Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1849-06-07


or that holds us in suspense, and we cannot
laugh with cooness when the solemn funeral
train is winding its measured way through our
streets, which have so recently been the thoa-
ire Of the exploits ofhim who is now going
through them for the last time. Nature is
tue to herself, and rehgiously conscientious
of her own dignity, although we may not
know it,-such is her instructive attribute.
We have been led into this train of remark,
in consequence Of the recent death Of several
of our prominent men, within the last few
weeks,-mcn whom we have been accustom.
ed to meet, day after day, ana hour after
hour, for many years, actively engaged in the
busy pursuits of life, eager in the strife that
ever surrounds us, and earnest with the
plans and occupations OF long anticipated iu-
ture. Yesterday they we're with us and ol
US to-day they are not. We do not miss
them with the same kind of regret as if they
were temporarily absent on business, and
would again come home to our midst We
poignant, because we know that the magne-
tism of life is extinct the souls fire has gone
out, as far as earth is concerned and our hopes
and desires are involved, TO be re-illumined
10 more. Every chord IS touched by the is
sue, and every heart feels the pang. We see
them not again, and their places are vacant /;
others may apparently fill them, but there is
Consciousness OF vacuity around us, which the
mind perceptibly knors and Iccb,-for there
lis no echo that comes back from thei! alb
sencc, telling us that they love US still, or as
suring us that they will yet rejoin us. Faith
alone teaches the soul this reliance, and
cheers it with beatifed hope.
They h ave gone, and we must soon follow
them what is now darkness to us, will ere
long be light to our spirits. Our places Will
be vacant, and the same regrets will swell the
heart in token Of our remembrance.
To the young, these admonitions appeal
with potent force. They arc ascending the
common platform, and will speedily guide
and direct the tone of public sentiment f; they
will fill the places Of their fathers, and control
the destinies Of the nation. Earnest, then,
should they be IN good works ; higher sheuld
their pathway be f; loiticr let their aspirations
ascend, and the recording anGcl 'flll treasure
up their virtues They are 20 engIaye his
torys entablaturo, and cautious let them be OF
the character Of the inscription. Thelr foot
prints will b, left on the sands OF tine, 10
| guide and cheer, or TO cheat aud dlsappolnl
coming generations. We all have our par'
in the work, and our acts are potent for good
or for evil, in proportion to our capacity, and
! tho extent OF our sphere Of action. Let oul
! Intentions and our motives be honest, and nc
| matter what men may construo our actions
| to be the God OF heaven cannot be deceived
| and we thank Him that in the nlnitude o
! His mercy, His standard Of Judgment is not
! like mans.
Live honestly, live earnestly, live truthful
! ly and then, come when that dread sum
mons may, in the fragrance of life 5 bloom
ing morning, in the stcrnness Of manhood
meridian, or in the evening Of llic's latest re
pose, we shall be prepared TO receive III
pale guest Of the earth, and TO lie down
the long drea my sabbatism cl death.