The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-07-28
s. Two VieWs.s,


have often stood on the broad Atlantic's
shores when
comes a vapor from the margin. blackening over
Cramming all the blast before 1t, in its breast
thunderbolt."
l have seen it break in all its fury, and
the waves, mountain high. dashing in tu
multuous fury against the rocky barrier to
some picturesque bay or quiet harbor. the
spray from the furious pillows thrown high
in the air or across the ledge or reef upon
which they had broken. AS one watched
the waves rolling shOreward each oncoming
surge seemed grander and mightier than
the last. Mingling with the roar OF the
surf came the deafening clash of thunder.
the like of which can seldom be heard else
where than on the sea; while from the
clouds of inky blackneSS came the vivid
flashes OF lightning. playing in sheets of
beautiful color. throwing out its chains as
if to bind the storm in its fury, or darting
out its forked tongue like an angry serpent
driven from its lair. All life seems to have
fled before the storm king, but here and
there may be seen petrol or gull skim
ing the crest of the wild waves. Gazing on
the aweSOme beauty of the dark ocean
shadowed by the green and lowering clouds,
one can then with all ''untutored mind see
God in clouds or hear him in the wind' for
does not He ride upon the Storm" Moth.
ing seems more grand in its Sublimity, more
awe inspiring in its terror.
But see! we have another view. have
seen the ocean while resting from its labor
with not ripple breaking on its vast DO.
som, lying like child in its cradle, wearied
from its pastimes. in calm and peaceful
slumber: the silvery sheen stretching as far
as the eye could see, leading like a path of
silver to an unknown land; the twinkling
light of the stars rejecting back their rays
from the mirrored waters seemed like so
many diamonds of great brilliancy flashing
their splendOr upon you. like an enormous
tire of precious gems; beaming with the
soft translucent light of the pearl. the Grim
son fire of the ruby, the rainbow hues of
the diamond; now blending in one. now
changing and interchangng, now retreat
ing, now advancing, now darting across the
heavens like spear thrown by Titanic
hand; now presenting hemisphere of shin
ing brilliant points like the lances of an
army of giants maneuvering before the bat
tie. now falling and fading away until there
remains only beautiful halo surrounding
the throne of the aurora bOrealis-earth's
great mystery. In the clear. calm and ST.
l0nC QISnU-SllonC except IOr al OCCASIONAL
whip like sound from the heavenly forces
above you for a discordant cry from the
loon disturbed in its Slumber. perhaps the
faint musical notes of song sung by
merry boating party-the best emotions of
the heart are awakened. pure and lofty
thoughts visit the mind. peace and content
ment fill the soul.
Few if any of natures creations will so
deeply affect the heart and mind, maintain
spirit of reverence or so pregnant for
good, as the two phases have tried to
bring before you. The storm arouses the
viewers to the consciousness of their own
insignificance. the littleness of human cre-
ativeness, compared with natures stupend-
GUS productions. so grand and solemn in
their magnifcence. 1t enables the mind to
receive and retain some idea of and some
faith in the Omnipotence of the Great Ruler
of the universe; while the calm brings to
the surface the hope. the Joy. the beauties
and pleasures of life; it strikes all the
chords of the human soul with Eolian
touches, waiting its music in all directions,
casting it's siren spell upon all whom it en-
folds; it strikes the notes of love, hope.
happiness and peace. Not a discordant
chord is sOunded-all blend in serene and
blissful harmony. Those who have had
the pleasure of viewing these two phases of
nature in all their glory will ever have a
lasting picture cast upon the minds eye.