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from the book of time. We are amused with running after phantoms, only whilst we believe them to be tangible substances; when we discover how impalpable, how illusory they are, we turn from them with disgust. All my hope of happiness rests beyond the grave. To that goal I am journeying with impatience. All my actions tend to that one centre of hope. I amuse myself with the most exhilarating speculations on eternity. I believe that I shall rise again in this very body, however purified and embellished; that I shall recognize him whom I have so fondly and so fatally loved here. We know not-mortals cannot imagine—the sentiments by which spirits are affected. We have not the power of comprehending how they can communicate with each other, deprived of those organs by which we possess

that power. Consequently on their affections we can only speculate by what we at present feel. And I with the Meta of the divine Klopstock, "feel that a brother whom I have so

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long known, with whom I have "been so long united, I should love

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differently from all the inhabitants "of heaven. With tenderness I should "love him."-Yes, I shall in eternity love unrestrained him whom it is a crime to love now.

It is a delightful idea, that the present state of man is but the first of a series of approaches towards that Being who is the standard of perfection and happiness.-It is a felicity to believe that I shall be associated with him, whose soul even here has always blended with mine; in every progressive state I thank God continually, that I have lived in the same age with him, that I have known

him. For a short space, Ella, I believed that I had nothing to be grateful for. Impious that I was! what a source of enjoyment is that capacity which it has pleased the Omnipotent to bestow on me!

I picture him to myself in various stages of future existence, always in the form that has been so dear to me here. It seems no irrational imagination. Whatever is a substance - must always continue a substance. The chemist, in his experiments, gives to one body a variety of shapes, and, at length, by his skill restores it to its original form. Man, when dissolved in dust, is still a substance ;if his ashes be dispersed through the universe, there is still substance, and the idea of self-subsistence. It is easy, therefore, to imagine, that we may rise again even in the forms

we have worn on earth. Omnipotence can effect whatever involves not a contradiction;-and to restore what is still substance, to a different combination or mode of the same substance, is a consistent power, and dependent only on the will of the Almighty operator.

"But not till Time has calmed the ruffled breast, "Are these fond dreams of happiness confest. "Not till the rushing winds forget to rave, "Is heaven's sweet smile reflected on the wave."

I am calm, then, I am resigned.

Sometimes, it is true, I cannot entirely prevent criminal regret. I indulge in vain desires. I would fondly recall the past, and mould the future to my wishes. When I see him,-ah, Ella! this is surely a trial!-it tortures-it agonizes me. And yet my pride, my invincible pride,-makes me dare it continually, and I smile and look

as indifferent as the wretched triflers

around me, whilst my heart is writhing, is bursting, under the pressure! -You cannot conceive the despotic government, the unceasing vigilance, I am obliged to maintain over myself, -the hours of reflection it costs me to regain that calmness of which these scarcely-endurable trials deprive me! But I will not shrink now,-I will endure it to the end!

Would that that end were nearer! -Would that I could feel the approach of that mighty and irresistible monarch to whose dominion I would so gladly bow!-But God's will be done!-to his decrees I submit!

I have talked to you a long time of myself, Ella; grief makes me an egotist. You will forgive it.

Sir Albert Beverley left us this morning. I regret his departure.

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