Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1883-05-24
HIS HEARTS DESIRE.

HIS HEARTS DESIRE.
1t was bright spring day, and the
rays of the afternoon sun streamed in
through the colored windows, making
the cold, gray pavement of the old
cathedral blush with crimson and pur-
pie light. The glory fell here and there
in jewel-tinted flakes and fecks, now
lighting up some massive column, now
cleaning on the gloomy, oaken stalls
One bright ray seemed to caress tender
ly the fair-hared boy who was singing
as all true singers must, with his whole
soul. AS the sunlight came through
the wondrous windows and illumined
his golden curls, so was his face
radiant with glow of earnest happi-
ness that streamed from his eyes-the
windows of the soul, and as he sang he
seemed inspired. Breathlessly all listen
ed, as there welled up the pure voice
rich, yet restrained in the soothing
strains--the tender cadences of the
great master.
The solemn tones swept away down
the long nave and high into the arching
roof, They eddied lingeringly in the
aisles and in the great transepts, and
round old-time. eaten shrines. Comfort
and solace for the weary, wounded
heart seemed TO ring i'm every note, as
the sweet words of that true angels
song resounded:
''Oh rest in the Lord; wait patiently
for Him, and He shall give thee thy
hearts desire.
The anthem WAS ended-thc last
words of peace spoken the worshipers
dispersed. Only one old man still
knelt in rapt contemplation. The mes
sage of the anthem had stirred the very
depths of his heart and carried him far
back into bygone years.
Long years ago he, too, had been
singer. There came before him the
memory of n certain day when he also
had sung those words. Not TO that
music, indeed. That had not been
called into earthly existence out of the
universe of unborn melody which the
great masters of song are sometimes
permitted TO hear and interpret TO their
fellow-men. But he had sung the words,
and even then they sank into his heart,
boy as he was, with a heavenly music
of their own; for he felt and knew that
the divine promise must be true and
faithful. 1t was the last time he was
TO sing there. He was passing out of
bovhood, and he had now to try to earn
his spurs in that deadly combat with
the world which brings woe, indeed, to
the conquered. So with the greater
power and intensity did the words
come home to him. His hearts desire!
To attain this he would willingly wait,
and wait patiently. No toll should be
too hayd; no drudgery too wearisome, if
it but led him to such an end rs that.
His hearts desired What should that
be What could that be?
Then there arose before his bOyish
mind dazzling visions of great and
boundless wealth. He thought of all
that riches could purchasc-of all they
could accomplish. How often had he
planned: "This would do, if only
were rich" And here was the promise.
He had but 10 make it his hearts de-
sire and he would surely obtain it.
Bright were the dreams that filled his
fancy. What good would he not do
w
would he not heal! How generous
would he be! With what JOY would he
provide for his loved ones! His mother
what would he not do for her! Now
she had TO work for him; but then he
would be able to repay her. Oh! that
the day might quickly come!
Do you smile at his wishes? Have
your own always been as pure, as un-
selfishP
Another picture rose before the old
mans mind. Ten years had passed
away and he was now become man.
Once more the familiar words rang I'm
his ears. With a smile half scornful the
youth recalled his boyhood's aspirations.
Wealth? No; that was no true hearts
desire of his. He now knew how impo-
tent, how sordid mere earthly wealth
was. That which was gross, material,
sensuous, evanescent, it might procure;
but with what is highest and noblest In
man.-with what is most truly enduring
it had nought in common. He knew
better than to desire such thing now.
No! there was higher good TO be long
ed for. He was willing TO wait patient.
ly if he might but attain TO power and
renown. Power that he might WELD
not to benefit few, but to do good tc
millions. Power that should command
wealth and make use of it. His eye
kindled. Proudly he drew himself VI
at the very thought of swaying myriad'
for their welfare.
Yes; he would be king and rulel
among men, and unborn generations
should avow him in very truth bene
factor.
For such an end rs this, life woul,
indeed be worth the living. For sucl
an end rs this he could be well conten
TO wait patiently. Here was at last hi
hearts desire.
Time passed silently but rapidly
Fifteen more years had slipped away
and now he sat man well on in years
His dark locks were grlzzled, and dee
..,l.< a,.o had ,,Icna,