THE POWER OF RELIGION. SUGGESTED BY A PICTURE ENTITLED “THE BLESSING.” BY MISS A. C. PRATT. How potent is its spell! With mystic chain, Of adamantine strength, it binds to things Beyond, invisible; reveals a world Of such transcendance, that this lower sphere Loses its brightness, and recedes to naught But a dim shadow; while life’s thousand charms Are made to vanish like the beauteous stars In morning’s fervid rays! Yet, radiant light It sheds upon the dreariness of earth, And softens down its woes; ’mid fiercest storms, Dispenses sunshine; on the darkest cloud, Paints a refulgent bow; aye, takes the dregs From sorrow’s bitter fount, and brings to view, O’er sin’s sad ruins, rising walls and towers! With lightning’s speed, temptation’s fiery darts Fall powerless beneath its mighty shield! Thus, more than victor, girt anew with strength, The soul may triumph o’er its deadliest foe! It penetrates the dungeon’s massive walls, And pours in floods of such celestial rays, That they in chains sing joyous notes of praise; Makes dismal dens and caverns to resound With strains melodious; writes most precious words On all around, to stay the sinking soul When danger threatens; shuts the lion’s mouth, Subdues the raging fire, and lends a charm E’en to the martyr’s fagot and his stake. A soothing cordial to disease it brings— And ’mid the strife of earth’s rude elements, Peace, like a gentle rill. Yea, more than all, Irradiates the tomb, and scatters flowers Upon its pathway; bears from death its sting; Throws open wide the “everlasting doors,” As earth recedes, and such an antepast Of endless glory gives, the pinioned one Scarce lingers for the severing of the chain, But panting, flutt’ring, seems to strive to flee! Smiles on the dying lip, light in the eye, And gentleness of that last sigh which frees Th’ exulting spirit, speak the matchless worth And lasting solace of this gift divine— Sure antidote for sinful, ruined man, Star only that can light his devious way, Blest, golden wing! on which with eagle flight, From deepest vales of sin, and death, and wo, He soars to heights of purity, and peace! * * * * * CHARACTERLESS WOMEN. BY MRS. SEBA SMITH.