This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 Excerpt: ...skies, would be illy prepared to launch its bark on unknown seas. It is the harmonious blending of the darker hues with the light, that add beauty and give character. Material manifestations are passing shadows and are only real as they add to the sum of experience. Tho varisd experiences of life find their counterpart in Nature. Thero arc seasons of joy, there are times for rest; there are periods of strife, of quiet and peace. Defeat now stares us in tho face, again peons of victory await us. Tho sun dies and finds its grave in the sea. Tho bosom of tho ocean, like tho tempest-tossed soul, heaves and is convulsed with tho sobs of suppressed emotion and regret. On tho lonely shores of life we stand amid tho rising tempest; the mournful music of tho waves dash unceasingly far upon tho ro-jky coast, while tho clarking sea reflects tho sombre tint3 of tho clouds gliding by in tho near atmosphere. Tho wind, like tho Spirit of man, sighs and moans. Tho storm-birds hover above us, or drooping with folded wings, wail out their discordant notes, while in copious tears the rain descends. There arc souls that strive to drown tho noise and tumult with clashings and warfare with their fellow sufferers, more restless than themselves; or to lull their disappointments with an opiate distilled from sensual pleasures. Such poor souls end their present cxistenco in darkness as black as tho night, or awako from a terrible night-marc, stricken and blasted. Great and noble souls sacrifice upon the cross of desire, to virtue and purity, and he who thus conquers himself, is worthy the crown. AVe must not live for self-gratification. Our wants increase as they arc gratified, and regret follows close upon gratification; it may be that to always desire, we shall never possess. The ...