The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-09-25
MORAL Sc RELIGIOUS.
THE EVENING OF LIFE.

To certain proportion OF mankind--such
the literary, and those whose circumstances
place them above the necessity Of labor or bust
ness, and who are fond Of reading and INDUCING
in matters of taste-the evening Of life affords
especial opportunities for the most tranquil en-
joyments arising from the view of the past, the
present and the future; and it is the happy sea-
son for solemn meditation on subjects of eternal
moment and for this last purpose, the season is
now interesting to ell, whatever may be the
terral circumstances which distinguish their lot
in life. The foregoing observations have refer
ence to some of the comforts of old age, MS they
are seen to exist arising OUT of the euployments,
habits, dispositions, tastes, and views, of people,
as they approach the vale of years. 1t is true,
that in countless instances they are imperfect
and unsatisfying comforts. They too often,
merely occasional and transitory: but mans i'm
prudence misconduct gives them this charac-
ter. Such being the sorrowful truth, the philos-
opher and the moralist are anxious to change the
aspect Of society, end by inducing mankind to
observe the only true regimen, to increase the
moral health, and preserve in purity and
strength, WREN bodily disabilities are constantly
increasing. Let us resort then to the only med
icne which possesses the necessary virtue 10 s,s-
tain the health of the heart, and its best affec-
lions, not only in the summer OF life, but in wa
ming autumn, and the cold climate Of its winter
The only sure way TO guard against this climate,
is to be constantly prepared for it. Such pre-.
paration renders our approach towards it by no
means unwelcome, because it is so gradual. In
a word virtuous life is the only one which can
,;tvo ,,I - J,zs
life's drama. The calm beauty of its evening is
generally the natural consequence Of Il fair NOR
ming, properly improved in the preparation for
the Iabors and duties of its busy day: and the
faithful discharge of these duties will procure
those treasures which will last. and preserve
their virtues TILL the close of the evening. We
have abundant assurance that such is the course,
in the moral as well as the natural world. They
who, when young, cultivate kind and afeton-
'nte dispositions, will impreceptibly surround
themselves with friends, and receive courtesy
and kindness from all. The same remark will
apply to those in the meridian Of life. Sinceri.
ty, integrity and truth, always will command re-
spect, and secure the homage of all hearts, ex-
cept the hearts of those whose censnre is praise.
and whose good opinion is scandal In old age.
virtue will always enjoy and inspire confidence:
and thepeace of mind which:an old man walking
in the path of honor and truth, displays to those
around him, insensibly awakens in them a love
of virtue, and kindles the desire of imitation.
We are not aware ofthe extent of that influence
which the Christian and the good man, without
seeming 20 know it, exerts on all around. His at
mosphere is health and purity.
1t should be remembered that large marion
of those miseries which multitudes suffer in old
age, are penalties which they are doomed to en-
dure, 'as the usual consequences of irregular hab-
its, violent passions, unhallowed desires, or I'M
pardonaOle carlessness. Heaven thus teach O.