The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-08-05
Number Id.
THE INSTABILITY OF LIFE,


That life is uncertain, and death uuavoid
able, is a maxim which, though all admit to
be true, all seem willing to forget 1t is
maxim which has been so often reiterated,
that none can be ignorant of it-and if any
were disposed to disregard it, the perpetual
occurrence of its fulflment might be sufi-
cient for its establishment as eternal truth.
Granting, then, that it be true, it is not
matter Of such consequence as to demand
our most serious attention! Can any one
bestow on it even the slightest considera-
tion, without feeling its importance, with
out perceiving that, regarding it merely as
relating to a complete removal from this
world, and all its concerns, independently
of the reward or punishment which is to
follow, it is point of the utmost importance!
Can any one reflect, as on a matter of no
concern, on the being separated from all
those whom he loves, and by whom he is
belovedl Can he disregard the tears which
will burst from the bosons of those whom
fIial or fraternal affection have bound to him?
Can he think unmoved, that he will no more
augment theirjoy, or soothe their grief! that
whatever, danger may threaten them, he
can no longer lend his assistance TO avert
it! and that whatever blessings may con-
join to make them happy, will be embittet-
ed by the reflection that he is not a sharer
in them? He who can think on this with
out emotion, is no more or less than man.
Yet these are the, consequences of that
event, the occurrence of which to every
one is certain and the period at which it
shall take place is unknown. Can it be
denied, then, that this is a matter demand
= ing our most serious attention? But the
t departure from this world, however affec-
ton or friendship may epdear it to US, must
i ever be considered, by the virtuous, as a
P cause of Joy, since it removes them from
t regions of darkness and Of sin, to realms
oflight and Of purity. Surely, then, he
who wishes to make even his death con.
tribute TO the happiness of those whom he
loved while living, will so conduct himself
in this life, as to leave no anxious doubtings
on their minds, with respect to his welfare
in the life eternal He will act SO that at
the end he may look back with tranquility,
and forward with rapture-without regret
for the past, or fear for the future. But the
disposition of mind necessary for the attain
ment of life, productive Of this desirable
conclusion, cannot be acquired except by
a frequent and serious consideration, and a
firm conviction, the highest incentive to
virtue would be wanting. 1t is, then, not
only the duty but interest of every one to
reflect in manner suitable to the import
. ance of the subject on the uncertainty of
the present life, and on consequent neces-
sity of being prepared for the change which
, we know must take place, at some period,
how near or how remote we are, by an all
wise Providence, kept ignorant Nor can
the wisdom which dictates this concealment
be impeached. Were the time at which
/. our dissolution should occur known to us,
its remoteness, if distant, would breed in
. dolent security--or its spddenness, ifnear,
occasion terrors, which would prevent pre-
paration for it.