168 HOMELINESS OF NATURE. 



But the artificial scene produces only the organic sen- 

 sation of beauty, while the natural scene exalts the 

 mind with enthusiasm. In the one case, we view a mere 

 artful and splendid arrangement of colors in symmetri- 

 cal combination ; in the other, what seems like an open- 

 ing of the gates of Paradise. Yet I well remember a 

 time when there was a brilliant and beautiful sunset, the 

 clouds being arranged in the sweetest harmony of col- 

 ors and forms, showing every gradation of hue from gold 

 and crimson and orange to purple and violet ; I had just 

 stepped into the interior of a dome of colored glass, re- 

 maining several minutes, with a few friends, studying 

 and admiring the exhibition. When we returned into 

 the open air, the western clouds had at that moment 

 attained their highest splendor. But our sight was so 

 dazed by the intense brilliancy of the colored glass, that 

 the glories of sunset seemed to aU the company dull, 

 faded, and without character. Alas ! thought I, how by 

 the luxuries of art may we destroy our capacity to be 

 moved by those appearances that would serve to delight 

 the sense and to elevate the soul to heaven ! 



