American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Sunday schools -- United States -- Periodicals
And this was his fate; at last he was put to death in 1498. Almost his
last words were, “You cannot separate me from the Church triumphant!
that is beyond thy power.” In the convent of St. Mark’s are preserved
various relics of the martyred monk, among which are his Bible with
notes by his own hand, and a portrait said to have been painted by Fra
Bartolommeo. I have seen a copy of this portrait. It is in profile,
with the Friar’s cowl. At the first glance the expression of the
prominent features seems strangely stern, but as you study the face
it seems to soften and the sternness becomes sadness mingled with
tenderness. One can imagine those worn and pallid features lighted up
with excitement, the eyes animated and glowing with zeal, and the lips
so expressive of power, relaxing into a smile even, and thus looking
upon it we wonder not that crowds hung upon his words.
Hatred of sin, zeal for its removal from Church and State, seems to
have been two of his strong characteristics. And he was ever bold and
active in lifting up and carrying forward the standard of truth. If
sometimes his zeal outran his wisdom and judgment, if sometimes his
enthusiasm seemed to reach what we might call a religious frenzy in
which he heard supernatural voices and saw visions, we can but believe
in his sincerity and admire his boldness and commend his fearless
exposure of sin. And as we study his character again and again we
wonder as in the beginning of this sketch, how he would have acted in
these days when sin “comes in like a flood!” Have we not need of a
Savonarola? Have we not need of an army of strong, fearless men and
women who shall lift up the standard of the Gospel against the tide of
sin? One thought more: will each of my young readers enlist in this
army and be diligent in preparing to meet the attacks of the enemy?
FAYE HUNTINGTON.
======
THORWALDSEN was a Danish sculptor. Returning from Italy to his native
land, he brought a great number of lovely works of art, which he packed
in straw. When unpacked, the straw was strewn about the streets, and it
so happened that it contained a great many seed. These took root, and
before long flowers were blooming in Copenhagen, from those very seed.
Every hour we are scattering seed: see that it be the kind that shall
grow beauteous flowers.
[Illustration: ROUND THE FAMILY LAMP]
MY DEAR PANSIES:
The game for this Midsummer “month of evenings,” is one that I
especially commend to you. It will be enjoyed so very much longer after
it has been played, and years to come whenever you think of the happy
hour it engrossed you, you will always be very glad that you and your
little friends played it.
This is the game:
THE WHEELING PARTY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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