The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-06-18
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From the Herald and Journal
MANS NEED OF RELIGION IN AFFLlC-
TION


Who has never been a mourner? Who has not
met with misfor tunes and disappointments? Is
there not some wound in every breast, (which earth
cannot heal2 All who have arrived Mt the merd.
ian (at leasD orIife have found hope delusive !;
have had their plans frustrated and their fondest
and most hatterng anticipations blghted. The
strongest ties of friendship have boon dissolved by
death. Some have been stretched upon weary
sick bed. Some have been cas-: from afluence 10
poverty. Amid the whirl and hustle of society
there is heard the sigh and mourning of the bereav
ed. All are less afflicted. Parents must
die, dear friends must depart. Sickness must be
borne. Charms that in the morning promise an
eternal bloom, before evening may drop their MI
ling pride. One moment may be in the height
of success, with the most arrogant expectations; ;
the next the may be changed, and The shad-
ows of darkness cover And now amid all these
scenes,do we not sensby feel the need of com fort
from on high? Do we not sensibly realize that
nought buta hope that reaches beyo nd the vale of
tears, which goes forward into eternity, can cheer
and support us7
Thousands there in the world, who seem by
their OF life, to believe that life will be to
them like one summers day that they can pass
through it without cloud to shadow it, They at
moment with worldly care ,nnd content themse Ives
with the belief thai SIC unrepented and unforsaken
will be pardoned. But they sadly mistake, and
though they may laugh ever so gay, or feel ever
strong, the gloom of sadness will visit them
Disease Unfortunately invades the walls Of
opulence and tenement of poverty. Elegant appar
al is no. surer defence against detection, than the
coarses garb. The poor, though generally protec
ted by tInImDared vipor Of ons wall nc
their heathuI habits cannot escape the fatal stroke
of disease. Neither the rich with all the re-
sources which wealth has at command. prevent
the visitation of sicknessor proong life beyond the
appointed time. In view OF these facts who would
not feel their need of reiIgion Reader, do you
not sensibly feel your need fit, that "your heart
may not be troubled p Without religion, man is
the powerIess victim of all the troubles and trials
of life There are griefs to be borne without com.
forts agia,ing passions to be controlled. and law.
less appetes to be restrained without assistance
But with it, though may be conducted thro'
torrents Of temptations trials and affl ictions we
can rise above them all. The world with all its
alluring charms opposes our march in vain. What
ever may be the scenes upon which we may be cal
led to enter, the mind is calmly stayed upon the
Lord. Yes, praised be the Lord. Religion sheds
its gladdening rays and disperses the gloom tina,
pain and grief has gathered around us, and brings
hope to the Responding mind Is not then religion
emphatically "the one thing needfM?" 1t pre-
pares US for life, and when death comes, it comes
in an angels form. and with a smiling aspect beck
ons us away from tl,ese stormy regions those of
uncouded light. 1t places in view the palm, the
starry crown, with all the bright rewards Of virtue
o, then let us 60 often TO him who was touched