Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-10
98TDAT AgADsRGG,
THE OLD AND THE NEW YEAR.
BY MRS. sIG0URNEY.

80 wi obOO0 UClOIC HiCs
Weary and way-worn he seemed, and in his
hand was an hour-glass, from whence the
last sands were feeting.
As / looked upon his wrinkled forehead,
memories both pleasant and mournful came
over me. Fain would l have constrained his
longer stay, and spake earnestly to him
Many blessings hast thou brought me,
for which l give thee thanks. New have
they been every morning, and fresh every
moment.
%"Thou hast from my hearts garden, up
Footed some hopes that l planted there
With their clustering buds they fell, and
were never quickened again"
Then he said, PRAISE God, both for
what | gave and what l took away. And
lay up treasures in heaven, that thy heart
may be there also. What thou callest
blighted hopes, are oftimes changed into the
fruits of righteousness"
But l answered, "Thou hast also hid
den from my sight the loved and revered.-
Clods are strewn upon their faces; they re-
ply to my call no more. Tothe homes they
made so fair they return not, and the places
that once knew them, know them no more
forever.
Still he said, "Give praise to Cod
Trouble not myself about those that are with
him. Rather make thine own salvation sure
that thou mayest go unto them, and be part
ed no more"
Then in a faint voice, he murmered, "My
mission unto man is done. For me, the
stone is rolled away from the door of the Sc.
pulchre. l shall enter in, and slumber with
the years beyond the food, till the last trum.
pet soundeth."
L gazed upon his wan brow, and to me il
was beautiful. Fain would l have swept a.
way the SHOWS that gathered around his hoa.
ry temples; but he suffered me not and
stretched himself out to die.
By his side l knelt, and said, go depart-
ing year! l behold a scroll folded beneath
thy mantle. What witness shall it bear Of
me at the Judgement"
Low and solemn were his last tones
Ask me not. Thou shalt know when the
books are opened, and the dead, small and
great, stand before God"
The midnight clock struck. And I GOV
cred my face, and mourned for his death
who had been to me as a friend. I remem
bered with pain how often l had sighted hi
warnings and the opportunities he had giver
me of doing good, and had cast away tn,
wealth of time, that priceless boon from tn,
Eternal.
Methought from the dying lips came a fee
Die sigh, Farewell-farewell." Then
passion of weeping fell upon me. AM
when again L lifted up my head, 10 the New
Year stood in the place of the departed.
Smiling, he greeted me with good wishe
and words of cheer, while around me la,
many bright tokens ~offriendship and of love
But | was afraid. For to me he was
stranger and when l would have returned
his welcome, my lips trembled and were s.
; lent.
: Then he said, Fear not. 1 come unit
thee from the Oliver of every good and pei
feet gift"
New Year whittier wilt thou lead me
Art thou appointed to bring me joy or sol
5 row, life or death 2"
He replied, l know not. Neither dot
E the angel nearest to the throne know. Onl
him who sitteth thereon. Give me thy hand
and question not. Enough for thee, that
: accomplish His will. Make that will thin
: own, and thou shalt wear an angels smile
: even here below.
i. u promise thee nothing. Be confer
). to follow me. Take, with a prayer for Wi
T dom, this winged moment. The next ma
5 not be mine to give. Yet if we walk OF
ward together, forget not that thou art a pi
: grim for eternity.
$ "Hl bring thee the cup of Joy, be thanl
e full, and pitiful to those who mourn and /
all men be unto thee as brethren. If IL
h dregs of bitterness cleave unto thy lip,
not too eager to receive comfort, lest tho
betray the weakness of thy faith. God
perfected discipline giveth wisdom. Their
fore count them happy who endure.
When morn breaketh in the east, gil
myself for thy duties with a song of thank
giving. For God is near to those who tru
Him, and rejoice in His ways. And whit
n night putteth on her coronet of stars, kne
at and ask that the days sins may be forgiv,
n thee.
so, when 1 have no longer any days
nights to give thee, and must myself d
thou shalt bless me as a friend, and a help
on the road to heaven"