Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-12-01
3.
Beautiful Extract.

| have seen q man III tiie Sforv VI nus days and the pride of his strength. He was built like the tall cedar that lifts it's head above the forest trees; like the strong oak that strikes it's roots deeply into the earth. He feared nc danger-he felt no sickness. His mind was vigorous like his body ;~he wal perplexed at no intricacy, he was daunted at no difficulties, into hidden things he searched, and what was crooked he made plain. He went forth fcarlcssly upon the face of the mighty deep he surveyed the nations of the earth, he measured the distances of the stars, and called them by their names he gloried in the extent of his knowi- edge, in the vigor of his understand ing, and strove to search even into what the Almighty had concealed. And when l looked on him l said, "What piece of work is man! how noble in reason! how infinite in fscul- ties in form and moving how express and admirablel in action how like an angel! In apprehension how like . GodT'
 Ireturned-his look was no more lofty nor his step proud; his broken frame was like some ruined tower; his hair was white and scattered; and his eyes gazed vacantly at what was pass :.,, la, bo xyin nf hIa in tellect was wasted. and of all that he had gained by study nothing remained. He feared when there was no danger, and when there was no sorrow he wept. His memory was decayed and treacherous, and showed him only broken images of the glory that had departed. His house was to like a strange land, and his friends were counted as enemies; and he thought himself strong and healthful while his foot tottered on the verge of the grave. He said of his son-he is my brother of bis dsughter-I know her not; and inquired what was his own name. And one who supported his steps and ministered to his many wants, ssid to me, as I looked on the melancholy scene, "Let thine heart receive instruc- tions, for thou hast seen an end of all earthly perfection.
 [ have seen beautiful female tread ing the first stages of youth, and en- tering joyfully into the plessures of life. The glance of her eye was variS- blc and sweet, and on her check trem- bled something like the frat blush of morning; her lips moved and there was harmony; when she fosted in the dance her light for,n like the aspen seemed to move with the breeze. 1 returned, but she was not in the dance l sought her in the gay circles of her companions, but found her not. Her eyes sparkled not there-the music ot her voice was silent--she rejoiced on earth no more. 1 saw train, sable and slow-paced, who bore sadly to an open grave what was oucet animated and beautiful. They paused x. they approached, and voice broke the aw- ful silence: "Mingle ashes with ashes, and dust to ifs original dust. To the earth whence she was first taken, con- sign we the body of our sister," They covered her with the damp soil, and the solid clods of the valley and the worms crowded into her silent abode. Yet one sad mourner fingered, to cast himself upon the grave, and he ssid, T'There is no beauty, or grace, or love Illness that continueth in man; for this is the end of all glory and perfection.
 have seen an infant with . fair brow. and frame like polished ivory. Its limbs were pliant in its sports; it rejoiced, and again it wept, but wheth- CT it's glowing cheeks dimpled smiles. or its blue eye was brilliant with tears, still I said to my heart "It Is bean tiful."
 I again saw this child when the lamp of reason first dawned in it's mind. Its soul was gentle and peace ful; it's eye sparkled with joy, ss it looked around on this good and pleas ant world. It ran swiftly in the way of knowleJge-it bowed it's ear to in- struction, it stood like lamb before his teachers. It was not proud, or en- vious, or stubborn, and it had never heard of the vices and vsnities of the world. And when looked upon it, 1 remembered that our Savior said, s'Ex- cept ye become as little children ve cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven"
 But the scene was changed, and 1 saw man whom the world called honorable; and many waited for his smiles. They pointed out the fields that were his, and talked of the silver and gold that he had gathered they admired the stateliness of his domes, and extolled the honor of his family. And his heart answered secretly, By my wisdom have I gotten all this" :" so he returned no thanks to God, neither did fear or serve him. And as pass ed along heard the complaints of the laborers who had reaped down the fields and the cries of the poor whose covering he had taken away !; but the sound of feasting and revelry were in hisapartments, and the unfed beggar came tottering from his door. But he considered not that the cries of the de- pressed were continually entering into the ears of the most High. And when l knew that this man was once the