The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-05-25
(For the Literary Echo.
Eartb's Joys TrnnsitOry.

Earth has lis peculiar charms, for
Nature has implanted within the finite
mind an inherent principle, by which
long association with objects Of subluna-
nv character, on which, in a measure,
center the affections, invariably pro-
duces extreme attachment to the objects
which it claims.
The sublime and romantic scenery Of
Nature, the almost unlimited eSpause Of
Ocean, objects in which, throug b time
have ever borne the i'm
press of the Great First Cause, were
designed for the happiness of man, and
have, through all ages, gained increas-
ing admiration, and growing attachment /;
especially by the deeply investigating
mind, which is ever poring over and
searching into their hidden mysteries.
These are blessings, which, by the con-
stitutiou of our nature, formed by the
infinite wisdom of Omnisciencc, we love.
This is the stage of action, on which
man, through successive generations, has
performed his work " beneath the SUM-"
Countless are the courses, which by him
have been pursued, the results of which
are Of temporary character, promising
no lasting joys.
Sunshine and shade are intermingled
with all Earth's possessions, in conse-
ouence of sin which has defled our race.
Prosperous and adverse circumstances
alter nately interchange throughout lite.
While propitiously situated, if on i'm
agination's airy wing, We can catch
fading glimpse of dim futurity, replete
with promised blessings yet to come,
with no foreboding shadow to dim the
illuminated pathway, decked with gems
of richest hue, we are liable to depreciate
them, until they take their lasting flight
and are waited forever from our tempo
rary vision. And when the winds of
adversely sweep over US, with what
energy of every nerve do we endeavor
to regain those departed joys which now
assume a ten-told brilliancy.
GO back to the home Of childhood,
where the infantile mind has been nur-
tured in the lap of piety and the bower
of nature. AS at that period of our
existence the mind was most susceptible
Of impression, so stronger is the cord
which binds the tender heart in social
union and affecsion, ard renders home
delights peculiarly cndearing.
Then let US direct our imagination to
the home of the inebriate, and behold
him in his degenerating course, which
invariably proves the vile precursor OF
unhappiness and woe. Flowcry path
ways illumined each approaching morn,
and shed a sweeter fragrance at every
days decline. But now the scale is
turned. Disappointment, in his grim
attire and with sturdy step, advances,
seizes the choicest household gift which
gladdened tho fond companions heart,
removes another and still another, until
the last vestige of earthly joy and pros
perity is snatched by misfortunc'S grasp,
and buried beneath the shades OF dim
forgetfulness. But methinks while 10
IfulI and free poss -ss;on Of those treasures
they were underyalucd in comparison TO
the price She now fixes to tacn, as she
rev1lts to the returnlcss past, and be-
holds in imagery the once happy leader
of the domestic circle as she gazcs
around, or glauces in the mystic future,
and nakrs lls reckless course with evey
valued blessing following IN one disu-
uited re,inue. Thus it Is with every
variety of earthly aliu oments which en-
hanc. our Imagination and excite bright
hopes. None promise Listing contin-
ulnce.
A vile contrast exists between these
tand heavenly blessings. Secure an
earthly, it is perhaps but momeutary |;
it has gone and lett its possessor to sigh.
Obtain heavenly, and it suryiv She
whole. rus..'l o. W..uiH. i.-t .-a-