Page 278 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

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READING LESSONS, 271
the chief beauty of this organ consists. In what part of the ame are the a ections mirrored so beauti­ lly as here? In joy, how bright and sparkling is the appearance of the eye! The lid is raised, and the· slight gush of tears heightens the brilliancy of its re ection, while it seems to start rward, as if eager to meet the impression which has awakened so lively a sensation within the mind. In grief, how touching in its depression! The lid lls, the lashes droop, and the eye-ball seeks the earth, as if unwill­ ing to disturb, by the sight of any other object, the memory of that beloved and long-accustomed one, which it shall never more behold on earth. I ow amiable its half-shut and retiring look, when merit, di dent even of itself, hesitates to assume its right­ l place in the social order! How glorious is the re which lls it, when a tempered zeal r truth, or injured homes and altars, is swelling in the heart! Track it through all its changes, whether it glistens with compassion, lights up with courage, or droops with humility, and in every instance, you will nd it the silent tongue of the heart-the window of the a ections.
5. Remember, also, the destiny of this sense. It
is not given you r purposes merely temporal and earthly. Its destiny in time is not to tempt you to x your a ections on scenes and spectacles which shall pass away, but to rnish you with motives r divine love, and enable you to acquire wisdom. ts destiny in eternity is to behold the God that made it r ever and r ever.
6. Employ this happy gift with prudence and self­ possessiou, and reserve the full e oyment of its pow­ er to that promised time, when it shall be called to
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