<0art)en in Winter 



which in our earlier seasons hung about us and 

 was swayed to and fro by every breath of heaven, 

 reflecting each ray of sunshine. 



Happily, however, the illusions which were 

 once realities and objects of ardent faith still 

 linger in our bared branches in the glittering frost 

 of poetry, and even though we may no longer be 

 able to subscribe to the articles of faith or to ac- 

 cept the history of the Jews as the only infallible 

 and sacred guides for our lives and conduct, we 

 can still look upon the teachings of religion as the 

 sublimest of all poetic conceptions and as the 

 most elevating power for good over the imagina- 

 tions of the human mind. 



Is it possible to conceive a happier state than 

 that of being firmly convinced of the reality of 

 conditions which, although undemonstrated and 

 imaginary, transcend the best and most delightful 

 experiences of our lives ? Can any belief be more 

 blissful and consoling, in the midst of all the ills 

 we are heirs to, than that we shall live again, and 

 forever, as ourselves, preserving conscious indi- 

 viduality, in a glorified state, among surroundings 

 of perfect harmony, joy, and peace? Can any 

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