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L. E. L.'s own words have told us that "nothing more truly proves that life is but a trial than the pleasures which depart, the sense of enjoyment which deadens, and the disappointments which spring up at every step in our pilgrimage. Could life preserve its illusions, who would be fit to die? Vanity of vanities is written on this side of the grave but that we may more clearly discern that on the other shines the hope of immortality." *[1]
From her high intellectual eminence might L. E. L. have turned yet more frequently from the darkly-shadowed landscape of worldliness, to a region bright with immortal hope, fresh as with the gales of paradise, and serene as the crystal firmament. For life has a brightness which no cloud can dim, when life's scenes, characters and pursuits reflect—as the mountain heights the morning rays—the beams of the Sun of Righteousness.
We have often thought how impressively and beautifully L. E. L. would have delineated life under this aspect. How would the characters thus hallowed rise in dignity, usefulness and happiness!—how would all circumstances call forth the noble self-denial, the generous sacrifice, the voluntary assistance!—how would trials be represented as patiently endured, blessings as thankfully enjoyed!—how would all the aspirations of the soul be moulded into beneficial influences, and the poet's dying hour become irradiated with thankfulness, and a hope full of immortality!
Truly the principles and destinies which Christianity unfolds are worthy of being depicted by the noblest intellect, and of filling the sympathies of the most expanded heart; for "Wisdom, in that she is conversant with God, magnifieth her nobility."
- ↑ * Francesca Carrara, vol.i. p.203.
