been somewhat dazzled with seeing these same things worn to advantage in the bosoms of others. But no sooner did I attempt to insert it, than, to my perfect surprise, the little which remained of my robe vanished entirely; and there I was, my scrolls gone, and my dress completely metamorphosed.

I immediately sat about finding some article to make up the loss; and looking out for a place where I might purchase something appropriate, I observed a flaming handbill, on which was printed, in large letters, Clothing for the Million." I soon succeeded in supplying myself with what I thought I needed, and among others I was shown some splendid gold rings, with which I thought I filled my fingers. After surveying myself, at full length, in a large mirror suspended for that purpose, not a little pleased with my improved appearance, I started for my shop. Every person I met seemed to admire my uniform. Among them I noticed the nobility, and those of all ranks and stations. Here I met a lawyer, there a doctor, there a minister, and there a merchant, and found my appearance corresponded with theirs most perfectly, except that my cravat was tied in a double knot, and I noticed that that of my beloved pastor was tied with a single so much had he been in advance of me in getting the latest fashion. Delighted, I engaged afresh in the business of life. I was prospered in basket and in store. It seemed now as if meetings for the worship of God multiplied, while I had less

one

O

time to attend them. The calls upon my benevolence were more frequent, and although I had abundant means, I felt disposed to hold on upon them. The prison seemed never so full of occupants. The list of sick seemed swollen almost to embrace a good part of the population. Wars and rumors of wars were rife; but what cared I how many were made widows and orphans by this most inhuman butchery, if it but increased my gains?

As this state of things progressed, I found myself more and more anxious to obtain riches and pleasures; and in proportion as I succeeded did my anxiety increase, lest in some way I should lose. My former peace of mind was gone. I was harassed by day and by night. My situation at length became more insupportable than when, in bitterness of spirit, I formerly cried for relief. In awful agitation, while fumbling in my pockets for I know not what, something I encountered seemed familiar to my touch. I drew it forth, and judge my surprise when I beheld a scroll like unto those I had formerly perused with so much delight. How it came there, I never knew. It was like the countenance of an old and tried friend. I opened it, and in it were these words: "Return to the Lord, who will have mercy, and to our God, who will abundantly pardon." Return! I exclaimed, without waiting to finish the sentence. Yes! that is the word; and thus I continued to shout until I aroused myself from my slumbers, and behold was it all a dream?

CLINGING TO EARTH.

O, Do not let me die! The earth is bright,
And I am earthly, so I love it well;
Though heaven is holier, all replete with light,
Yet I am frail, and with frail things would dwell.

I cannot die! The flowers of earthly love
Shed their rich fragrance on a kindred heart;
There may be purer, brighter flowers above,

Yet with these ones 'twould be too hard to part.

I dream of heaven, and well I love these dreams;
They scatter sunlight on my varying way;
But 'mid the clouds of earth are priceless gleams
Of brightness, and on earth O let me stay.

It is not that my lot is void of gloom,

That sadness never circles round my heart, Nor that I fear the darkness of the tomb,

That I would never from the earth depart.

'Tis that I love the world - its cares, its sorrows, Its bounding hopes, its feelings fresh and warm, Each cloud it wears, and every light it borrows,

Loves, wishes, fears, the sunshine and the storm.

I love them all; but closer still the loving

Twine with my being's cords, and make my life; And while within this sunlight I am moving,

I well can bide the storms of worldly strife.

Then do not let me die! for earth is bright,
And I am earthly, so I love it well :
Heaven is a land of holiness and light,

But I am frail, and with the frail would dwell.

ASPIRING TO HEAVEN.

YES, let me die! Am I of spirit-birth,
And shall I linger here where spirits fell,
Loving the stain they cast on all of earth?
O, make me pure, with pure ones e'er to dwell!

'Tis sweet to die! The flowers of earthly love (Fair, frail, spring blossoms) early droop and die; But all their fragrance is exhaled above, Upon our spirits evermore to lie.

Life is a dream, a bright but fleeting dream,
I can but love; but then my soul awakes,
And from the mist of earthliness a gleam
Of heavenly light, of truth immortal, breaks.

168

ASPIRING TO HEAVEN.

I shrink not from the shadows sorrow flings
Across my pathway; nor from cares that rise
In every footprint; for each shadow brings
Sunshine and rainbow as it glooms and flies.

But heaven is dearer. There I have my treasure;
There angels fold in love their snowy wings;
There sainted lips chant in celestial measure,
And spirit fingers stray o'er heaven-wrought strings.

There loving eyes are to the portals straying;
There arms extend, a wanderer to fold;
There waits a dearer, holier One, arraying
His own in spotless robes and crowns of gold.

Then let me die. My spirit longs for heaven,
In that pure bosom evermore to rest;

But, if to labor longer here be given,

66

Father, thy will be done!" and I am blest.