Then I started as from a trance, and lo! instead of the palm trees and flowers of the "pleasant land," I was surrounded by the rocks and snows of the Alpine wilds. But all was not fled, for those words, "sacrifice and obedience bring forth honor and immortality," left a soothing balm upon my spirit which will never be forgotten. Yours in the New and Everlasting Covenant, Jabez Woodard. CHAPTER XXXI. Close of Mission.--Bids adieu to the Saints and scenes of his labors.--Poem, in which martial and ecclesiastical labors and honors are contrasted.--Lorenzo returns home.--Chosen Member of Legislature.--President of Council.--Reflections.--Joy and sorrow.--Vision.--A covenant.--Charlotte's death.--Singular manifestation.--A little prattler.--Quandary.--Solution.--Social party.--Storm.--Drenched.--Lorenzo decides to build.--A struggle.--Proves a success. At length the time for his departure arrived, and Lorenzo bade adieu to the Saints in the "Old World," with all the attractions of nature and of art with which their countries are justly celebrated. Had his mission been one of ordinary character--one that pertained to earth and earthly things, he might have yielded to the power of fascination; but with him the worth of souls--the elevation, happiness and exaltation--the emancipation from the bondage of priestcraft and tradition of his fellow-men, was the great mission with which he was invested, and until honorably released, nothing--not even the endearments of home--would draw him from his post, nor divide his interest. But when released by the same authority by which he went forth, although his affections twined around the Saints from whom he soon would be separated by long distance; home, his wives and children, and associations with the Saints of God in the valleys of Ephraim, constituted a powerful magnet, which none but those who are husbands and fathers can realize. Well may the fire of glory blaze Upon the warrior's tread, And nation's twine the wreath of praise Around the hero's head; His path is honored, and his name Is written on the spire of fame. His deeds are deeds of courage, for He treads on gory ground, Amid the pride and pomp of war, When carnage sweeps around: With sword unsheathed he stands before The foe, amid the cannon's roar. If such the meed the warrior gains; If such the palm he bears; If such insignia he obtains; If such the crown he wears; If laurels thus his head entwine, And stars of triumph 'round him shine; How noble must be his reward, Who, 'midst the crafts of men, Clad in the armor of the Lord, Goes forth to battle, when The powers of darkness warfare wage, And Satan's hosts around him rage. Who goes opinion to unbind That reason may be free, And liberate the human mind From cleric tyranny: Who severs superstition's rod, And propagates the truth of God.