COMING OUT. 23 



" Coming out ! ' what a multitude of pleasant notions are 

 associated with this expression the very motto for the season, 

 now inscribed in living characters on the unfolding scroll of 

 nature. Who can want an exhortation to ' ' come out '' and 

 read it ? 



Not the flaxen-headed village children, who " coming out ' 

 of school, hie shouting to the wood and meadow, where they 

 spell it (each after his fashion) with a merry laugh. 



Not the captives set free, be it from durance, from 

 disease, or labour. These from the dark-barred prison from 

 the close sick chamber, from the foetid factory "coming 

 out " themselves, all read the bright inscription in the glorious 

 sunshine in the free fresh air, in the opening flowers : 

 read it with eyes that glisten, and hearts that, if not crushed 

 entirely, expand with gratitude and joy. 



And can there be of others of all that are free to do it 

 one who heeds not the kind persuasion of nature to " come 

 out?' Yes, more than can be numbered of such as sunk 

 deep in selfishness and sensual pleasure, and, loving the things 

 of darkness, care not to look upon the tilings of light, now 

 " coming out' j daily, under the influence of the summer 

 sun. 



And other " comings out " are in progress, which, as com- 

 pared with these, are cold, conventional and artificial yet not 

 without a something, in their way, of seasonable light and 

 gaiety and promise. Of such are the " coming out " of new 



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