Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-11-15

eternal glory. And then, she knows their
separation is only for a little season, and that,
shortly, her own weary spirit, redeemed and
sanctified, will join them in their songs and
hallelujah's forever"
ssTruly, comforting, joyous thought"
ssYes it is the excellency, glory of our
faith-this reunion of families and friends in
heaven 1t comes upon the heart, as We ira
vail here in sorrow, with a calm, soothing,
wondrous power: it lights up the darkest and
dreariest nights of our pilgrimage; and as
friend after friend depart, it stays the soul,
and dries up the sorrows of those left behind. -
ssOh! that we were all prepared for that
bright, happy, family home.''
.sTrust in God. Our united, constant pray
er shall yet be heard and answered.
This conversation took place between, Val
ems and his wife, in a low, suppressed voice,
as, vending their way cautiously along the
narrow streets, they returned from the Cata-
combs.
The sky was clear, and the bright stars were
twinkling and looking down upon the great,
broad earth-types of those guardian spirits,
who, at the bidding of their benevolent Crea-
tor, come forth form their invisible abodes,
to watch over the newborn heirs of glory
Under the protection of such powerful, IN
numbered hosts, did they feel themselves Sc
cure and with stronger, brighter faith, and
a more than ordinary joyousness, did they re
turn that night to their home-a home sweet
ened and ndeared to them by the presence of
Christ in their hearts, and the joys OF bet
ter and happier home to come.
And yet, it was sad, awful night. The
work of death was going on at horrible rate.
With the number of Martyrs, the mad furious
zeal of the Emperor and his minions had in
creased. During the day, great numbers of
Christians had been arrested, chained, and
thrust into gloomy dungeons. Scores had
been condemned without even the formality
of a trial. And, tonight, Valens and his
wife could see, as they returned home, the
skies, to the South West, Redeemed with the
flames of their consuming bodies; while, now
and then, they could distinctly hear the shouts
of the maddened rabble, as some fresh victim,
perhaps, was hurled into the devouring ele-
ment.
And then, troops of boisterous, drunken,
swearing soldiers were dashing along the
streets, in all directions, cutting and slashing
the air with their swords, and shouting the
most horrid imprecations upon the heads of
the '"cursed sect, while the Emperor's slaves,
in disguise, were lurking at the corners of the
streets, or concealed in the alleys, watching
for their prey. Citizens, of all classes and
sexes, were assaulted in the streets; houses
were forcibly or clandestinely entered and if
the smallest circumstances betrayed any one,
or gave rise to the least suspicion, they were
seized and dragged Off
Through the protection, however, of a mer-
ciful providence, Valens and his wife succeed
ed in ending the eye of these emsaries of
Satan. and reached the front of their residence
in safety.
They are now ascending hastily the lofty
fight of marble steps, and hurriedly opening
| the door, they have entered. They are now
upon their knees, in the small vestibule, re-
turning thanks to Almighty God for their safe
return.
| Rising from their knees, Valencia, having
| thrown aside loose, outside mantle, proceed
| ed to the door of the great hall, or setting
! room.
The lamp was burning dimiy on the broad,
curiously-wrought marble stand, which stood
in its centre. A small article of Fiducia's
dress was lying, as if carelessly thrown upon
| it F; and upon it, also, lay an old, musty vol
ume, open, and as if some one had just been
reading from it's pages. No one, however,
was present.
s'Why where are they all ?'' said she, stand
/ ing in the door, and casting her eyes around
the room.
care they not here a'' said Yalens, as he
walked hastily to the door, and entered the
hall.
| L Valencia, advancing to the stand, had clos
ed the old volume and folded up the small ar
ticle of dress; while Valens had seated him.
self and was looking anxiously around the
room.
ssThis is rather strange said he, after q
moments silence.
sSLikely they're retired, as it's quite late, .
sain Valencia ssI'll see,' and quickly leaving
the hall, she proceeded to their private apart.
ments.
Valens, in the mean time, had walked to &
window, and was gazing out on the star-li
skies, in strange, confused state of mind.
.sThere' s really something very strange il
this,'' said Valencia, she re-entered the
hall; ssFiducia's child asleep on her couch
and small lamp burning at its side; but
see nothing off herself, nor any thing OF Val
dinas and Vertitia. It's really straugeH'
To be continued.