IT IS THE ONE POSSIBLE CHANCE
of happiness, and only death stands in the way. Nature carries the soul
gently over the river, where those who have gone before stand waiting in
glad expectation. Shall we doubt either the goodness of God or the
perfection of nature? Shall we hesitate to weave the silk of death
around our bodies when we know that we may thence issue a being worthy
of a celestial sphere of action?
APOSTROPHE.
Venerable sir, thou hast borne the burdens of the world to the last
mile-post. Thy companions have fallen by the wayside, and even some of
them may have gone unbidden to their Judge. But thou, having in view the
dignity of the human mind and the will of God, hast labored while the
light was given thee, and hast journeyed while thy strength remained.
Thy destiny is now but opening to thy sight. Thou lookest through the
inner doors and seest that infinite cathedral which openeth beyond the
vestibule of death.
"The stars shall fade away, the sun himself
Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years;
But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth,
Unhurt amidst the war of elements,
The wreck of matter and the crush of worlds.
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