The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-07-15

that did occur, concluded the object of this
apparent kindness, was really to subserve
some selfish end, and that the protegee was
introduced more for the convenience of the
master than of himself
now observed with astonishment that
numbers of persons were every moment
lost sight of on the left hand road, before
they approached the further end and many
even before they had reached half way. /
could not clearly perceive the manner in
which they disappeared, but found that
there were numerous elevations and de-
pressions, precipices and CULTS, in this road,
and yet could only perceive them at in
tervals, and never twice alike or in the
same locality. From this changeable, un-
stable quality in this path was led to sup
pose that many entered it without any
knowledge of these dangers, and all with
out knowledge Of their particular location,
or any certain method of stunning them.
TO an inattentive observer this path was as
smooth and even as the adjacent one, and
much better supplied with artificial orna-
ments and accommodations. looked in
tensely on this path, and family and imper-
Iectly discerned that these elevations were
usually supported by arches and some by
pillafs-but could not ascertain on what
these supports were founded. There were
ioors in these arches, or between the pill
Iars, and now saw several persons has
.ening forward On lower level and simul-
aneously spring up to attain the higher
one. | almost shrieked when observed
that out of the whole humber only one
cached the desired spot, several fell against
the door beneath them, which being loose,
swung open with their weight, and thew
we're precipitated into the gulf below and
were never heard of more, One rename
tansling on the level which he had before
occupied. | could plainly perceive chagrin
Iepicted oh his countenance at his failure to
mount the step-and he and the multitude
ibout him renewed their preparation for a
second leap with as much assidiity as if
10 accident had happened. saw innu-
nerabe accidents IL attempts of this kind,
md on examining closely found that the
failures were frequently caused by tricks.
| saw a set of adroit men entangling the
,eet of the multitude with vines and other
membranes to prevent their success when
they made the final leap, and that many of
these tolls and ineshes were made by per-
sons in the right hand road.--Some who
tailed to attain the eminence at which they
aimed fell down to their fofmer level, and
some lower, without material injury, and
on recovering from the shock, walked on
with as much alacrity as before, and fire.
luenhy succeeded in future atteliipt.
observed however that there was obvious
dissatisfaction and grief manifested in the
conduct of those who failed in any attempt,
and that those who had failed frequently
grew weaker at every f.ilure.
Contotlnded with the mystical chart be-
fore me, | turned to every part of it in search
of some data on which to ascertain its mean
ing, its beginning and its end; being disap-
pointed in my search exclaimed, 'Oh! for
an Interpreter when looking up perceiv-
ed before me supernatural visage, which
appeared to be viewing me with attention
and interest. feared to inquire his busi-
ness, yet anxiously desired to know--and
while was studying phrase with which
to address him, he said with inehable sweet
ness, "Confucius, am the angel of in
struction, and have come in obedience to
thy request to interpret in some degree the
scene before thee. 1.-THE plain before
thee" continued he, 'is that of human
life-the left hand road Is that of public
prelerment, and the other is that of domes-
tic avocations. The goal is the commence
ment of rational facility, and those taking
the road Of prefermefit from the goal are
those born to hereditary honors and powers.
Those who pass from the domestic road to