Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-11-28
The Prayer of Life.

peICnd1CG lOIuuluS plans IoI luluAS 4llO'
Watch for moment the changing ex-
preston of his features, as each new
thought flashes with the rapidity of light
ming across his mind. What life is ex-
pressed in those eyes-what energy of
purpose in his movements, as he DER
looks the different occupations of life, to
choose one upon which to spend the
talents and abilities of his mind and body.
His decision is made, his choice fixed.
He wakes from his revery, but is not for
getful of his duty to Him who ruleth and
reigneth over all things, and as he kneels
In prayer to ask his blessing upon his
resolutions, he breathes forth in accents
of humility, " Our Father aohich art an
Heduen"-
In distant and retired study, view
there a student of nature, wasting the
midnight lamp over. his tired book. His
mind and energies are all concentrated
in the subject before him, and he thinks
not of the requirements of nature. His
mind wanders to the planetary system,
the sun and moon, the countless stars,
and the universe teeming with living be-
ings, each attended with resplendant
beauty, mysteriousness and wonder. In
the flashing lightning and the mHrmur OF
the distant thunder, in the refreshing
breeze and falling rain, in the notes OF
the little songsters as they hop from twig
to twig, he is reminded of the infinite
wisdom and power of his Creator, and to
Him he exclaims, q HaHosced be hg
name"
In yonder mansion behold the mother
surrounded by her little ones, whose in
nocent prattle is the sweetest of music to
her. Happiness and love are visibly en-
stamped upon the outlines of her features
She is seen to manifest for them such an
interest and love, as a mother only has
for those loved ones entrusted to her care
A cloud is seen to pass over her brow
as she thinks of the temptations and vi
ces of this hearless world In anxiety
for them she raises her voice to Heaven
and to Him who cares for little ones she
cries out Thy Kingdom come
Aagain within a stately dwelling, may
be seen inmates wearing the badges O
mourning. Heartfelt sorrow and suffer
ing are depicted upon their countenan
ces. What is the cause of this grief? I
is the work of the destroyer Death. Per
haps a Husband and father has passed
from this cold earth away. Tears O
anguish were shed for the departed one
by the widow and fatherless, which none
know, except those who have realised
the same loss. The earthly bliss of al
affectionate family was now cut off. They
would listen no more to his kind COUNSEL
nor bask in the sunshine of his approvin!
smile. But IN Him who doeth all thing
well, they could now place their trust
They in humble submission to his deere
whisper, " Thy a0iH be done on earth as
is done in Hearen."
| Go with us to that lonely cot, and ther
witness misery and want in their wors
form. The father has departed from tn
paths of rectitude and has indulged i
the intoxicating cup, until his family ar
reduced to extreme penury. They ar
destitute of the comforts of life, exceE
the mite which is earned by the mother
who tolls on, patiently looking forwar
to the future. Her situation is one Z
f deep despair and want and suffering, a
, too much for her endurance. But ra
| of hope beamed upon her mind, as sh
implores Him who is the father of a
mercies," GIve as this day oar dali
bread"
Again, one of strong purpose, afte
spending the strength of manhood in Ii
Dor and toll, meets with severe misfol
tune. Wealth-bought friends are anon
the things which were, and he is throw
upon the world, poor despised and de,
, titute stranger. As the last of his fol
tune goes to satisfy the greedy credito
|, the wretched man is led to whisper i
tones of prayer, q ForgiVe oar debts q
a0e torgive oar debtors"
A man, weary of the bustling mart {
| the busy world, ceases for meditation
His thoughts are directed to the fraiIty {
all things earthly. Fame and honor th
highest attainments of men are We've
oy him as empty dreams, never to
realized by mortal man. He thinks {
the uncertainty of life and falsity {
e friends, the tempting vanities Of tn
? world and deceitfulness of man. For HI