The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-04-17
MORAL & EREAHGaOUs.

To THE YouNe.-I CONCLUDE my counse's 10
the young, by a serious and afiecuonate reco'"
mendation to every one who reads these pasoS'
to make immediate preparation ior "e"'"'
know that gay youth are unwillingto near l'"s
subject mentioned. There is nothing "''o"
casts greater damp upon their Spirits ti''' ''o
solemn fact that death must be encouh'e'e"'
that no earthly possessions or circumstances can
secure us from becoming, his victims, on any
day. But fit is acknowledged that inns iof,''-
liable evil is inc yitable and that the tenure ~
which we hold our grasp of life 10 very iI"sho'
,vbv should we act so professionally, and may
say, madly, as 10 shut our eyes against '"o '"''
ger? If indeed there was no way ior PteP"'
inc to meet this event, there might be some rea-
son far turning away our thoughts from irntne-
diate destruction: but if by attention ana eXer-
ton it is possible to make preparation lor oeu'h
then nothing can be conceived more insane, THAN
to refuse to consider our latter end.-ho" OIL
Ten are we called to witness the disease OF bloom
inp voutb. in the midst of their pleasures ana
urospec cts Such scenes have been exploiteu
within the observation of all ofyou. Dear friends
and companions have been snatched away from
the side of some Of you. The grave has closed
upon many whose prospects OF long life were US
favorable as those of their survivors. NOW, my
dear friends, what has so frequently happened,
in relation to so many Others many take place
with regard to some of you. This year you may
be called to bid farewell to all your earthly pros
peats, and all your beloved relatives. The bare
possibility of such an event ought to have the
effect of engaging your most serious attention,
and of leading you to immediate preparation
Do you ask what preparation is necessary
answer, reconciliation with God, and meetness
for the empoyments and enjoyments oil the
heavenly state Preparation for death includes
repentance towards God for all our sins, trust
in the Lord Jesus Christ and reliance on his a.
,oning sacrifice, regeneration of heart and retor-
nation of life and finally, lively exercise OF
piety accompanied with comfortable assurance
of the divine favor. In Short genuine and live
" piety forms the essence of the needed prepare
alton With this your death will be safe, anc
your happiness after death secure; but to render
a death bed not only safe but comfortable, yol
must have a strong faith, and clear evidence tina
your sins are forgiven, aud that you have passed
from death unto life. Be persuaded, that befor
you give sleep to your eyes, TO commence you
return unto God, from whom like lost sheep you
have strayed. "Prepare TO meet your God.
"Be we also ready, for in such an hour as we thn
not, the Son of man cometh."
Seek delverance from the fear of death by
believing application to Him who came on pur
pose to deliver us from this bondage. With nj
presence and guidance we need not fear no ev
even while passing through the gloomy vale
and shadow ofdeath. He is able by his rod an
his staff to comfort us, and 10 make us conquer
ors over this last enemy.-Dr. Aleranders Letters