The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-06-03

90, Baler,p cried she, sobbing, how greatly
dost thou sin against thyself IN respect to those
who emulate all with whom thou hast inter
course, in figure, mind, and goodness Of heart
Truly. | might almost believe that no heart
palsates in thy breast, since thou dost so obsti-
nately reject and oppose me. Thy wealth, thy
distinguished acquaintance and circles, seem
10 I've the world beyond which thy vision can
not extend. Dost thou, them think of nothing
further! Dost thou live meriy for this short
span of time and canst thou believe that for
thy heartless conduct thou must answer to a
higher tribunal? Or perhaps thou hast no be-
lief in a God, in an Immortality, and meeting
after death, Satisfy me by answering these
questions"
Dearest mother. you treat in one. breath Of
so many important things. that am really at a
loss how to give you q definite answer. What
believe. or rather do not believe, how can |
comprise in few wordsf And, besides, you
would probably be Is little pleased with my
views in reference to religion as with those |
entertain of social life"
Then presume thou art o iree-thinker, an
atheist, and fear thy soul win be finally lost in
the vortex Of worldly pride The Bible Of
course, is never read by thee thou hast never
taken the sacrament never gone to church,
and studiest only some Of the ensnarng books
of the new philosophy"
al certainly have turned over the leaves OF
these philosophical works, for 1T belongs to
good taste to disclose the meaning OF such alb
stract things And in order to defend these
opinions, and successfully maintain controversy
| on their account we must know them. Their
defence ought therefore not to be deemed sin
gular. Il is the fashion to differ about articles
OF faith. This and the other old form must be
overthrow in mass and the whole system OF
belief taken to pieces and sharply examined
And why should not follow the fashion, since
conversations of this kind conduce to the clear
understanding of the subject
"If thou canst strive against convictions
thou art not established, hast no inward sup
port. and wilt be lost. o, how severely am
punished for the past, for surrendering my
child, my property to the hands of strangers
ado not disquiet yourself dearest mother
feel power in myself to bear me up, and shall
certainly not sink
But if thou belieyest not in God, or in Hi
Son who redeemed us by His blood if thou ar
Indifferent to everything sacred and sublime
if thou art in condition to make light of thy
faith, what will become of thee?p
Mrs Muller noticed that Baler tried to sup
press a yawn and, rs if blown upon by colo
blast of air, suddenly stopped. She with som'
bitterness added
at was thy wish TO leave some hours ago
have detained thee too long. We both mus
desire rest after this exhausting interview.
therefore pray thee, my dear Baler, to leave
me now My head pains me Since Muller
death, have become 50 in6rm that this sbocl
has weakened my nerves.
D. Al =. 49, M, M.;llor so,,rbt not an I,
to deceive her son, but herself and PARTIAL,
, succeeded Baler got up to 90, and wished hi
, mother speedy convalescence. They parted
, without an engagement for another meeting
l and when the door closed after Baler, Mrs
t Muller uttered loud cry. She was in DANCE
of suffocation and struggling for air, gave ven
in this tone Of grief to her oppressed heart
/ While she was conflicting with the most op
posing sensations her son was hastily directing
, his course to the eastern part Of the metropolis
3 He took deep breath on leaving the street Ii
| which stood the dwelling of Mrs. Muller
= While he thought himself near her. an indis
RI tinct feeling Of scfrcprs~sh~ oppressed him
r but when he came to another part Of the cit.
, saw well-known objects, and saluted lntimat
!, faces, he began to feel more at liberty, an
[ gladly accepted the invitation of several youn
{ men who were going to dine at q new hote
h and thence to the theatre. With champagr
| and oysters the remembrance of the hours ju
| past was obliterated; and while he INDUCED {
r the velvet cushion in Globen's box, with h
a opera.glass fixed on Flora, he thought not I
!. the occurrences of the day, that formed so kee
o a contrast with his social habits, and which, g
], they took deep bold on his Utmost life he wi
! compelled to consider as real, so overwhelming
' so without all preparation, had they broken
I upon him.
IT0 BE CONTINUED.