True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-05-07
PASSING AWAY.

Passing away! Oh! what solemn
sound. Did it never strike you, my
friends, that we are all passing on Thai
each moment we are drawing nearer and
nearer the grave and that soon we may
be called upon to pass through the 'val-
ley Of the shadow of death" whence none
return.
We look around us, we view the works
of our Creator, and what is presented to
our sight! Upon every blade Of grass,
every leaf and every tree, is stamped in
glowing terms, as with the hand of iron,
Passing away.
Yet seldom we see this lesson needed.
Few look upon it in such light, still
wishing, if but for little season, 10 en-.
/ Joy more of the pleasures which this
world affords, intending afterwrds 10 turn
their attention to repentance. Alas that
period never arrives, and the sinner is
hurried into the presence of his God,
without the power to say, with the
publican, "Lord, be merciful to me sim
ner."
Let US take man now, and view him
from the earliest stages Of infancy, to de-
crepid old age. First, we see the lovely
yet unconscious babe, not even knowing
its mothers gentle care, without which it
must perish. We gaze upon it with so
much interest, so beautiful in its inno-
cence, and yet beneath tina, lovely sur
face, so much sin is concealed, that it re-.
quircs but the slightest movement to call
it forth, as friction calls forth the latent
heat Of steel. Such picture causes a
shade of sadness 10 fall upon us, and we
cannot help but lift the silent prayer to
the throne of God, that in passing away,
this child may pass unto life and not unto
death. Again we behold him-he is
now in all The pride of youth and enjoy
ment of school-boy pleasures, with but
few trials to mar his pathway, and these
are soon cast off by akind and sympathet-
ic word, for youth is not the time for sor-
row long 10 cast its shadowing gloom.
Once more we behold him-he is now
in all the vigor of manhood, when all
those dreamy visions of youth are to be
realized. He looks into futurity with
pie rcing gaze, as though he could with
earnestness behold each coming event
which is 10 charaoterise his life. He
commences 10 see the world as it is; he
sees what it never dreamed of; and may
we ask what that is? That wickedness
reigns supreme. He mistrusts all, and
wonders where he can find friend in
whom TO repose with perfect confidence.
Ambition rises within his breast, and he
would tower above all others. The idea
is formed that none care for him, and he
will care for none. His ambitious spirit
governs him, and carries him on. He
scars and soars,. until he reaches the pin
nacle, but there, alas his hopes perish,
and he is dragged into the abyss of ruin
and shame, from which he seldom rises.
Then re morse, that bitter feeling, takes
possession Of his soul, and unless there
are those around him, who have pity in
spite of his feelings towards them, there
is little hope.
Aud now, for the last time, he is pre-
sented to us. His gray hair and totter-
ing limbs are fair tokens of in6rmity and
old age. He begins to have feelings Of
anxiety concerning the uncertainty of life,
and the state of his immortal soul and
wonders that he has been permitted thus
long 10 figure upon this earthly stage
that, in reality, he is Passing Away, His
days are numbered, and it perhaps would
be preferable to make use of the remnant
left him, so that time be not lost. Yes,
he looks upon The past, he sees the way.
wardness and fcklenss of youth, and if
that time were spent over again, Oh!
how differently would he apply himself.
But too late alas, he finds
"Tis not all of life to live,
Nor all of death to die."