Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-01-03

ON THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR.


The departure Of an old year and the ush.
ering in ola new one, awakens in our hearts
emotions both Of an interesting and solemn
nature. When we reflect that 1889, which
has been year Of interes, to each OF US. has
so quickly past, that all its changing scenes
of Joy and sorrow, Of prosperity and ADVERSE
~ can never return. we see indeed the short.
ness of time and the necessity Of improving it
Alright.
Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with
fruitful season. and by the plentiful in
crease OF the earth has assured the husband
man that his labor has not been in vain. The
genial warmth Of the sun. and the refresh
ing showers Of rain have been bountifully be-
slowed upon US by Him, who daily crowns
our life with Ibis loving kindness and tender
mercies" Our lives have been spared
through another year, our domestic homes
have been endeared to us by the ties OFFEND
ship and Of love, and all the rich privileges
ofthis favored land, have been enjoyed by
US. r
Z Our happy country which weas freemen SO
much boast Of still holds her pre-eminence
over other nations in her republican form of
government, with her civil and religious lib
erty. While our nation has progressed in
the arts andsciences. and her wealth increas-
ed, we cannot but fear that extravaganza
with all its evils. has in great measure su-
perseded the simple habits and virtue OF our
forefathers. Our national sins are great, and
we justly deserve judgements from heaven
While our country declares itself TO be free
and independent is truly SO when so many
immortal beings are held in the bondage OF
slavery Does not the blood OF the poor
Indians call aloud for vengeance upon us tor
driving them from their native homes, sa-
cred to them as the white mans And are
not the chaslisemenis whichwe have receiv.
ed sufficient to recall MS to our duty2 The
rumor Of war has been heard on our bord-
ers. Pestilence has brealhed upon the face
Of the south and swept away many by its
poisonous influence. Destructive fires have
ragged amongst US and deprived thousands Of
their fortunes and their homes. Many a
gallant ship which at the commencement
Of the year LEFT our harbors with sails un,
furled on banners high" now lies on some
distant shore wreck Of its former beauty.
and its noble crew buried in the waters olthe
deep. The Lord has indeed mingled the
cup Of afiliction with many mercies, to re-
mind US That Of him. and 10 him and through
him are all things.'i Christianity has shed
its cheeringraysover our land, and during
the past year many immortal souls have
found peace and joy in believing, through
the merits of crucified Savior--family al
lars Of praise and prayer have been erec-
ted 10 the most high God-the mourner, the
the sick. and the dying, have found "a balm
10 Gilead and physician there. What
consultations does the religion ofJesps afford
in every vicissitude OF life. The cheering
news which has come from far, even from
the islands Of the sea. Of multiludes among
the benighled heathen that have found the
pearl Of great price" should inspire us
with new zeal the coming year to devote
ourselves, and our all, for the glory Of the
Lord our God. N, J.