Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-01-28
Our Social Circle,
Written for the Green Mountain Freeman.
One Year Nearer Heaven.
BY RICHARD ]. NEAL.

Probably no period of time causes so many
solemn reflections to occupy the mind as the
beginning Of New Year. On the tablet of
memory are recorded the acts which have
marked our life during the year that is passed
with the stamp of good Or evil. Many will
look over their career and feel naught but the
consciousness Of heart unstained by sin and
conscience void Of offence toward both God
and man.
Not only is the record of our lives made
in our own hearts, but the recording angel in
the realms Of eternal day, writes in the great
book OF remembrance things which are for
our justification Or condemnation in that
great and last day, when our Father in Hea-
ven shall make up His jewels, giving to the
righteous crown Of glory, and seat at His
right hand, and to the transgressors of his
most holy law, the heritage of those who in
this life confessed Him not before men,
The Inducements to life of piety-how
great they are, and yet how few will accept
the pearl of great price from God own hand,
rather preferring the empty honors which
are bestowed upon him who serves other Gods
than the One which gave him life and being.
Fame and distinction are mere baubles de-
void of the least value, when compared with
the riches with which the grace Of God col.
tinually surrounds those who trust in Him,
obey his commandments, and live for naught
save the increase Of His Spiritual Kingdom
upon the EARTH
1t is cherries reflection as the pencil Of
time begins to silver your locks, to think that
q life OF three score years and ten, it may be,
has been spent solely for the pleasures which
the world bestows. Are you gifted? Unto
God yield up your offering of thanks Tor the
talents which he has bestowed upon you.-
Millions may admire the bright scintillations
OF your genius, and dwell upon your thoughts
with profound admiration, yet what to you,
In that hour when the silver cord of life
is loosed, are their words of praise? Moth
ing, if within your soul there is not still
small voice which whispers, 1.-THE talents en-
trusted you have been rightly improved !:
henceforth there is laid up for you crown of
eternal life."
10 him who serves God with all his pow
ers, the prospect at the close of his earthly
career, causes the dying eye to shine with a
lustre which in life it never knew. LOOKING
forward he sees his inheritance amoug those
who have gone up through great tribulation,
and washed their robes white in the blood of
the Lamb. He breads not the final dissolu-
ton which leads through the dark valley Of
the shadow of DEATH" for in the distance he
sees the light which radiates from the land
where there is no night reckoning him home.
Looking forward unto Jesus, :" the author
and fnisher of our faith," casting out all
idols from our hearts, and yielding all our tai.
.ents to promote the glory of Him who gave
them to us, we can look back upon our past
lives and say, Thank God, am one YEA,
nearer Heaven Yes, one year nearer Heaven
One year nearer the loved ones who have
"gone before" One year nearer to that in.
Vulnerable host who are singing praises to the
King of Kings.