Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-03-28
"THE PAST"

| w Ondertul indeed IS the power OF the human
mind. great is the strength and beauty with
which God has embelished it. In the tumuli
of the crowd, in the deep hush of the forest, a
breath of wind, a face, bird, flower, may
touch hidden spring, and Memory will spread
wide her portals, disclosing secreied treasures
the hearts iewels-which beautfy her halls
Yet this mind, so dazzling to ms, is but spark
from one who fills all space and iluminates
| Eternity.
Every one has a rich inheritance in the past
Each moment as it hurries hv, on the unweari-
ed wing oftme, leaves its tribute safely depos
tied in memory's treasury.
| JOYS and sorrows are heeting; the reality
vanishes, hut leaves an impress upon the heart,
which sootbes and cheers through many trials.
| The past and present are bound by indissolu-
BILE chains, whose links gently lead us into a
vale, rich with laughing sunshine and many
sparkling brooks, or into caverns gloomy and
chill.
We roam over that bright vale, glittering
with "reminiscences which cause the heart to
throb with Joy, or sit down in the dark places,
reinves, the Wondering past with life, and know
again the grief that oppressed us in other days.
Bright and beautiful indeed would he the
past we bribe Memory to hoard up nought save
the sunshine; if no discordant notes were
mingled with its rich strains.--if its gorgeous
colorings were not edged with sombre hues;-
| forgetting every care. we would fly to its invi-
ting retreat. and revel in its joys.
| He whose creatures we are, directs us to re-
cord our sorrows also, that we NAV have the
lamp of experience to throw its glimmering rays
into the mysterious future, and to guide our
! totttring footsteps through its narrow passes
| Let the "dead bury the Gead;"but rs we wcnder
bv its grave, the ghost of many moment will
arise.-pass smiling on, or stand moment by
| our side to lessen our present burden. Who,
could they possess the power, would they per
nit ohiviOus. turbld waters to queneh the pastT
We cherish the remembrance of childhood, we
smile at tasks which then seemed burdensome,
and sorrows that were heart rending. But we
love each little incident as memento of bright
er, purer, happier days.
Who does not delight to recall mother s
kiss, pressed upon our infant brow in tender
love?-or the sweet smile of approval, with
which she awarded our childhood virtues? All!
these are dear "bygones," that dwell in a con-
secraied chamber Of the heart, and ever present
themselves moiStened with tear.
But a dark hour follows these days of glad
ness, an hour whose shadows mngle with every
ray that gilds life;-when Heaven claimed the
guardian Of our early DAYS: yet will we remem-
her that smile, which allumed her last mo-
ments, so full of love, of hope and trust. 1t
suppresses the swelling tide of sorrow that rush
es to our hearts, aud whispers a time of meet
inr whose bliss shall seal fountain of tears
The past is over We cannot call to-day
ours; and it would indeed be presumption to
claim the future. But God has given this
rich kingdom of the past; and from it let us
CLEAN siren rth and knowledge, to support and
direct to dav, and influence us to morrow. Let
ms not forget that there is n record kept on
high, and at the Masters own appointed time
the secrets of all hearts will be published to
an assembled universe.
Guard well every hour, that when it has gone
never to return, it may not be blot on mem
ory's page, which tears of penitence scarcely
can erase.
Gentle and smoothing in affection is the
voice Of the past. 1t reminds us of an arm
that supported in darker, sadder moments 1t
bushes the voice of ingrattude, by presenting
bright blessings, which we have forgotten, be-
cause we have ceased to en- ioy them. Let MS
thank God for the memory of the past,-the
twilight Of soul, where in gladness we love to
linger till the stars burst forth one after anoth-
er, and the whole armament is radiant with
hope Ladies' Christian Annual.