Thus it is with all great and earnest souls. “The mystery of Godliness,” or true spirituality, as an impelling and inspiring power, is behind them, making itself manifest through their being. It also stands before them, beckoning them on the way. It may be they have natures of steel and fire, and that a thought electric strikes upon the heart, and sits, a mania, on the brain. But still they feel that power impelling and persuading, and finally when they perceive that the grand current of human events is tending towards the great ocean of Infinite Truth, they are willing to let their own peculiarities and characteristic tendencies also flow on in the great stream, and so harmony is at length established, not only with themselves but all. The lesson of Poe’s life, in itself, was worth much to Humanity. In coming time, others besides ourselves will dissect and analyze his peculiar nature, and present it, even as we have, to men, as an instance of that Spirit which was “made manifest in the flesh, which was seen of angels, was preached by inspired lips to Humanity, believed on in the world, and received up into glory.” Great, indeed, is the mystery of Godliness! great in the light of the human lives that come and go upon the broad arena of earthly existence. Great, also, is that mystery as made manifest in those spirits who go forth from the flesh, and feeling the Divine inspiration stirring within them, seek for life,--Eternal Life,--in order that they may grow and expand to the fulness of their spiritual being, having within themselves a quenchless thirst for the harmonious and the beautiful. They are true to the great law of spirit, for whether in Time or Eternity, it may still be said that,-- “Within the heart of man there is a constant yearning For something higher, holier, unattained,-- Upward and onward, from the present turning, Yet resting never when a point is gained. Some unseen spirit evermore the soul is urging Through childish weakness and ambitious youth; And day by day all souls are still converging Nearer and nearer to the Central Source of Truth. Youth cuts a foothold in the Rock of Ages; The hope of Fame and Glory lures him on his way, And, pondering o’er the works of ancient sages, He catches glimpses of a brighter day. Alas! but toilsome is the way, and dreary, To him who has no high and holy aim, And, pausing on Life’s threshold, sad and weary, He casts away the laurel wreath of Fame.”[N]