Ye know it not, or ye would shrink, And pray to yield it up. "Say, can ye in my pathway tread, And be baptized with me?" "Yea, we are able, Lord," they said, "To follow after Thee." And Jesus answered, "Be it so; My baptism shall be yours; My cup upon you I bestow; See that your strength endures. "But ah, the boon ye would receive- "But be not troubled who shall sit My Father will, as he sees fit, XLVIII. CHRIST TEACHING ON THE SEA-SIDE. HE sat in the little boat on the waters, while the multitudes stood grouped on the shore, listening to his voice. Had that voice turned every grain of sand on the sea-shore into solid gold, and caused every ripple of the waves to utter poetry sweeter than that of Homer, the legacy to the world had not been so rich as the parables which he then spoke. In the case supposed, where is the people under the heavens that had not ere this handled that gold and recited that poetry! The learned had been ashamed of the name, had they not been familiar with it, and beauty and fashion had worn their rich jewels and boasted these were made from the rich gold of Galilee!" The mountain-side had rung with the song of the maiden as she warbled "the songs of the waves of Galilee's sea!" With what consummate skill and mighty grasp of thought does He embrace, in a single parable, that of the sower, every soul who will ever listen to his gospel! How many have been cautioned and warned by it, and thus have been led to receive the seed into good and honest hearts, is more than we can ever know in time, but when the record of all the impressions which have been made on the human heart shall at last be published, we shall doubtless find that the short discourse pronounced on the sea-shore has been, in an immense number of instances, of unspeakable benefit to men. The multitudes who listened were all soon passed away, and the voice that spake was soon heard on earth no more; but so long as the sands shall lie on the shore, and so long as the waves shall whisper to them, so long shall the words of the blessed Redeemer remain and be repeated on earth. What He said and did was not for that hour or that generation, but for all who shall yet stand on the shores of time. A picture of the scene, delineating accurately the multitude of countenances which were there, with their various emotions of wonder and admiration, or of scorn and unbelief, would be a choice work of art; but the impress of their doubts and unbelief has come down to us, and their murmurs will be echoed down on the waves of time, till they reach and meet them again at the judgment day. Alas! ye multitudes of Galilee! Though ye throw away the jewels which drop from the hand of the Redeemer, yet from age to age there will be a number greater than you, who will gather them up and weave them into a garland of life eternal, and wear them on the shores of the sea of glass. SKETCHES OF WEST POINT. No. II. THE ILLUMINATION. BY AMY LOTHROP. "There are lights afar, More bright than a star; You say they are candles:-I'll see if they are." THE night was moonless, almost starless, though here and there you might discern a faint twinkle among the clouds; while an occasional flash of lightning dazzled our eyes for a moment, and then left us to appreciate the darkness. Slowly we walked down to the camp, where the busy stir seemed tending to a crisis. In front of the main body of tents the band were now standing, grouped together; and, still further forward, near the guard-tents, was a crowd of dark figures almost completely in shade. In this unrevealing foreground we too placed ourselves, and quietly watched the camp. It was but partially lighted up as yet, for the preparations had been begun late and were not yet complete. Meantime, there was no lack of business or amusement. The white tents, the gray and white figures mixed up with them in every possible variety,-passing, grouping, peeping in or peering out-made a wild picture, set as it was in the deep black of night which came to the very edge of the camp-ground. It was | very fine as a whole;-in some of the parts a little peculiar. In one tent, the canvass of which was rolled up at the bottom, a number of shoes were going through most spirited up and downs, though after what particular pattern it was hard to determine, for the white curtains were shut close. But those brogues, or buskins, or whatever they were, had a world of fun in them; and it was quite exciting to see such a tentful dancing away without any perceptible assistance. From another quarter came the voices of those who were singing without the instrument," or occasionally with; while little candles in heaps and little candles astray appeared in every direction, and numberless hands were arranging and lighting them. Then in our shadowy foreground a white dress or a red shawl would flit by, coming out finely from the darkness; and the band, taking up their instruments, struck in with some sweet air, that was like the concluding of a chime of bells. We gazed and listened. "Now do tell me, Mr. H- " said Florence, as a friend approached us, " do tell me why you illuminate the camp just when you are going to quit it." Why, for a little fun, Miss Florence. We may as well have all the good out of the camp that we can, and some of them think this is great fun. I don't care for such things myself." "But I should think you'd all be too dismal. Aren't you very sorry to go into barracks?" "Oh no!-very glad," said the cadet, drawing down his face. Why aren't you at work, then?" Tired;-was up all last night at the party." "How did Mr. J- graduate?" asked Florence, suddenly. "He stood very low. But pray, Miss Florence, what could make you think of Mr. J-?" "Oh, because you spoke of the party, and that made me think of a ball that was given here once, and so of Mr. J "I wish you would finish the story." "Before I have begun it?Well, once upon a time I was going to this same ball, and sat waiting for my sister in the parlour of the hotel, and watching other people,-little girls with long white gloves, and such etceteras,-when Ellen Jcame in with a face as long as the gloves. It seemed that her brother had done or disobeyed something, and had been ordered not to go to the ball; and she, poor child, had come up on purpose to go with him, and was in great trouble." "And how did J take it?" "Safe promise, that!" said H————, laughing. By this time the cadets had said to their deco"Shine out,-appear,-be found!" and at head of the main passage-way through the camp, the evening gun looked peacefully forth from lights and cedar; while at each other entrance the letter of the particular company displayed its huge proportions. Here the darkness was pierced by an immense cedar A, set thick with burners from apex to foundation, with a transparency, too; and exceeding pretty it looked, for whatever there might be of roughness in the execution, night softened or covered up. B, C, and D, were set out in like manner, but I thought | taste!" said Florence. "I wish you would get the them not so well-looking. owner's name and post it up along with his com"Is that the same gun they had at the ball-modities. I think he deserves to be known." room door some years ago?" asked Florence. "I don't know;-not since I've been here. the ball-room door?" At Captain Somebody must have drilled you into a reasonable degree of spryness, I should think," said Florence, laughing; and then we left our stand and followed the crowd to the region of candles. The upright letters had as it were a reflection within the camp; for behind each a corresponding letter was traced on the ground in little candles, all lighted, and burning away as if the credit of the institution depended on them alone. I never saw anything more exemplary;-little white, comical, four-inch things, they had quite a character about them, as they stood there in the dust. Beyond were triangles, and crosses, and charmed circles of the same materials, and just not under foot, because we went round them. Why some of the giddy lady-flies that sported before me didn't singe their wings was a mystery. I felt afraid for my own gauze appendages, as they fluttered in the night-wind to within catching distance of the little candles. At intervals along the rows of tents stood tripods of muskets, the bayonets supporting a tapered wreath; and at the far end of each alley the company's officer was illuminated by proxy,—a long transparency bearing his name, while above were the arms of his state. In one or two instances there was an inscription added,—to some officer who was "first in the hearts of his company;" and the different names were cheered several times in the course of the evening. Here and there, too, stood a cedar tree, as firm as if it had never struck root anywhere else, and bearing more lights than one could count in a hurry. We had been through once, and still the little candles were burning as bright as ever; so we went through again, and this time looked at particulars. There were inscriptions or transparencies at almost every tent-door. On this was an inviting advertisement of "Logins for Singel Men;" on that a label of "Old Cloes;" while the view within made one think that if a sale could be effected, it would be a public benefit. Opposite this display some self-denying person proffered "Entertainment for Man and Baste;" and one or two more hung out nothing but a wreath of flowers. In one tent sat gray coats and white dresses in most conversable proximity. Over an open doorway near by was some simple transparency, while all within was so neatly put up, so pleasantly lighted by the lamp that was burning on the locker, that we almost supposed the owner had expected guests to arrive during his absence, and felt quite sure that, whoever he was, he must have an appreciation of home and home-comforts. "I wish that tent belonged to you, Mr. H, and we would go in and sit down." Mine is at your service, Miss Florence; but you must let your eyes be charitable-for once." "For once!-Not after that, unless I change my mind. But let us see it." We walked to the tent, went in, and managed to turn round after we were in. "And how many sleep here, for pity's sake?" "That depends--some cadets have a whole and some a quarter." "But what do you do with the mosquitoes? I shouldn't think they would let you sleep a wink.” "Sometimes they don't come; and when they do, the officers get up and smoke." Upon my word," said I, laughing, "that is an oracle of an answer. Mr. G, did you never hear of any Decaturs but the Commodore ?" They laughed; and when we had admired a little picture that Mr. H- showed us of his sister, we emerged into larger quarters and walked on, and some ladies obligingly swept the ground before us, and transferred as much of the dust as possible to their own garments. It might fairly be questioned whether the illumination was meant to be of the camp or the visiters, for cadet groups of all sizes are standing everywhere, it seems to me, eyeing the long stream of people. It is a curious thing, worth eyeing. Officers, citizens, - gleesome delight, sober consideration,-quiet eyes, and eyes that rove as brightly and wildly as the flames of the little candles, this face, that reflects every bit of the illumination and has besides a small pyrotechnic display of its own, and that other, that no more lights up than does the dark dress of its owner, bonnets, hoods, curls, bandeaux.-all are subjected to the combined influence of foot and side-lights. In one place stands out the portly form of Captain —; in another, Lieutenant · elevates his inches. Professors major and minor pass on: there individuals who seem to be, not "all gloves," but all scarf, or buttons, or whiskers; and here comes a furlough cadet still out of uniform, with his hat cocked at an angle that sets both military and civil rules at defiance, and a face that says Captains A. and B. are for the present nonentities. "Let those laugh now who never laughed before, And those who always laughed now laugh the more." A transparency in the shape of a dress cap with two great eyes cut in it, and a mouth to match, looks down upon us from the ridge-pole of one of Company D's tents, and we have made | Reposed the violets, faint with their own odours:→→→ the round once more, and go and stand in the Coiled through the valleys glittered the Cephilus, foreground and listen to "The Maid of Monterey," | Basking in sunlight-and adown the meadows, and watch the bright lights and the clustering cadets. Again we join the crowd, and this time pass out behind the camp and look at the two or three dimly-lighted tents that are beyond us, and the dark sward that lies between, and the tall cedars that loom up indistinctly. So still, so quieting! the air seemed fresher and the dew cooler: there was no illumination there. Then back into the camp. But darkness is impinging upon the great letters now, and a good many of the exemplary little candles are burnt out-reduced to small, sad-looking grease-spots upon the brown earth. Letter A, wishing to make a sensation, takes fire bodily, and so do some of the bayonet-wreaths and transparencies; and we have the smell of burning cedar, and a light smoke is curling over the camp. There comes the never-failing rat-tat-tat-tat! “Oh, Mr. H————, run!" cried Florence. "Run!-whither, and why?" "Because there is tattoo, and if you don't go this minute, I shall see you marched off to barracks to-morrow between two muskets." "I must see you home, Miss Florence, even at such a dreadful risk." "Ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute;'-didn't you leave me to take care of myself in the midst of a cotillion last summer, for that same rub-a-dub? and besides, we are not going home yet,so good night." We went and stood outside the limits till the drum ceased, till the last light was out, till the last gray figure had disappeared, the last dark figure gone home. Then we took one turn round the quiet plain, and went back to the hotel. A VALENTINE BY ISABELLE. To what shall I liken thine eyes? To the rich, deep blue of the summer skies; To what shall I liken thy smile? To the sun's last ray on some bright isle; To what shall I liken thy voice? To the notes of the bird as it sings "rejoice;" Pale with their fragrance drooped the waterlilies: Only the Asphodel, with heart adoring, In moss-grown caves, flushed with their dances, slumbered, When, through the dim glades of the silent forest, For the old blind soothsayer had predicted For lo! a face of soft and girl-like beauty, Day faded, In the soft twilight-and amid their dances The wakened Fauns and Dryads paused to listen. They, shrinking far within the wood's recesses, Heard the low moan "I pine!"-and Echo Among the oaks the plaintive sound repeating, Till midnight slowly purpled into morning. And when along the hill-tops sped Aurora, Treading out fragrance with her rosy sandals, On her white shoulder, to the fount for water. And where the glowing hunter bent at noontide, sandals, A new, pale flower beside the maize was rooted, And thus, O Earth, thy children vainly languish short time, a merry crowd of pleasure-seeking people;-and constant were the parties made up for rides, drives, and picnics to the mountain side, or to a beautiful spring in the neighbouring woods. I was still too much of an invalid to join in these expeditions, and a great deal of sympathy was wasted upon "poor Miss Duval," who did not then care a fig about their merry groupings One evening a picnic was planned, which would take them a great distance and keep them the greater part of the day. The next morning my friend came to bid me good-by just before setting off on this excursion. "In a few days, Enna dear," she said, "all this gaiety will be over, and then I can return to my pleasant office of nurse." I assured her that I felt no weariness; that the ideal-morning would be spent in a delicious, halfdreamy languor, on the balcony upon which my room windows opened, reading and castle-building; and the afternoon should be devoted to a refreshing siesta. COUSIN KATIE AND THE HEIRESS. BY ENNA DUVAL. "Leave me awhile, for I have hazarded MAID'S TRAGEDY.-BEAUMONT AND Fletcher. WORDSWORTH. This injunction was forgotten after I opened the neatly-bound, clasped volume she gave me. Lizzie's books, so kindly heaped up before me on a reading-table, were also neglected, and even the afternoon's refreshing nap was given up. I built no chateaux d'Espagne that day, so interested was A SEVERE fit of indisposition which I endured I in my friend's simple, childlike relation of one winter left me in such an invalid state, that,"romance in real life." A great part of the jourwhen the spring opened, it found me completely unfitted for every exertion. I could not rouse myself sufficiently to take interest in any of my customary duties or pleasures;-all were alike indifferent to me. There seemed to be in me an entire want of elasticity, both of mind and body. Such an array of tonics as were prescribed;bitter drinks, preparations of iron, &c., until the pharmacopoeia was exhausted, and my family almost despairing, when a dear friend from the country happened to make her appearance in town. "I know what will benefit you," she exclaimed, the first morning she called to see me: "you need an entire change of air and scene. Just come with me to our little mountain village, and I will promise to return you in the autumn, strong and hearty as one of our mountain lasses." She urged her friendly proposition with such affectionate earnestness, that at last I was forced to yield; for, with all the indolence of a convalescent, I dreaded what was most necessary,change and action. But I am not about to give an account of that delightful visit now; and for the present it will be only necessary to mention that the change, the kind nursing of my friend, and the attention of her charming family, restored completely my lost health; and before I returned to my home in the fall, I was able to gallop over the narrow mountain roads as fearlessly as my companion, the eldest daughter, Lizzie, and could show a pair of glowing cheeks that almost made me look young again. During the first part of my visit, the house was filled with guests, who were to remain only a nal was given up to details of her home life, "And specially let this be thy prayere, MY FRIEND'S JOURNAL. CHAUCER. The first leaf of my new journal! Here it lies, unspotted, unmarked, before me,-not a noting of trouble to soil its fairness. Pray God, the unsullied whiteness of these leaves may be a type of my future! I have already done much evil and endured deep sorrow; let the future be blameless, and therefore unexpiatory. One of my assistant teachers, a clever, matterof-fact Yankee girl, with plenty of text-book learning in her wise little head, fully able to "stump" me, her superior in any branch of study, |