Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-01-23

THE ANGEL VISIT.

On the evening of the thirty-frst of
December, / had been cherishing the
humiliating and solemn reflections which
are peculiarly suitable to the close of the
year, and endeavoring to bring my mind
to that view of the past, best calculated
to influence the future. / had attempted
to recall the prominent incidents of the
twelve months which had elapsed and
in this endeavor / was led frequently to
regret how Little my memory could retain
even of that most important TO be re-
membered. could ns.s avoid at such a
period, looking forwards as well as back
wald ds, and anticipating that fearful tri-
bunal at which no occurrence will be for
gotten; whilst my Imagination penetrated
INTO that distant destiny which shall be
dependant on its decisions. Atmy usual
hour l retired to rest-but the train of
meditation | had pursued was SO impor-
tant and appropriate, that imagination
continued it after sense had slumbered-
In thoughts from the visions OF the
night, when deep sleep talleth upon man. .
| was mentally concerned in the follow
ing scene Of interest:
imagined myself still adding link
after link 10 the chain of reflection, the
progress of which the time of repose had
interrupted and whilst thus engaged
was aware that there remained but few
moments TO complete the day. ! heard
the clock as it tolled the knell of another
year, and as it rung slowly the appointed
number, each note was followed bya sting
of conscience bitterly reproachlng me for
my neglect of precious time. The last
stroke was ringing in my ears-painful
as the groan announcing the departure OF
valuable friend-when, notwithstand-
ing the meditative posture in which was
sitting, l perceived that the dimness Of
the apartment changed to brightness
and on lifting my eyes to discover the
cause, was terrified at perceiving that
another being was with me in my seclu-
sion. l saw one before me whose form in
deed was human--but the bright burning
glance of his eye, and the splendor thai
beamed forth from every part of hi,
beautifully proportioned form convinced
me at a glance that it was no mortal be.
ing that I saw. The elevation of his
brow gave dignity of the highest order
to his CONFERENCE.-The the most acute
observation was indicated by his piercing
eye, and inexorable justice was imprinted
on his majestic features. A glittering
phylactery encircled his head, on which
was written as in letters of fire, . TIE
! Faithful 0ne" Under one arm he bore
two volumes in his hand he held a pen
| instantly knew the recording angel
the secretary of the terrible tribunal oil
Heaven. With a trembling which con.
vulsed my whole frame, heard his un.
earthly accents. "Mortal,' said he, ''thor
vast longing to recall the events of the
past year-thou art permitted to gaze
upon the record of the book of God
peruse and be wise" As he spoke thu;
he opened before me one of the volumes
which he had brought. In fearful appre
hension read in it my own name anC
recognized in it the history Of my OWL
life during the past year with all IFS mi
nutrst particulars. Burning words were
those which that volume contained-al
the actions and circumstances of my lit,
were registered under their respective
heads in that dreadful hook. ] was frs
struck by the title ''MercieS Received.
Some were there the remembrance O
which / had retained-more which wert
recalled after having been forgotten
but the far greater number had neye
been noticed at all. Oh what a detail
of presentations and deliverances, and in
vitations and warnings, and privilege
and bestOwments Iremember that Sad
baths" stood out in very prominent char
acters, as if they had been among th
greatest benefits. / observed the recapi
tulation. could not but be struck witt
one circumstance. 1t was that many dis
pensations which | had considered curse
were here enumerated blessings. Man,
a one which had riven the heart-man,
a cup whose bitterness seemed TO desig
nate it as poison, was there verifying til
language Of the poet
"E'en crosses from His sovereign hand,
Are blessings in disguise"
Another catalogue was there-it wa
the enumeration of transgressiOns. M
hand trembIes as / remember them
What an immense variety OF classes
Indifference-thoughtlessness--formali
Observation-Disclosures against th