one position to
the other, at one time deciding that I would not take advantage of the
mistake, at another quite as resolved that I would not throw away such
an opening for the prosecution of my search; at last I fell into an
uneasy slumber, and had a strange dream. I thought that I was standing
upon an isolated rock, with the waters raging around me; the tide was
rising, and at last the waves were roaring at my feet. I was in a state
of agony, and expected that, in a short time, I should be swallowed up.
The main land was not far off, and I perceived well-dressed people in
crowds, who were enjoying themselves, feasting, dancing, and laughing in
merry peals. I held out my hands--I shouted to them--they saw, and
heard me, but heeded me not. My horror at being swept away by the tide
was dreadful. I shrieked as the water rose. At last I perceived
something unroll itself from the main land, and gradually advancing to
the inland, formed a bridge by which I could walk over and be saved. I
was about to hasten over, when "Private, and no thoroughfare," appeared
at the end nearest me, in large letters of fire. I started back with
amazement, and would not, dared not, pass them. When all of a sudden, a
figure in white appeared by my side, and said to me, pointing to the
bridge, "Self-preservation is the first law of nature." I looked at the
person who addressed me; gradually the figure became darker and darker,
until it changed to Mr Cophagus, with his stick up to his nose.
"Japhet, all nonsense--very good bridge--um--walk over--find father--and
so on." I dashed over the bridge, which appeared to float on the water,
and to be composed of paper, gained the other side, and was received
with shouts of congratulation, and the embraces of the crowd. I
perceived an elderly gentleman come forward; I knew it was my father,
and I threw myself into his arms. I awoke, and found myself rolling on
the floor, embracing the bolster with all my might. Such was the vivid
impression of this dream, that I could not turn my thoughts away from
it, and at last I considered that it was a divine interposition. All my
scruples vanished, and before the day had dawned I determined that I
would follow the advice of Timothy. An enthusiast is easily led to
believe what he wishes, and he mistakes his own feelings for warnings;
the dreams arising from his daily contemplations for the interference of
Heaven. He thinks himself armed by supernatural