Page images
PDF
EPUB

it, the more I felt inclined to believe that what they said might be true. And in looking to see how my appearance differed from others, the first thing I noticed was the extreme straightness of my dress; it was made, as I thought, with ample folds, but still seemed almost to cling to my person. Here, thought I, is a chance for improvement; if I can get this robe to stand out a little from me, I shall certainly be situated to advance at a more rapid rate. I was not long in finding means to accomplish this object. This being done, I sat down, as was my custom daily, to look over my scrolls; and the first I put my hands upon was the one containing the words, "Be not conformed to the world,” &c. I was somewhat startled at seeing this, for I felt guilty; but this soon wore off, and on the whole I was pleased with the improvement. The next thing proposed, and which I fell in with more readily than the first, was a something around the lower part of my dress. I think it was called a flounce, at first a rather modest affair, but ere long increased to two or three of very immoderate width and fulness; and strange as it may seem, I selected them, as I dreamed, of the very color of my former sins, namely, scarlet. Much pleased with my improved appearance, I wandered forth to see and be seen new business, to be sure, for me. I came to a place where I had spent many happy hours in perusing my scrolls, and asking wisdom of God; and was reminded by what I saw, that I had not of late

studied my papers much, and to quiet conscience, I thought I would then spend a little time in these duties. I took from my pocket the scroll which had formerly cast so much light on my path; but O, how changed! Its radiance seemed to be dimmed with the lustre of my flounces, and the light it did cast was indistinct. I recollected now, for the first time, that my feet for a time had occasionally tripped, and now, in endeavoring to get sight at them, I found my robe so full and flowing that it was impossible to see them; but one thing I did discover, which was, that my robe was entirely gone up to my flounces. I thought this somewhat singular; but the dazzling appearance of my trimmings soon divested me of my anxiety, and as for the scroll, I made up my mind it would be of no further use to me, and I cast it away. Soon I perceived the remainder of my robe had become somewhat spotted and soiled, and besides did not become me so well, I thought, as would one of a greater variety and more fanciful colors. Not willing as yet to lose sight of the whole of it, I obtained a covering for a part, and left the upper part as it originally was made. To my astonishment I perceived that so fast as I added any thing by way of improvement, just so fast the original vanished. Determined to save what little remained, I purchased the most beautiful and costly gold pin I could obtain, thinking to secure what remained of my robe by pinning it closely with this article; and more, my eyes had

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 suc, ceeded 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

one

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

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.

« PreviousContinue »