Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-10-04

SURVIVING tAc oOdS CT tIley we're uudole ~
| give satisfactory explanation of the mode or
manner of its existence. \ long and cheer
| less night of repose, where the soul, at most,
could enjoy but the relish of a profound sleep,
was the only advantage it was likely to gain. -
s.But our fath,'' he continued, s.teaches us
better. 1t assigns to the disembodied spirit a
living, moving, conscious existence. 1t heals
the blindness, and rcctfies the mistakes of all
bygone ages. Itevolyes into light the souls
future; and discovers it in a measureiess eterni-
ty, basking. and strengthening, and brighten
ing in immortal youth and vigor.''
ssBlessed faith transporting thought ~ at
last exclaimed the old MANN longer able to re-
strain his feelings: his words, at the same in
slant, being caught up, and repeated by sever
al others.
That the souls immortality, in conneXion
with future state OF happiness, should have
produced such transporting effect upon the
old man, and indeed upon the masses gener
ally, it is not to be wondered at. Very few,
if any of them, had anything like accurate no
tions upon these wonders of revelation. On
the contrary, the future loomed up before
them in shadowy and ghostly silence; and whe-
thcr the soul survived the body at all, or per-
ished along with twas a question even of
doubt.
1t is true, among the Romans as well as
Greeks, the soul was believed TO be immortal
that virtue would be rewarded and vice
punished after death. But as to the mode of
its existence, or in whae its happiness mis-
cry would consist, there a general uncer-
tainty, and many discordant opinions.
The popular, or general belief appears to
have been, that the spirit, as soon as separa-
ted from the body, became sort of ghost,
with thin misty form, shadowy limbs, and
somewhat larger than life-that sometimes it
continued to wander about On the earth, but
most generally passed into common recepta-
Gle in the interior of the globe, called Hades,
or the world of shades, and there remained.
Any more correct and rational views appear
to have been confined to their poets and phil
osophers, and the better and more learned
classes. The masses held to the popular be-
lief just stated; and there is every reason to
apprehend, that majority even of these, had
scarce any ideas whatever upon the subject
They sacrificed to their deities, and paid hom-
age to their household gods, to propitiate pre-
sent fayors but beyond death, they had none
to expect-none to crave.
Hence the doctrine of a future state was as
new, as it was novel and exciting. They were
electrified by it into new life, and rejoiced
with exceeding joy; while they laid hold of it
with the faith and earnestness Of dying men.
''Of how little value, them" added Prythe-
us, sis the present life, except as preparative
to that to come? What earth's treasures
her stores of weath-her courtly titles-hcr
deeds of arms and her yictor's crowns? Alas
bubbles indeed-to be left floating on the
ocean of time, and perhaps to be remembered
only with regret. But, behold before you
eternal life. Lay hold of that. Enter through
faith in our Masters blood.''
ssBe that life minel" again exclaimed the
old man, the tears flowing down his furrowed
cheells.'
81 perceiye," said Prytheus, ssthou art
rightly exercised. He who commanded the
light to shine out of darkness, hath shned in
to thy heart
'sLet me be one of thy society: let my name
be enrolled among the Nazarencs,'' said the
.
ssAnd canst thou believe In our Lord and
Master?''
.sIt's my desire-my prayer,' said he.
ssWho, then, can forbid water, that thou
mayest be baptized said Prytheus, casting
his eyes inquiringly around him.
During this time a youth had quickly en-
tered the apartment, and quietly seated him
self not far from the old man. He had been
noticed by Prytheus, when he entered, with ev-
ident satisfaction; and he had been directed to
the seat he occupied, by motion of his hand
The eyes of all present, moreover, had been
more or less, fixed upon him. His youthful
appearance-his beautiful form, and the deep
interest he manifested in what was going on,
had arrested their attention.
The youth has now risen to his feet. There
ly flushed with modest difidence, and his eyes
are set on the man of God.
81 wish to be baptized, too,' said he; 81
want to go to the happy land" saying which.
he sat down, and wiped the tears from his
eyes with his hand. a
..My son,'' said Prytheus, scarcely able to
refrain himself from tears, thy desire shall not
be denied. know thou art not a stranger to
our faith md hopes and, by the holy rite of
baptism, thou shalt have name in our mas
ter's kingdom
Ina few moments, he was standing by the
side of the old man. and both were baptized
in the name of the Trinity.
To be Confiaued.l