regular stipend is secured to me, the whole country is so unsettled." "And what answer did you give?" "That I would do nothing without your advice." "And that advice, my dear son, is that you should not quit your own country, to which your services are due." "But, father, is not the whole world our country, created by the hand of God? Is not every one our neighbor whom we are commanded to love as ourselves ?" "Right, my dear child; but I imagined that the neighborhood of your parents, the opportunities you enjoy of association with the friends of your youth, would bind you to your home with links of iron; and that even an affair of the heart would make it difficult for you to tear yourself away, and risk your life, and happiness in a foreign land." As the Elder said this, Jacob cast down his eyes; conscious what his father alluded to, he hesitatingly replied, "Yes, very difficult; but the greater the sacrifice, the more acceptable is it in the eyes of God." "You have well said," answered Danielis, to whom the blushes and hesitation of his son revealed the secret of the young man's heart, and one cause of his departure. After a long pause, the Elder, to give a fresh turn to the conversation, continued: “But, my son, reflect a little; you are still so young; here you have everything necessary for the improvement of your mind; the judgment of enlightened persons must have a favorable influence on your preaching; and the duties of the pulpit are the most important functions of a clergyman. It is a difficult office. Eloquence is not alone a gift of nature, bnt requires study. I fear that in the country, among rude, ignorant people, you will neglect this and become an every-day preacher, who performs his duties mechanically, and thinks only of his own advantage." "Dear father, he who is not inspired by his divine calling will receive inspiration from neither town nor village. It seems to me that not less art and study are required to elevate to holy things the mind of a peasant than that of a dweller in towns." "That may be true, Jacob. But are you indifferent to leaving your present circle, where you can do so much good, for an unknown and circumscribed district ?" tent of his sphere of action. His own will, strength, and deeds, create the region of his operation." The assenting nod of the Elder seemed to approve of his son's opinions, but he added: "Although there are two sides to every subject, pray bear in mind, that, to do much good, it is needful to think of one's self and one's circumstances. Independence is a necessity to a man whose wishes tend to universal benevolence. He who is needy, and requires help himself, can do little to aid others, and only builds castles in the air. Even Archimedes required a firm support for his feet before he engaged to raise the earth with his lever; and a moderate independence and good position in society, whether earned by our exertions or the result of our calling, alone give us this support." The expression of the young man's face showed that he did not quite comprehend his father's observations, or thought them unsuitable to the subject. He replied in an absent manner, " Undoubtedly." Well," " continued the Elder, "you are at present in an enviable situation, with good prospects for the future. In a few years, you will have a profitable living, which will secure you from want for life. Poverty is the bitterest of all cares, because the most contemptible, and yet the most pressing of our sufferings. When you have left your parish, as you desire, to devote yourself to the service of others, you will soon be forgotten, and on your return those who have not quitted the service of your church will be preferred to you. I allow the pressing need of our revolutionary neighbors; they want honest and active pastors; but from their own unsettled state, they cannot secure to you either a provision for life or even daily bread. Consider well, my dear boy, and when you take a loving partner for life, as you most likely will, think how you are to support her." The countenance of Jacob became crimson, but his was not the blush of shame, but was the glow of inspiration. Earthly love might have mingled with his feelings, but it soon subsided, and religious enthusiasm alone remained. He raised his eyes to heaven, then walked up to his father, and seizing his two hands said, in a tone of voice which seemed to crave forgiveness for the warmth of his language: "Dear father, I know you well, your love "That does not alarm me. Man's ac- and your principles. If one of the apostivity and goodness depend not on the ex-tles had come to his Heavenly Master, as I have come to you, would he have received the like answer?" The Elder was silent. He looked for some time at his son with much surprise, and then said with deep kindness and affection, bids "If this is your way of thinking, my dear Jacob, I can have nothing to say against it. Go, fulfil your duty as your conscience God will be with you. you; Even should your Christian feeling lead you into earthly sorrow, it will ensure you a glorious resurrection and a throne in heaven. Go, my son, and may God bless you." The father pressed his son to his breast with emotion, and the moistened eyes of the young man showed how deeply he felt. CHAP. VIII. SELF-DENIAL. For well as yours, lies near my heart. Jacob looked fondly at his mother, and The mother consented to Jacob's departure, though with a heavy heart. She felt much for poor Else, who, in various ways, heard many words which informed her of Jacob's resolves, although it was never openly discussed. The news seemed to fall like a sentence of death upon her quiet and silent happiness. She could not oppose her lover's departure, and even had she dared, she would have died rather than have betrayed feelings which she could scarcely understand herself. She carefully avoided a meeting with Jacob, towards whom her whole being felt attracted by the unseen influence of love. If obliged to ad-rage. dress him in his parents' presence, she spoke calmly, and yet she felt as though her soul was longing to pour itself out in affectionate words. And when by chance her eyes turned upon him, their expression was one of complaint and gentle reproach, to which he answered by looks of love, consolation, and hope. But what the young lovers succeeded in concealing from every one else, almost from each other, did not escape the penetration of Mother Anna, and she felt the secret sorrow of Jacob and Else, even more than her own. One day when alone with her son, she said to him, "Your departure grieves me much, my dear boy. I feel that I shall seldom see you; the path of danger you have chosen, and the sacrifice you make of home, of your living, and of your prospects, contribute to my sadness; but I trust in God. I confess to you, that for one reason only do I rejoice at your plan,-it may restore peace to Else and to you. Your presence is destructive to her quiet; and her welfare, as The mother embraced her son with tender love. At last the parting hour arrived. Parents, brothers, and sisters, uttered a tender farewell, whispering hope and cou But Else stood at the door of the house, timid and shrinking from view. Jacob extended his hand as he passed her,their eyes met; his, full of love, made a tender and mute appeal: the answer was a tear. Else fled away to her own room, while the young pastor hastened through the garden to the highroad. Jacob now entered on the path he had chosen, in the midst of confusion and party strife. He visited his father's house at very rare intervals; but his letters gave proof of an energetic spirit, which rose above all trouble. He had chosen for his head-quarters a little village, from whence he diverged, and performed his clerical duties to the desolate community. On Sundays he preached three or four times a day, sometimes at one place, sometimes at another; a conveyance being in waiting to convey him to the different churches. During the week the young preacher walked cheerfully from village to village, giving good advice, praying with the dying, celebrating marriages, and re-establishing schools. Denying himself every comfort, his home was a deserted, half-empty house, | dawn, the father lighted the numerous waxbarely furnished, but provided with arms lights on all the tables, and in the branches against any surprise. His daily intercourse of the Christmas tree, and then went in was with a wild, ignorant people; he even search of the eager troop, who were asaccompanied them to battle to give aid,sembled in Else's chamber. Full of exspiritual and temporal, to the wounded. Yet all these privations could not drive the young man from the path in which he trod without fanaticism, though with all the zeal of a fanatic, and in which he persevered without hope of reward, exposed to the taunts and reproaches of his acquaintance. Even Danielis did not escape censure from those who think that in providing for their ehildren comfortably and well without consulting the will of God, they have fulfilled their highest duty. The Elder was not affected by their reprehensions, nor hurt by their offensive expressions and forebodings of ill. "Be it so," he would say to his wife: "the unjust reproaches of man bring the favor of God. What my son is now doing, was done by the noblest of men in olden times; and though their meed was death, from the barbarity of the age in which they lived, yet now they are revered as martyrs and saints. Let our Jacob pursue his path as a messenger of peace and an apostle of the Gospel, following in the rear of his predecessors, the benefactors of mankind." CHAP. IX.-THE FESTIVE MEETING. A year passed away,-a year rich in blossoms and harvests-like every other that we welcome so warmly, and so coldly see depart. Nature's creating hand, as if wearied with daily toil, sought repose on its wintry bed; and the snow-flakes fell like dreams upon its resting place, while the hoarfrost melted by the pale sun-beams, was dissolved from the branches of the trees. pectation, they walked in couples to the festive hall, where they gave vent to their pleasure, surprise, and admiration, in loud and joyous acclamations. Jacob, alone, was absent. Every one missed him, wished for him, and pitied him for being so far away from the happy scene. All spoke of him, all felt their own pleasure diminished, since it could not be shared with him. Else, alone, was silent; but a deeper sorrow than even theirs oppressed her heart, and she would willingly have given vent to her feelings in tears. He whom she loved more and more each day, as she appreciated his self-devotion, he was not there; his place was vacant,-there was no gift for him. But a few hours passed, and the regret of all was changed into gladness. A letter came from Jacob announcing his return home that evening. A friend had undertaken his duties, and with a mind free from care, he was coming home to fulfil his heart's dearest wish. "He could not," he said, "relinquish the pleasure of celebrating with the beloved household a day which had ever been to him the most solemn and the most esteemed in all the days of the year." "But for heaven's sake," exclaimed Mother Anna, as soon as she was alone with her husband, and free from the noisy mirth of the family; how can we make this a happy day to dear Jacob! We have no festive gift for him. Advise me what to do. I can offer him sweetmeats; but what a trifle-what a poor acknowledgment of the joy his return gives us,—his safe return this dreary winter weather! Or would you place some money among my sweets? he may want it, poor fellow. Christmas, the pleasantest of the domestic feasts in the Elder's family, drew near. Danielis shook his head, as he answered, All the household were busy preparing their" Money! that is dry nourishment for gifts in secret. Such hiding and seeking, heart and spirit, though useful for corposuch counselling and guessing, such jests real wants and necessities. Let us think and whispers, were never seen or heard, as of a nobler gift; he deserves it! He has the memorable day approached. On made a sacrifice to the highest of duties, Christmas-eve every one delivered his or and has resigned the most easy and pleaher gifts to the parents, to be deposited on sant life, one that all would desire, for the table under the mysterious folds of a a gloomy existence, surrounded by troubles white cloth. All then left the room, that and dangers. He may sink under it. No the presents so carefully concealed might one, except God and his own conscience, be duly arranged by the father and mother. can reward him as he merits; but let us The night seemed interminable to the now gratify the strongest of his earthly impatient members of the family. Before wishes. Come, I have a happy thought." He whispered something to his wife with a smile. Mother Anna at first looked at him doubtfully, as if quite alarmed; but the expression of her features soon changed, and her face beamed with a joy which lighted her whole countenance. up "It is a charming idea," exclaimed she; "but how shall we gain time? for evening will quickly be here, and great preparations will be needful Where shall I find flowers? and an invitation must be sent to all our relatives. As to the feast, there will be plenty of good things, for I am always prepared on a day like this. Then, the goldsmith; must go into the town myself. No! I can send. But there is no time to be lost; evening is at hand. Go, my dear husband; and do your part." Mother Anna set to work so eagerly that she put all the house in motion; but no one could guess the reason of these extraordinary preparations. One messenger was sent to the town; another to the wood; a third to invite the guests; a fourth to the goldsmith and the jeweller. And when evening came, and the happy Jacob arrived, and had embraced his parents, brothers, and sisters, all was prepared to make the holy day a most happy one for him. Much time was spent, as may be well imagined, in questions, answers, caresses, and rejoicings over the newly arrived guest. At length the father made his way through the joyful family group, and raised his voice above the rest for silence. He took Jacob's hand, and said : "To business, my children, to business! before we sit down to supper. Our young missionary has not left his post to-day in vain. He expects his Christmas gift. Ah! poor Jacob, you were too late to share with the others. But it would grieve your mother's heart to leave you uncared for at this happy time. Come, mother, lead the way into your drawing room and we will follow. Now, young people, after us;" cried the father, smiling merrily at his flock. "How affectionate, how good you are to me!" "Affectionate, certainly," repeated the Elder; "but good?-no, Jacob. This table, so trifling a gift, contradicts your assertion. However, I can, should you wish it, add something to these nothings. It is a jewel which many will covet, and yet many will reproach you for taking it. Reflect before accepting it, for if you do so, you must keep it for ever. It is not mine, yet I can give it to you. It cost me nothing, yet it will cause you much expense, which expense may increase yearly. It delights all who look upon it, and I confess it charms me by something magical in its form and color. But in a few years the gold frame will tarnish, and then the worth or the worthlessness of the jewel will be discovered. Dear Jacob, look not so astounded, even though I speak in riddles. This jewel is itself an enigma to which time alone can give you a clue. Yet, I feel certain, that the more anxiety it costs to obtain, the greater happiness will it bestow on you. But why say more? Come, my son, see it with your own eyes, and then decide." While the Elder thus spoke, the whole family stood around him in a circle, listening with much curiosity. Danielis opened the door of an adjoining room, and exclaimed, "Follow me !" There, beneath the flower-garlands and ivy branches which adorned the chamber, more beautiful in her simple white robe than if glittering with jewels,-sat Else; her head bowed down, and her hands clasped in deep anxiety. The whole household looked on amazed; then followed a deep silence. Jacob stood as though petrified with wonder; but joy and ecstasy flashed from his eyes. He stretched forth his arms to his beloved; Else rose, trembling, and sank fainting with happiness upon his faithful breast. The father and mother looked on with joyful tears, and the rest soon found their tongues in affectionate congratulations to the young lovers, who threw themselves into their parents' arms. Scarcely a year from this joyful betrothal, the marriage of Jacob and Else was celebrated. The Elder and his wife live their own young days over again in witnessing this happy union; and every coming year adds to the bliss of the pastor and his beloved Else. If thou art sorrowful and sad, And thought no comfort yields; Go leave the busy, bustling world, And ramble in the fields, Blessed Nature will have sympathy Both with thy sufferings and thee." Have friends proved false; doth fortune frown; Ne'er, ne'er with unavailing grief, If thou have placed thy youthful trust Should false and faithless prove, If thou have seen thy cherished hopes Ne'er let thy manly courage sink Go list the lark's ethereal lay, "Twill soothe thy gloomy thoughts away. Kind Nature solace offers all; Go to the fields, and Nature woo, No matter what thy mood; The light heart will be lighter made, The sorrowful imbued With joyous thoughts. The simplest flower Has o'er the soul a magic power. Alone, communing with thyself, Go to the fields, and thou wilt find A VISION. BY W. J. LINTON. Only the Beautiful is real: All mysteries that life enwreathe, All that we dread or darkly feel,- Nothing but Love is true: Earth's many lies, whirl'd upon Time's swift wheel, Shift and repeat their state; Birth, life, and death, And all that they bequeathe Of hope or memory, thus do alternate Doth beauteously imbue, The wine-cups of the archetypal Fate. Love, Truth, and Beauty-all are one: The wilderings of its dimness, death be known SPIRIT SOLACE. BY THOMAS WADE. Perpetual moanings from the troubled sea |