The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-12-27
PATENT SERMON.
DOW, JR.

Oh, humbly take what God bcstows,
And like his own fair flowers,
Look up in sunshine in smile,
And gently band in showers
My hearers-there is nothing like taking the petty
cares and troubles Of this world composcdly
corn sack takes kicking or in easy manner
a dusty carpet receives thrashing. When msfor-
pounces upon ones prosperity like vulturo upon
lamb, the better way is to yield with calm resgna-
ton to the sudden attack; for, depend upon it, the
more q person wrthes and struggles under such a
circumstance, the more is the agony increased, and
less is the chance ofan immediate release. The man
who has the moral strength to bear up beneath the
heavy burden Of adversely is fur nobler than he who
has the physical might and courage TO combat lion
in his den, or defy the devil himself with pair of
faithful and trustworthy fists. Mislortuncs will often
times VISIT in spite of all human precautions, the
palaces of the proud as well the humble huts of
the dependent poor. They will abide their time
and for endeavoring to scare them away, you
might as well undertake to frighten the yellow fever
from an obnoxious city by publicly predicting killing
frost through the columns of penny journal.
My friends-just humb!y take what God bcstows
no matter whether it be in the shape of blessing
or straightforward you will find in the end that
tates of divine will. When the warm summer sun
lets down its glad rays upon the fair flowers of the
field they look up with beautiful smile, as if with
thankfuness for fnvors rcceived but not with AFRO
gance and self perfected pride; and then again, when
the rushing wind and beating storm drive over them in
wrath and fury, they bow their heads in meek submis
sion and present as handsome picture of humility
as dog sneakng under the table with his tail be-
b;,l tbo riff oc Prov
thankfuness, and give praise in return; and not go
off grumbling because some Of your Graz est hopes
and widest anticipatons have been realized to
their fullest extent. The meal of mercy from
heaven unsiGted-the bran is unseparated from the
hour-and the bread of benevolence, though some
times coarse, is the less wholesome, and ought
always be received with heartfelt gratitude. Prov
dence supplies the poor with potatoes and they are
grateful for them. though they be small and but
few in a h Heaven heaps luxuries upon the rich
and they proud, saucy, and independent-and not
unfrequently they make mouths at their Maker for
not adding a superabundance to their supcrhutes.
Mydear friends-you might just well he salts
fed with your portions and contented with your lots,
as to grumble about the matter for ehafng, sweating,
fretting and swearing all useless beating a
lamp post for the sake Of revenge; and besides there
is religion pety in it than there is in wills
Ting psalm tune on Sunday. You can't always
have it fair weather. neither can it be always cloudy
or stormy: To-day the shines clear in the heav-
smile of gladness lights up the face Of nature
all is gay-a s cheerful to morrow, clouds may
gather, and their shadows upon the earh-the
birds sing paintvely, and man ave the grums: next
day Euroclydon, Eolus, and Boreas may get i'll
scuff1e in the spacious celestial chamber abovc-brcal
things, and upset vesses-and give a cold shower
bath, when perhaps there il shelter near, and no
umbrella at hand: and the next day after, may be one
again of peace, quiet aud loveliness-he air be pur
fed-the earth refreshcd-and m an, none the worse
off for what happened. So, oday the sun Of pros
perity may shine-the flowers of the heart unfold
their bright corrola and II appness fondc in her lar
the fat and promising bantlng. Hope: tomorrow, the
clouds of doubt may skirt the horizon, and at length
obscure the meridian Of our fondest anticipaons; to
morrow again. adverse winds may blow, and TIT
storms Of misfortune rage, and sorrow, misery an,
despair tyrannze overy earthly joy. But, my friends
brighter days are come, if you do but 90 for
ward with perseverance and energy and with flu
faith in their coming. Yop must be content 4
possible with whatever the Almighty fit to be
stow upon you Take the good with the evil. Whe
you receive the good, don't jump out of your stool,
ings for delight and waste it fooshy; and when 20
are visited with evil, welcome it with smile an
glory in the anticipation of something better neA
time.
My worthy hearers-if you would find long, broa
and beautiful pieces Of comfort among the shreds thu
are srewn along life's pathway-ifyou would dis
cover but few kinks rusty links in the poshe
chain of happiness. you must make up your minds
take what God bestows, as becometh good chris
tian and true moral philosopher. AT the same tim
you must act honestly and honorably with yourselves
your own consciences, and your fellow creature
drink wisdom instead of whskey-piety instead
porter instead of following naughty women, folio
good examples: s. instead oftaking too much physi
take advice.
Take all these things into consideration my friend
and instead of preparing for dinner prepare for deaf