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extremity of the new continent, that it is a crime to neglect the observance of continence for twenty-four hours preceding the ceremony of the calumet.

Antiquity does not say to the man who ap

fully. If you have unfortunately killed, robbed, calumniated or defamed any person, withdraw. No. While engaged about her gods and her altars, it seems there is no thought but of a single vice, and a single virtue:

for the next day, at early dawn, they are to be pure for the sacrifice; and this poetic narrative is founded upon universal tradition, and upon the sacred laws of the most civilized nations. The Athenian women admitted to the celebration of the mysteries, swore so-proaches her altars: Examine yourself carelemnly first, that they believed, and then, that they had nothing to reproach themselves with, and that they were in the condition of body prescribed by the law. Demosthenes has preserved the form of this oath. The philosophers speak the same language with the poets. The sage Plutarch requires the observance of continence for some time previous to the offering of sacrifice. Demosthenes is yet more rigid: "For my own part," he says, "I am persuaded that he who approaches the altars, or places his hands upon holy things, should not only have been chaste for a certain number of days, but that he should have been so during his whole life, and never have been subjected to vile in-nations, and which are wholly disparted, be dulgences."

"Vos quoque abesse procul jubeo, discedite ab aris, Queis tulit hesterna gaudia nocte Venus.”

Jerusalem, Memphis, Athens, Rome, Benares, Quito, Mexico, and the rude wigwams of the American forests, elevate their united voices to proclaim the same dogma. Can this eternal idea, common to so many different

anything but natural? Does it not appertain necessarily to the spiritual essence of our nature? If the idea be not innate, whence have all men derived it? And this theory appears the more divine in its principle, since it con

The belief on this point was so deeply rooted in all minds, that a preliminary and rigorous continence was exacted from those who were to be initiated into ceremonies the most scandalous, and mysteries the most in-trasts so singularly with the practical morals famous. Proof of this may be found in the affair of the Bacchanals at Rome, so beautifully related by Livy.

of corrupt antiquity, which seduced man into every kind of disorder, without ever having been able, even in its wildest excesses, to ef

Such was the universal opinion of the an-face from his understanding the laws written in cient world. The navigators of the fifteenth letters divine. A learned English geographer century found them prevailing among the has said on the subject of eastern manners, people of a new hemisphere. At Peru they that "chastity is held in slight estimation celebrate on the first day of the new moon among the oriental nations; and their moralafter the equinox in September, the solemnity on this subject is so relaxed, that the com. feast of the Cancu; which is a religious puri-merce of the two sexes is looked upon as the fication of the soul and body, and the prepara- use of certain meats." Now these eastern tion for it is the same. And while those nations manners are precisely the manners of the anwhich have already advanced to a certain stage cients, and will always be the manners of unof civilization thus unite with those of the old christian countries. Those who are familiar continent to teach us the universal dogma, the with classic authors and with certain monuHuron and the Iroquois, scarcely worthy of ments of art which still survive, will perceive the name of man, proclaim from the other that there is no exaggeration in the assertion of the Abbé Feller: that "paganism in one half century presents to our view infnitely more enormous excesses than we observe in all the Christian monarchies since the estabof this profound and universal corruption we lishment of Christianity." Yet in the midst

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Ἡμιν τῶ νόμω πόλεως εὖ ἐπομένοις ἐξευλαβητέον ἐστὶν εἰς θέρος ἐμβαλειν καὶ κατάρχεσθαι θυσιών, ὀλίγον ἔμπροσθεν διαπεπραγμένοις τι τοιοῦτον· ὅθεν οὖ ἔχει τὸ τὴν νύκτα καὶ τον ύπνον ἐν μέσω θεμένους, καὶ ποιήσαντας ἱκανὸν διάλειμμα καὶ διάστημα, και

θαροὺς αὖθις ὥσπερ ἐξ ὑπαρχῆς, καὶ νέα ἐφ' ἡμέρη Φρονέοντας . aviraga-Plutarchi Symposiacon, lib. iii. Quæst. 7, ad finem.

trace one truth not less universal and alto

gether inexplicable in such a state of morals, and that is, that one man is made for one woman. At Rome, under the emperors, when women, as Seneca justly remarks, no longer counted the years by the succession of consuls, but by that of their husbands, two distinguished men, Pollio and Agrippa disputed the honor of fur-ally above all reproach, was nevertheless less nishing a vestal to the state. The daughter of Pollio was preferred solely because her mother had never had more than one husband, while Agrippa had impaired the dignity of his house by a divorce." Is not this most extraordi

nary? Whence or how did the Romans of that age derive the idea of the integrity of marriage, and of the natural alliance between chastity and the altar? Where did they learn that a virgin daughter of a divorced man, although born in lawful marriage, and person

fitted for the altar? It must be that these ideas spring from a principle natural to man, as ancient as man, and are, in fine, a part of

man.

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dren burst out laughing. After a moment's wished to cause an agreeable surprise to the hesitation, Frederick chose the chicken, to old woman, who, before being blind, had carthe great astonishment of his young friends. Į ried in her arms and held upon her lap every "What will you do with that chicken?" said child in the village. The door was a-jar; they. "I will give it to poor mother Agnes, they saw Agnes kneeling before an old counwho is old and blind, and who has only bread try chair; she was praying: the noise of the to eat, and not always enough of that."- youngsters running to her hut had not dis"Good! good! Frederick," exclaimed at the turbed her attention; she believed that they same time all the little boys; "you are better were after some amusement. Agnes prayed than we, for we did not think of the misery in a loud voice, not thinking that they were of this good mother Agnes, and we would listening: “O my God,” said she, raising tohave chosen the book or the gun." "The wards heaven her wrinkled hands and her gun," remarked Frederick, "is a very pretty lack-lustre eyes, from which flowed tears of play-thing, but it is only a toy, and old grand- § affliction, “O my God, when you judge that mother Agnes stands more in need of food than I do of play. I would like the book better than the gun, because I would find, I am sure, some good lessons in a book which my parents would give me; but, before looking for new lessons of virtue, it is necessary first to practise those which they have already given me, and to assist my neighbor as soon as I am able."

Every one then approved the choice and praised the generous sentiments of Frederick. All the children, girls and boys, who were to have premiums, asked as a favor that their parents would not give them useless toys, but things which they might present to old Agnes, and which would be of use to her. Upon this all the mothers and grand-mothers consulted together, and designated the objects, which they made haste to bring to the place. They were a frock, a cloak, stockings, shoes, handkerchiefs, bread, beer, cheese, eggs, butter, oil, flour, and a variety of other things. Sophia wished also to join to the promised chicken, a pair of sheets which she had finished the day before. At last, they multiplied the premiums so much that all the children obtained something, and that there was wherewith to clothe and nourish the poor old blind woman for a long time.

I have suffered enough, take me out of this world. My age and infirmities do not permit me to labor; I am seventy years old, and quite (blind; I have lost my husband, my children, all my family; I have no more friends. I am no longer useful to any body; no one pities me; I am not able to do any thing. If persons would but give me a small part of what they spend for dainty dishes, for vain show, for children's toys, there would be enough to support many poor like myself; but they like better to satisfy their own miserable appetites, and they let me perish. Since yesterday, I am languishing for want of food, I am dying with hunger; O God of mercy, shorten my sufferings and take me from this world!"

At these words, letting her arms fall upon the chair, and leaning her head upon her arms, she remained silent, and they heard nothing afterwards but sobs and moans.

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"Ah!" said the children softly, "how much reason had Frederick to think of this poor woman! Without him, she must have perished. To-morrow morning she would be dead, and it would be our fault. Make haste, hurry," cried they to Frederick, who was now approaching. Sorrow and compassion had succeeded the joy that before lighted up their When all the prizes were distributed, the youthful countenances. Agnes," said Fredchildren started off to carry them to old mo-erick, "you are praying to God, and God and our parents send us to your assistance. We bring you something, because our pastor said that we were good. There is, for my share, a pair of sheets and a fat chicken which mother asks you to accept." After Frederick, each one presented his offering, contenting himself with saying what it was. In an instant, the

ther Agnes. The most active ran on before; the others followed as fast as they could; but they who reached the cabin first, waited for Frederick, who was to be their speaker: he was still far behind, holding his little sister by the hand. They waited for him with anxiety, but without saying a word, because they

old table was covered, and the little girls ar- Arrived at the place, the children presented ranged the linens and clothes in the worm-Agnes to the good pastor; then they made eaten chest. "Get up, Agnes," said Freder- (her sit down, and all the parents came to proick. "I have no more strength, my child."mise her their care and assistance, which "Well, then, we will help you." There were in this band of children some boys and girls of eleven or twelve years of age. These, stronger than the others, assisted the old woman to rise, and sit down. It was only a weakness caused by hunger and the earnestness with which she prayed. Agnes could not believe what she heard. "What!" said she at last, "God has cast upon my misery a look of mercy! At the very moment in which I implored his assistance you bring me so many things!" Yes, Agnes," replied several voices with eagerness, "yes, we bring you all these to-day, and we will endeavor to become more virtuous, and bring you as many more every Sunday, and then we will come every day in the week to ask you if you want any thing, to do your errands, to walk with you a little, and to lead you to the church, because from this the road is bad."

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should never more be wanting. When they learned the poor woman's distress, of which they had been ignorant, because she had made known her afflictions only to her Creator, a tear started from every eye, for all respected and loved the virtuous Agnes; and the venerable pastor, raising his voice, pronounced these words, which left a deep impression on every heart: "My dear parishioners, a woman still young and a child but eight years of age have given to all of us an excellent lesson of charity. In offering to Frederick a gun, a book, or a fat chicken, Sophia had her views. This lady, a worthy pupil of the pious Madam De Linden, had already, be persuaded of it, thought of the good and poor (Agnes, and she hoped that her son would have the same thought. Frederick, notwithstanding his tender age, has behaved, like a good, a true Christian. All of you who have so Agnes wished to go upon her knees to generously followed the example of Sophia thank God for the aid which he in his infinite and Frederick, share also in their praises, and goodness had sent her; but her weakness God will recompense you for your charity; obliged her to pray sitting. Then they gave but for Sophia and Frederick, none of you her something to eat and drink; she did not would have dreamed of the unfortunate Agtake much nourishment for fear it might makenes, and she was perishing with hunger, while her sick, and almost immediately she began you were rejoicing at the virtues of your chil to cheer up. They told her how Frederick (dren. The first virtue of a Christian is charifirst thought of her, how all followed his ex-ty, and you were going to give or promise ample, and how their mothers had made a gift, toys to your children when your neighbor was each one according to her means. The good dying at your door. Ah! my friends, before old woman still wept, but it was for joy: she spending one penny for frivolous things, look begged the children to conduct her to the well if there be not some one about you for church, that she might testify her gratitude to whom this penny may be necessary to obtain their parents, who were waiting for them; a a morsel of bread. Agnes,-after God, who little nourishment gave her sufficient strength directs all things,—it is to Sophia and Frederto undertake this long walk. The two strong- ick that you are indebted for your preservaest boys gave her their arms; some walked, tion." before to take away the stones which would have made her stumble. The rest surrounded her, forming a kind of retinue. Nothing was more touching than to see all the children, with cheerful countenances, giving their as-villagers; and since that time they have mansistance to this poor old blind woman, and rendering her a service which she never more hoped to receive on earth.

VOL. I.-No. 9.

After this, they led the good old Agnes to her home. The scenes of this day were ever after associated with feelings of the fondest recollection in the memories of the humble

ifested, on every occasion, those sentiments of affection and esteem so justly due to the family of William.

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CHAPTER XIV.

Chastisement and Conversion.

it reached a heap of straw; immediately the fire burst forth with terrible violence. Gherald, pale and motionless with fright, trembled in every limb; in an instant he was enveloped in smoke.

SHORT time had elapsed since the memorable day when the covetous Gaspard began his threats and prosecutions against It was only then that he opened the door to William. We may easily judge what indig-save himself, uttering the most frightful cries. nation the hard-heartedness of that man ex- Excited by the fresh current of air, the flames cited in all the country. Every body would spread rapidly in every direction ; the loft, recheerfully have lent the thousand crowns to duced to ashes, fell in; the roof tumbled with the honest debtor; but all were too poor. the half burnt beams, which carried down the Even by uniting their means, they could not floor and communicated the fire to the stable have raised half the amount. and to the stalls, from which Gaspard was en

an unlucky instinct kept them, notwithstanding all his efforts.

They vainly endeavored to appease the un-deavoring to drive the horses and cattle, where feeling Gaspard. An hour or two after the departure of Sophia, who went to town to sell the diamonds, of which she had not spoken to any one in the village, the hand of Divine Justice fell heavily upon the merciless cred-this furnace, tearing his hair, calling with a itor.

Exhausted with fatigue, and repelled by the flames, Gaspard rushed with desperation from

stifled voice the neighbors to his help. The whole village resounded with the cry of fire! The air rang with the monotonous sounds of the deep-toned bell; women and children, wild with fear, rau from their homes and their

Gaspard had an only son, named Gherald, whom he raised very badly. This boy, though twelve years old, never went to school, seldom to church, and was the only one in the neighborhood who railed at the Sunday meet-school. ings, because he did not become better by them, and his irreligious father countenanced his raillery.

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Bah," this wicked man was used to say, "what do I care whether my son be pious and good, or not? Provided he knows how to keep and increase his fortune, that will suffice. I am not pious and devout myself, and you see that I prosper more than all of you who are so religious."

He was repeating these blasphemous words whilst going out of his granary where he had left his son. Gherald, who had contracted the bad habits of his age, resolving to take a smoke in private, set about striking a fire in order to light his pipe. A spark fell on some hay. Gherald did not perceive it immediately, but some moments after he saw more smoke than twenty pipes like his own could raise; instead of calling for help, he tried to extinguish the fire, which was still confined to one or two bundles of fodder.

But, as he moved a great deal, the motion of his body and of his clothes produced the effect of a current of air; a little flame arose, before he could smother it under his feet,

The peasants left the fields, but, hearing that it was Gaspard's property which was burning, they appeared less troubled.

"It is a punishment from heaven," said these honest fellows; "Gaspard has wished to reduce William and his family to beggary ; to-morrow he was to sell their goods, and, behold, to-day Divine Justice has made him penniless. He boasted that he was prosperous though not pious, and behold his prosperity destroyed in an instant; and in his misery he will not have even the courage and the consolation which piety affords, unless he be sincerely converted."

Such was their language whilst they were looking at the conflagration; to render assistance was impossible. Happily this property was far enough from the other houses to prevent the fire from extending to them. Be sides, the village had no engines, and those of the neighboring villages had not yet arrived. At this moment came William, who had just heard of the misfortune of his enemy. Far from rejoicing at it, he was deeply afflicted.

After having forbidden his children to leave the shop, he ran with all haste, firmly resolved to do all that he could for one of whose con

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