the dead, and perhaps (though we do not known much of this) inhabitants of Paradise still worshipping God practically, if I may introduce such language, as on earth adoration is given by manly, consistent, undeviating attention to the demands of what are usually designated secular duties?

IV.

The Beacon.

AN ALLEGORY.

"Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same
Year after year, through all the silent night
Burns on for evermore that quenchless flame,
Shines on that inextinguishable light."

LONGFELLOW.

Right welcome are you, my son ; my aged eyes are gladdened by

seeing you here in my mountain-home."

These words were spoken by an old man

G

to one in the prime of youth.

The

young man's face beamed with joy at such a welcome. He had expected only austerity, abruptness, and imperiousness. For many a month he had postponed his visit. The old man led a solitary, self-denying, and somewhat ascetic life; he was reputed, in consequence, to be morose and harsh-tempered. People said that he had accumulated some learning, but not such as would attract or please active and enterprising minds. Most regarded his house, in fact, as the abode of bigotry, narrow

mindedness, and dulness. It accordingly required some fixedness and honesty of purpose to combat and master the prejudice he had conceived against this unpopular person; and no little moral courage to surmount the malignant contempt he would encounter, if he frequented his house, and were known to become one of his scholars. A mind, however, really enquiring, and bent on securing information, in time must think lightly of such difficulties. On a matter which had long and painfully occupied his mental faculties he