True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-12-10
THE CAPTIVE EAGLE.

Many years had a noble eagle been
confined in such manner that no one
had seen it even attempt TO raise wing.
Il had been cherished and fed, that it
might be exhibited for the qualification oi
visitors and friends. Perfectly subdued
unconscious now Of its native power,
it remained inactive, and apparently con-
tented-oblivious Of the height it once
could soar.
But its owner was about to leave for
far country, never TO return. He could
not take the eagle with him, and an emo
tion Of pity crossed his mind, when he
thought how long the bird had remained
his prisoner. L will do said he, 'one
act Of kindness before | 60, which shall
be remembered long after me- He I'M
loosed the chain from the captive. His
neighbors and children looked on with
regret that they should see the eagle no
more. A moment and it would be gone
forever. But no. The bird walked the
usual round, which had been the length
of his chain, looked tamely about, uncon-
scious that he was free, and at length
perched himself at his usual height.
The gaEers looked on in wonder and
in pity. Brief. however, was their pity.
The slow rustling Of the wing was heard.
1t was projected from the body then fold
ed Anon it moved again. AT last
stretched to its full expansion, it quivered
momen. in the air, then folded softly
against its resting place. Now slowly
and cautiously the eagle expanded the
other, and stood at last upon his perch
with both wings spread, looking earnest
ly at the blue sky above. One effort to
mount, then another. The wings have
found their lost skill and strength. Up
ward, slowly, still upward--higher and
speedier he mounts his way. The eye
follows him in vain.
Lost to sight, far, far above the noun
tain top he is bathing his cramPled wings
in misty clouds, and revelS in liberty for
ever. w
And has the tale of the eagle no moral,
o child of God! Hast thou been pinioned
long, to the cares and tolls of earth, so
thai thy wings of faith and love have lost
all power to rise =? Long bound 10 earth
its hopes and visions, thou caIst not
shake thy wings at once. The heart tiles
to mount in prayer, but it tries in vain.
Scenes of earth are floating still before
the vision, and sounds of earth ring in
The ears. But cease not thy efforts. Ex'
pand thy soul once more, rise it higher
yet. There, it is spread now trembling
though it be. Thought has looked on
death, and-earth's scenes are dwindling
in the distance thought has listened 10
the voice on calvary, and TO the new
song in heaven, and the calls are fainter,
and the idle tones of earth are becoming
fainter still. Now it is time 10 try the
other wing. O, child of God, pray now,
If thou canst only say, Lord be merci'
full 10 me a sinner it will give thee
strength. But little higher yet. Once
thou couldst soar, and thou mayest soar
again. Ills grace Is sutnclen' ior liee'
Pray now, lord teach me how to pray.
Thy head is low in the dust. Thy wings
are quivering and spreading, and gaining
strength in thy petition, Restore untt
ME the Joys of thy salvation Raise thine
eyes, o, child of mortality, and gaze OF
the Sun of Righteousness. Do his beams
dazzle thee ? Earth has no glory com
pared with His. Plume thyself now, an.
soar away, and the clouds of earth viii
soon be below thee. and that heavel
which is purchased for thee, full in view
o, child of God, let earth bind thee n
more forever {; alight upon its thorny sol
daily, and Do thy duty; mingle in it
scenes only as thou must, but remain no
one day nor night, unless thou plume tn
flight to invigoraIing, purifying influence
Of contemplation and prayer. that tho
mayest be ready 10 rise to heaven whel
earth claims thee no more.--Watchma
and Recorder. ...