light, we here pause, and leave whatever of vital force or beauty is in these extracts to find its way to the heart and intellect of our readers. "For you the muse," says the author of them in one of his sonnets "For you she wrought; ye only can supply Most readers will probably be at a loss to find how or at what point the ode bears upon the question of the soul's immortality. We think we have discovered the point of contact, and could make it clear to our readers; but as the logical argument is by no means our purpose in this paper, we prefer rather to recommend repeated perusals of our abstract, and of the poem in its entireness, to as many as can lay hands on it. We venture to hope that thus a higher and happier feeling than that which springs from the most logical conclusions of which moral and spiritual truths are capable, will be generated—that the mind and heart, which, by contemplation and calm meditation meet and mingle, and hold communion with the profound truths and lofty imaginings of the poet, will grow in strength and beauty, not less certainly than the fields and forests under the natural influences of spring and summer. This is our philosophy of life, and growth, and development; and it is our conviction that higher aim can no priest or teacher propose than to bring the truths of the moral and spiritual kingdom to bear in their sublimities and beatitudes upon the human soul. JOY AND HOPE. Joy's a sweet, yet fragile, flower; Hope brightest blooms amidst the storm! THE TRUE SOURCE OF SOCIAL PROGRESS. BY REV. GEORGE DUFFIELD, D.D., DETROIT. In what consists the elevation and happiness of a nation? Not in the splendor of its government. Not in the grandeur and superior refinement of its rulers. Not in the wealth aud luxury of a privileged and noble class. Not in the security and efficient control of a pampered aristocracy. Not in the strength and glory of its armies and navy. These may all be had, as history has proved, and yet the great mass of the people be oppressed, degraded, corrupt, and little of domestic peace and tranquillity be known. The elevation and happiness of society can only be secured by the elevation and happiness of the different families and members composing that society. Nothing can be effectual for this end, which does not enter the household and the heart, and contribute to produce and promote intelligence, order, contentment, and industry. These form the main elements of national prosperity. Wherever they exist diffusely among the mass, there must be both national happiness and national aggrandizement. We say nothing of the tendency of Christianity to elevate and bless, as it makes the subject of its influence aspire to the society of God, of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the angels who kept their first estate, the loftiest intelligences-the best society in the universe,- -as it thus, of necessity, expands and strengthens the mind, and as it throws in the radiance of hope and joy, by unfolding the prospect of future scenes, of high and ennobling immortality; but we speak only of its improvement of men's temporal condition. Let the appropriate influence of religion find its way into the different families that compose a community, and there you will see the most ef fectual restraints imposed on discord and strife, and the most powerful incentives to promote order, intelligence, contentment, and industry. For he that is actuated by religion is affected by the fear of God, and the fear of God is a much more powerful principle than the fear of human laws, or of the authorities intrusted with the execution of those laws. The ignorant and impoverished are apt to feel, that the laws and the gov ernment are their enemies, or at any rate, that, while society owes them a subsistence, it does by these means throw obstacles in the way of their receiving it. So far from having respect to the general order and happiness of society, they are willing to sacrifice all to their selfishness, and to prevent confusion and mischief, rapaciousness and crime, the strong hand of power, with all the accompaniments of courts and jails, penitentiaries and military force, must inspire terror. This fear is not effectual; the fear of God, however, is. It accompanies the man affected by it into all the intercourse of life, and sheds its controlling influence over all his conduct. When true religion enters the cottage of the thief or drunkard, or the palace of the proud oppressor, it brings its own peculiar energies to bear upon their inmates. It starts no philosophical discussions about public morals, the comforts of sobriety, the advantages to be derived from holding sacred the rights of property, or the necessity of civil government for the general weal. It takes a much more direct method to accomplish its ends. It asserts and exalts the law of God, which requires, “As ye would that others do to you, do ye even so to them." It requires that each man regard and love his neighbor and his brother, as himself. It pours out the denunciation of Heaven on high and low, who dare to violate its high behests. It imparts a few simple and salutary principles, and engraves them on the tablets of the heart, so that its subject can never plead ignorance, but carries with him, through all the varieties of human condition, and complicated human relations, his guide and instructor in the path of duty; "teaching us to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present evil world;" "to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates," to render unto all men their dues, "tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor, to owe no man, but to love one another;" "to put away all anger and malice," envy and revenge, those stormy passions, which keep society agitated and unsettled, and to abstain from all lying, and back biting, THE TRUE SOURCE OF SOCIAL PROGRESS. 303 ner of his cares sinking under the pressure of their trials. There is nothing which can so soften and reviling. It is obvious that nothing possesses half so much intrinsic power, or is so admirably and universally adapted to diffuse through-the rugged, polish the rude, enlighten the ignoout the community a love of order, a respect for the laws, the spirit of contentment and goodwill, and the diligent efforts of a healthful industry, the very elements of public prosperity. Religion meets man in the lowest depths of his degradation and misery, and, speaking in the soft tones of heavenly mercy, words of peace and encouragement, inspires him with hope, and prompts him to commence a thorough renovation of his life. It meets him in his helplessness, and when through conscious weakness, and fear of temptation, he scarcely dares to form a resolution to change, it proffers its aid, directs him to the treasures of wisdom, and of strength laid up for him in Jesus Christ, and persuades him to hope and believe there is salvation for him. It meets him in his ignorance, and when he knows not where to look, what to do, in whom to trust, or from whom to take counsel, presents, as the friend and companion of his steps, the mighty Son of God, on whom to lean, and through whom to escape from every fear and foe. It meets him in his different relations, as parent, husband, child, brother, friend, neighbor and subject, and vouchsafing its counsel and safe conduct through all the different and difficult circumstances of his condition, assists him in the discharge of every duty, and moulds his character after the graces of the Spirit of God, "against which there is no law." It meets him in his different trials and afflictions; the difficult passes through life, and administers courage and consolation, wiping away the tears of his sorrow, dissipating his anxiety about his own and his family's welfare, soothing him on the bed of sickness, comforting him in his afflictions, supporting him in his trials, fortifying him for disappointments, lifting him up in his despondency, exciting him with the hope of future good, dispelling the fear of death, throwing around him in his dying moments the arms of everlasting love, and pressing his spirit beloved to the bosom of his Heavenly Father. rant, sustain under heavy pressure, and direct under circumstances fraught with perplexity. Where was there ever such a magic power brought to bear upon a people to improve the condition of the poor?-to expel discontent and gloom?-to substitute peace for anxiety, confidence for fear, hope for despondency, joy for sorrow, purity for pollution?—Nothing can equal it, nothing compensate it. It is this, and this alone that can equalize the allotments of Providence, and place every man in a condition to rise to respectability and happiness. Talk not of agrarian laws, or the equal distribution of property, to improve the condition of society! Suppose you could fill the land with families of opulence, you could not fill those families with happiness, not even with contentment. Wealth has no power to relieve from care, and fill the home and heart of its possessor with bliss. But introduce the religion of Jesus Christ among the people,-let it enter the households of the poor, and inspire the tenants of the humble cottage, with the hope of that inheritance which is "incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away;" and teach them how their trials, which are comparatively but for a moment, work out for them "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," yea, that their very poverty is proof of His favor, who hath chosen them "rich in faith and heirs of the kingdon," and you do more than all the legislation, wisdom and philosophy of man, and the resources of governments, can accomplish, to fill the land with contented and happy families, and ensure the greatest amount of happiness consistent with a state of moral discipline. Let the records of history be consulted. Contrast the most refined and brilliant nations of antiquity, with those that Christianity has moulded, and civilized by its influence, and tell the result. The splendid monarchies and despotisms of Egypt, Nineveh and Babylon, of Persia, Greece There is nothing which lends such a mighty and Rome, did indeed ennoble and exalt the helping power to the suffering and oppressed, crown and aristocracy, and dazzle the earth with who with weary spirits and decaying energies, the glory of their armies, the costliness of their begin to lose their patience and their hope, while palaces, the wonders of their architecture, and grappling with the hardships of life. There is the richness, delicacy and extravagance of their nothing which can light up the humble abode of luxuries, but they held the mass of the people poverty with the bright sunshine of peace and oppressed, degraded, brutalized, with little or hope, and dignify the privations, toils and suffer- no knowledge of the bliss of domestic life. Nor ings incident to penury, and brace, with the firm- did the proud republics of Greece and Rome acness of heroic fortitude, the man who sees his complish more. They merged indeed the family scanty fare becoming more and more precarious, in the state, and extinguishing the feeling of inhis children wasting with disease, and the part-dividuality in the paramount and absorbing 304 THE TRUE SOURCE OF SOCIAL PROGRESS. claims of the body politic, afforded but little op- | degradation and servile condition in which they portunity to indulge and cultivate the domestic virtues, or ply the means, or know the sources of domestic happiness. The government was not the guardian angel of the people's happiness, protecting them in their inalienable rights, and facilitating the development of their powers, and the attainment of their happiness, in the exercise of those rights, but the people were led to sacrifice their individual and domestic enjoyments for the welfare and glory of the government. Their laws and public institutions tended not to equalize and diffuse the means of happiness, but to concentrate the sacrifices of individual and domestic happiness in the glory of the republic. And hence they never could perpetuate their republics, or protect themselves against the encroachments and ambition of aspirants after fame and power. Corruption and ignorance increased, and on the ruin of public morals, and amidst the prevalence of public distress, designing demagogues, through flattery and deceit, persuaded them to erect the despot's throne. We look in vain to any social changes or arrangements which overlook the influence, or disown the authority of Christianity, for any of those great and permanent results, which are dear to every friend of virtue and humanity. What influence but that of Christianity has ever banished gross vices from their public haunts, and forced their perpetrators to hide them in the darkness of secrecy We look in vain for the universal diffusion of the blessings of a wholesome moral education, for the creation and endowment of hospitals, infirmaries, asylums, houses of refuge, and other kindred institutions, which Christianity has scattered so profusely among modern nations, for the relief and mitigation of the sufferings of the helpless and wretched. Where have you found among the nations of antiquity any thing like the influence which Christianity has exerted, and is still exerting, to eradicate slavery from the earth, and break the yokes and fetters which cupidity and cruelty had forged? It is to Christianity the world is indebted for the elevation of the female sex from that were held by the ancient heathen, and are yet held among anti-Christian nations; for those happy influences which have meliorated the state of human society, consecrated the ties which bind together the husband and wife, the parent and child, and introduce to our firesides all the virtues which sweeten every domestic relationship, and give endearments to home; for the laws which protect the weak from the rapacity of the strong, the widow in her solitude, the orphan and the fatherless from the cunning and arts of those who would rob them of their rights, and for that sound healthful public opinion which alone can furnish an effectual guaranty against the evils, infallibly and abundantly resulting from the disrespect of oaths, the venality of judges, the violation of public pledges, the treachery of public servants, the default of public officers, the recklessness of corrupt legislation, the chicanery of the bar, the subserviency of public functionaries, the selfishness of mercenary individuals, the cupidity of swindlers, and the dishonesty and vindictiveness of moneyed corporations. "If you are in search of the attributes which give dignity to a state," says an eloquent divine, "of the virtues which shed a lustre and loveliness over families, give value to what is magnificent in enterprise, refined in civilization, lofty in ethics, admirable in jurisprudence, you never think of turning to any but a Christianized territory, in order to obtain the most signal exhibition; and just in proportion as Christianity but gains a footing on the territories of heathenism, there is a distinct improvement in whatever tends to exalt a nation and bring comfort and respect. ability to its households." It has ever proved itself to be the great civilizer of nations, the great heightener of morals, the soother of the afflicted, the patron of the destitute, the friend of the oppressed. Of a nation under its control, and by whom its restraints are reverenced and cherished, it may well be said, "Happy is the people that is in such a case, yea, happy is that people whose God is the Lord." THE BETTER WISH. My better reason should the world efface, Then take me, Death, at once to thine embrace 1 But may I better pay kind Nature's debt, Feel to the last with all a poet's feeling Nor cloud, when o'er my eyes Death's films are stealing, My spirit with the ashes of regret. THE SLAIN OF THE SEA. A SCRIPTURE SKETCH. BY HORACE DRESSER, ESQ. BEHOLD! the wide sea-shore is covered with Egypt's dead. There lie scattered upon its shining sands, the horse caparisoned, and his rider armor-clad, ready for conflict with the fugitive bondmen-and all silent and slumbering, the dark waters conceal in the chambers of the deep Pharaoh's chariots. And who is he that hath discomfited the foe, and wrought so great deliverance? But hark, and listen to the song of triumph and of praise to Jehovah, that reverberates along the shores of "Egypt's dark sea," as its deep intonations rise from the assembled multitudes, and swell the full chorus responsive to the voice of their great leader: I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; My father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. They sank into the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O LORD! is become glorious in power: Thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together: The floods stood upright as an heap, And the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the Gods! Fearful in praises, doing wonders! Thou stretchedet out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed; Thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The people shall hear and be afraid : Sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. The mighty men of Moab! trembling shall take hold upon them; All the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. By the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; Till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, In the place, O LORD! which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, In the sanctuary, O LORD! which thy hands have estab lished. The LORD shall reign for ever and ever! Proud Pharaoh! the slave is now free beyond the floods; thou art at last overtaken in thy haughtiness-and the majesty of thy power is cast into the depths of the great waters. The might of man lifted not up those waters-they went not back for fear of the rod and right hand of Moses! It is Jehovah that hath triumphed— it was at his word that the deep gathered itself into heaps on either hand. The vengeance of the Most High could not sleep always his wrath could not always be restrained. Four hundred and thirty years did he witness the oppressions of thyself, and the Pharaohs that sat upon thy throne before thee; but the great day of his wrath and the fierceness of his indignation have come upon thee-and the hosts that thou didst bring up from the land of the Pyramids, “the sea covered them-they sank as lead in the mighty waters." Mighty monarch! seven times didst thou turn a deaf ear to the petitions of Moses and Aaron for the emancipation of their brethren in bonds; and often wast thou visited with signs and wonders from the Lord of Hosts, because thou didst harden thy heart, and set thy face against the children of Israel. Madman of Egypt! knowest thou what caused thy beautiful river to be turned into blood, and the inhabitants of its waters to die, and blood to be throughout all the land of the Nile? Tell us wherefore from the streams and the pools of water in all thy borders, thou wast visited of reptiles--and why there fell upon thee the plagues of loathsome vermin, and |