Page:Letters of Life.djvu/76

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64
LETTERS OF LIFE.

intimate acquaintance with the treasures of the sacred volume. The reputation of this school transcending aught of the kind which had preceded it in that region, caused numerous applications to obtain its privileges. But as the number was limited, and each planet revolving around the centre tenacious of its orbit, the aspirants were doomed to disappointment. Among them was a robust man, older than the preceptor, whose desire for knowledge was the more commendable for being cherished amid the hard labor of the hands by which he earned subsistence. His note is characteristic:

"Understanding, sir, that there is a vacuity in your school, should be pleased to occupy the same one-half of a quarter of twelve weeks, as your friend and scholar."

There was, however, no vacuity, and the smith smote on.

I have never attended a school where the religious sentiment was so perfectly cultivated, or brought into such successful operation. It seemed the secret of its government, inspiring high conscientiousness, a performance of duty because it was enjoined by the Heavenly Father and the Righteous Judge. This effect was not produced by the constant repetition of precept, still less by the enforcement of peculiar doctrines, or the censure of others. It was not wearisome argument or set forms of speech, but the influence of an earnest,