Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-08-25
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"coIKG TO SING IN HEAVEN"

ly would I--sut was born sceptic. |
can not help my doubts moro tbaa can
the results they lead to- Icansot look
upon God and futare as you do; with
my temperament, and the peculiar bias Of
my mind, it ID utterly Impossible
So said John Hsryev, as he walked with |
friend under dripping umbrella for
the night was stormy and very dark, tho
the brilliaRcy of the shep-lamps made
broad path of light alorc the wet side
walk. John Harvey was osceptic Of thir-
ty years. standing, and apparently hardenf
cd in his unbciief. Everybody had given |
him Up as unconvortible. Reasoning ever
so fairly and calmly mads eo impression |
on the rocky soil Of his heart. Theelo-
gians dreaded the sight of bis massive face,
and humble christians sighed as he passed
them. A man with such capacities, they
said--with generous impulses, for every
body knew how kind ho was with an in
tellect SO enriched, and powers Of the
ksenest metal-and yet no God mo
nope of the future walking with the lamp
at his feet, unenlightenod. Alas it was
sad, very sad
But Que friend had never given him up.
When spoken to about him will talk
with and pray for that man until die,'
he said, and | will have faith that he may
yet come out of darkness into the marvel
lous light And o how wonderful that
light will seem to hin-shut up so long |!
And thus whenever Ae met him John
Harvey was always ready for talk, y
Mr.. Hawkins pressed home the truth up
on him. In answer, en- that stormy night,
he only said God can change scsptic,
John. He has more power over your
heart than you have-and ! mean still to
pray for you .-.-. ....
20, I've no objsction-none in the
world--sesing il believing, you know
'Tm ready for any modern miracle, but
tell you it would take nothing short of =
!. miracle TO conSlsSe me. ILDxsvsE, -lstas
change the subject. I'm hungry, and its
too far to go mp to supper, this stormy
night-sspecially as l shall shut up shop
early. Whew how the wind blows -
Here's restaurant, let US stop here
How warn and pleasant it looked in
the long, brilliant dining saloon! Clusters
of gas jets streamed over the glitter and
color Of pictures and gorgeous carpets
and the rews of marble tables reflected
back the lights as we'll as the great nir-
rors.
The two merchants had eaten, and were
Just on the point of rising, when strair
of soft music came through an open doc
"a child's sweet voice.
Upon nay word that is pretty sal.
John Harvey what marvellous purity il
those tonesn
'Out of here, you little beggar,' cried
hoarse voice, and one of the walters poin.
ted angrily to the door.
Let her come in said John Harvey
springing to his feet.
We don't allow them in this place, sir
said the waiter, but she can go into tn
reading-reom.
well, let her go somewhere, for wan
to hear her. responded the gentleman.
All this time the two had seen the shac
ow of a something hovering back an
forth on the edge of the door !; ROW the
followed a slight little figure, wrapped
patched cloak and hood, and leaving th
marks of wet feet as she walked. Curiou
to see her face-she was very small-Joh
Harvey lured her to the farthsst part
the great room, where thers were but fs'
gentlemen, and motioned her to sing. Th
little one looked timidly. Her cheek W,
of folvo-darkRess, bat flush rested ther
and out OF the thinest face, under the arc
of broad temples, deepencd BY masses
the darkest hair, looked two eyes, who's
softness and tender pleading would ha,
touched the hardest heart.
MY little thing is sick, l believe sa
john Harvey, compassionately. 'Wh
do you sing, child?'
sing you Italian, or little Englis
she said softly,
John Harvey had been looking at b
shoes. 'Whyn he exclaimed, and his
quivered, her feet are wet to her ankl
absolutely; her shoes are fall of holes
But this time the child had began
siug, pushing back her hood and fo!di
before her little thin fingers. Her vo
was wonderful; aud simple and cemzl
rs we're both the air and words, the pow
and pathos of the tones drew together s.
nral Of the habitues Of the readiug roo
The little song commenced thus
There is a happy laas,
Far, far away
Never could the voice, the manner,
that child be forgotten. There aim
seemed halo round her head and vi
she had finished, her great sparkling e
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