The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-06-24

received by Baler of Mrs. Muller. He had be-
yun 10 be easy, for he believed his mother had
S1okep his words into consideration, and was OF
tbe same mind with himself when one evening
he received the following letter from her:
"MY DEAR Son: Thou avoidest seeing me
again. and can explain the cause that with
holds thee from visiting my house Thou art
afraid of not meeting me alone. And, really,
our interview might easily suffer interruption,
for both my youngest sons are much with me
but | have found an expedient to allay the
thirst of nv heart | must see thee again,
Baler-too mighty is my longing for sight of
thee: therefore hear my plan: To-morrow's
Sabbath calls me to the worship of God, in
church, with quite singular feelings. Adrian
will preach in the cathedral | do not fear for
this his first public appearance; for am con-
WINGED that my son. a worthy successor OF his
father and, like him. an advocate for Truth
and its Jealous announcer, will SOW the seeds
of virtue in the hearts of his hearers
81 cannot, therefore, think of more glor-
Gus opportunity for thee to prove thy brother,
than this solemn morning, and earnestly en-
treat thee not to refuse my first request but to
be in the cathedral at ten tomorrow morning
Place thyself opposite the pulpit, so that | can
see thee. On the left near it, by the first choir,
is my seat. How my heart throbs at the
thought! Adrian in the pulpit and Baler OPP
poste me- eye to eye with his brother
"ln anxious expectation thy mother,
"CLARA MULLER
While Mrs. Muller was writing these lines,
a hope was raised afresh that Baler, as soon
as he heard Adrian, would be charmed with
his eloquence, che force of his diction, his whole
appearance-would feel glowing desire to
l. -
But had she witnessed the impression her re-
quest made on the Count, her spirit would have
sunk Baler displeased, threw his mothers
letter into the flames which obviated all discov-
cry, and cast himself upon the sofa Must he
betake himself next morning early to the
church, have his toilette finished by ten O'Clock,
he, who was in the habit of rising at that hour,
and in soft night-gown and slippers amusing
himself, from morning till the visiting hour,
with light reading? This going to church
really interfered much with his favOrite prac-
tees and he could not without a slight shud-
der, think on the approaching cold morning,
and on the preaching which he should be COM
PEELED TO hear He had no inclination what
ever to come in contact with his brother, and,
least of all, in public. Notwithstanding he
had no intention to stay away and cause his
mother to wait gratuitously for him. He had
hastily resolved to write that he felt too un-
we'll to 90 out. but to thank her for her care
and hope to be able soon to visit her, personal
ly, at her house; but he destroyed the letter.
hoping that if he submitted this time, he would
oppose her in this way again. He therefore
gave orders that they should wake him next
morning earlier than usual.
Baler found the church already crowded
WIN ha M no m
only with great difficulty obtained the place
opposite the pulpit, which his mother had desg-
mated There where difference of rank was at
an end-where the peasant stood beside the
nobleman-where each one thought himself
equal to any other-where rank and worth
were not taken into consideration-the elegant
Count Sternhof had to degrade himself to be
squeezed between two honest cOuntrymen, and
take his allotted little place. But he was not
unmndful of the great sacrifice which he made
to his mother, who at a glance observed him
She smiled placidly when she noticed him. and
Baler blushed up TO the hair; for he imagined
that the whole congregation were at that mo-
ment looking at him and the woman who
smiled to him. and that his secret was betrayed
He dared not raise his eyes to her n second
time; for he was aware that the pew of the
Globen family was Immediately adjoining his
mothers and that the Minister'S lady with
Erka sat therein; so that he really suffered
the pains of hell in the temple of the Lord !;
and as the organ was now prepared to play,
and the psalm was given out, his torment in
creased to an ntolerable degree. He had
brought no psalm book with him; but a person
next him was SO obliging as to let him look
into his-an offer that Baler could not well re-
fuse much as he was annoyed by the harsh
voice of tho snoar Topathar with this II la n
pened that some one near him had too strong
an odor of bad tobacco, which seemed very I'M
grateful to his finely-organized sense. He felt
as II severe headache threatened him, and
took out his handkerchief, scented with the
hnest perfume, to blunt the harsh odor of the
tobacco, or at least to lessen its effect
The psalm was now ended, and the preacher
appeared in the pulpit Baler's heart beat
more irregularly than usual with the thought
that this handsome young Paul, to whom all
eyes were directed, was his brother Adrian.
whose appearance, notwithstanding his youth,
was truly imposing. He bore a strong resem-
blance to the painter; but his features were
sharper, more prominent, his figure taller and
stouter, which gave him something of COM
handing air. The sound of his voice was like
that OF his brother, as pliable and clear, but
iulier toned. Though it is an agreeable pre-
eminence to possess a clear, sonorous voice rs
II often indicates great power, like beauty
itseli yet this gift can no more be acquired
than that of public orator 1t aids him, 40
mat his words find their way to the heart it
Soltens and inspirts, gives the discourse lofticr
sense, the thought a nobler devotion, and elo-
quence more radiant dress
when Adrian opened his lips and uttered
the prayer, every word sounded melodously
through the halls and in the hearts of the hear
ers ana when the discourse commenced. it
rushed iorth IN brilliant stream, as if it had
peen arranged AT the moment, OF were the sug-
geston OF a higher spirit who animated and
unnamed MN 10 was transporting and the
nnPd tears were seen To battle the cheeks of
me audience BaIer himself was captivated
His brother spoke with an assurance and clear.
ness that made the Indifferent and lukewarm
tremble. After reading the text. he showed
iromit, with striking clearness, the contrast be-
tween the love of the world and the love Of God !:
explained the different meanings Of the word
and that the Apostles words were not to be
Inuerstood as requiring men to flee society and
all JI'y themselves in solitude, or, released from
~ connections, shut out from all temptations
~ iead life of selfintroversion, contemplation
80 inactivity that our strength increases in
J''Ioh with society, in conflict and labor and
" nat since the soul is susceptible of earthly en-
yJymehts, we ought not TO shut out the real
reasures OF the world, but that these may be
noo'ed by the right apprehension and enjoy
tho nt OF them that they ought not TO obtrude
os righest and most holy JOY in man, the love
ra ooui consequently the endeayor 10 fulfil the
fIu''ihgs OF His holy will, nor render him
snes anu poweriess, and incapable of resist