Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-11-28
Hope and Fear.

In all our intercourse with the world
we are encouraged by some ruling passion
and not left to spell out our course in the
distant future without some friend, some
guide save dim uncertainty. some star to
direct our course, or light to illuminate
that profound mysterious darkness by
which weare engulfed and that encour-
aging influence whatever nay be its form
or appearance is Hope. We witness its
power in all the transactions of life. We
know that in every act which graces the
pages of our past lives tie brightest and
most lovely of all the iahuences which
encouraged their performances, is Hope.
Amid all the tolls and vexstions, the
siren breath of Hope is waited to our
ears, and our hearts are liberated from
their former discouragements and ehrall-
dom, and permitted to bask in the genial
rays of Hope, which are so numerous and
powerful, that they will pierce those dark
recesses of the heart, where Fear would
fain claim possession. 1t speaks peace
to the perplexed imagination & whispers
consolation to the distressed. 1t dispells
all darkeness and gloom from the wand
ering mind and encircles our heads, as a
brilliant rainbow adorns yon azure vault
| And should its colors for an instant begin
to fade, it needs only single ray from
the sun of fortune, to cause its colors to
dazzle with unwonted splendor. IT'S the
main spring by which our actions are re-
gulated. 1t is balm, which brings heal
ing on its wings, to heal the broken
hearted and strengthen the down trodden.
1t bids all fear depart and points to joys
and happiness in the far distant future,
which the past knows nothing of. And
in all the vast routine of action, you
can scarce point to one which has not
Hope for its guide. Mans deepest sor-
row and grief is often soothed by the heal
ing antidote Hope. 1t is friend ever
present no matter how low or adverse
our circumstances ; no matter how dark
and gloomy the cloud which hover5 over
head, to obscure the light which would
fain glimmer from the radiant stars of
prosperity. Hope thou brightest ray and
richest blessing, that heaven vouch safes
to beetow on weary Inurtals Thou art
the sole foundation and prop by which
all our actions and thoughts are regulated.
Fear is but a coward, an insignificant
parsonage, lurking around in every by
path of the heart, to discourage every
attempt to rise to the summit of that pin
nacle, which has been erected as the
standard of aspiration to be gained by
every intelligent being. Look at the
student toiling by his midnight lamp and
striving in vain to solve some difficult
problem, or commit to memory long
and difficult task. If t were not for
Hope he would despair of ever accom-
plishing his design. He would at once
throw aside his books and conclude that
it would be useless and not worthy ol
his attention. Behold that aged man
care is written on his furrowed brow, Ii:
form is bent beneath the weight of many
years
His hair is silvered Ger by the frosts
of many winters" but notwithstanding
the various sorrows and trials which he
has been called to encounter, he main
tains cheerful, happy disposition. Ht
lives on that support and rests on tha
, foundation which has ever been under.
meath him to prevent him from sinking
f in the miry pit of despair. That sup
t port, that foundation is Hope. Thus yor
5 see the power, the efficacy of Hope. 1
: outweighs every other antidote. IT sur
) passes all other gems which the human
, heart may possess. 1t is our best friend
! our most constant. companion. 1t vii
3 survive when all empty bubbles which
seem to beckon us on shall have fowr
away with the wind. Then say no NOR
of the wonderful power of Fear for it il
y so weak, SO tickle, when compared will
the strength of Hope, that as it was saiC
/. of old, by one of the wisest of the land
: that /" Hope casteth away all Fear"
I HATTIE A. HovEY.
Passing away.
! Yes, all are passing away, the man
I Al Ioo,4,c,I onI