Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-08-31
From the Christian Era.
METHIHES / HEAR THE SOUND OF TINE
PAST, STILL MuRMURIne.

Miss L. q. RoWel, OF North Troy, VI, read at I
the recent anniversary of the New Hampton In
stitution, Fairfax vt. Byyielding to the request
for its publication in our columns, we depart
widely from the rule which governs Us IN regard
10 long articles, vet We doubt not that the address
will be read with interest. Miss RoweIl posses
ses talents which should stimulate he 70 future
efforts as writer. Ed. Era.
There are moments when reelection
like the aolian harp viii assail the va
grant winds and make them music.
There are moments when it forgets the
present, to revel in the hemisphere of
other days. Vainly endeavoring to
pierce the future, it turns for satisfaction
upon the past. The effects of yester-
days actions and events are not seen
with all their force, in consequence of
counteracting influences. We are i'm
mersed in the business of today, in its
toll, and strife, therefore we look not up
on present scenes with preiudiced minds.
We look at their effect upon ourselves,
irrespective of future generations, and,
according as that effect is injurious or
beneficial do we form our opinions. But
time throws veil over the past, which
occasionally it is well for US to raise.
Years make US forgetful of suffering,
and in a few days the enjoyment of bless
ings is not remembered. The past hath
many Iessons-let not these lessons be
lost upon the present--she is wise in
structor, and he who will may learn
her voice has silver tones and soothing
accents-it has power to reaninlate the
unconscious, and rouse the weak--it has
raised expectation, and extiuguished hope,
and, as its voice falls upon the ear, as its
records come down to us, what are we
taught? Nothing has ever existed, no
act has ever been performed, but it has
its place and Office work in the great
plan-its end determined.
Then on the historic page what read
we? This record of wondrous deeds
rises like an immense pyramid, entranc-
ing every sense--the present Is withdrawn
we commune with the past. We be-
hold a nation suffering oppression at the
hands Of wicked and tyrannical king.
What means this military parade-these
imperative demands of the assembled
barons-what means this eommotion
among the people, the entering the gates
of the Capitol? What is contained in
that instrument to which the king reluc-
tantly afEixes his signature? Submis-
sion has ceased to be a virtue, and peo-
pie rise in opposition to oppression.
Feudalism has received shock from
which it may never recover. Upon its
ruin English liberty is established. Po-
pish supremacy reigns. Aniron age rests
upon the people. A few resolve 10 brave
perils, to contend with difficulties for con.
science and truth. Behold the blood o.
christians freely spilled-the suffering
and misery they endured at the hand 0.
cruel prosecutors Years passed on
rocks and caves were the hiding places
of that faithful band who regarded trutt
and righteousness more than they feared
perils and death-this was not a people
in whom vanity triumph or pride he'll
sway-their spirits were not sustained b
the power Of friendly counsel, nor thei
hands strengthened BY timely aid. w
view this period with reverence, and bov
our heads before those who for truth an
conscience sake faltered not before th
burning fsgof, nor retrac,ed midst tn
horrors of the Inquisition. Truly til
Reformers reaped not the blessing c
their great work. They were permits
by the All Wise to labor,-0s reap th
the full result Of their mission; and no'
do we enter into the spirit of their labori
Behold what their example has don
toward the enfranchisement Of the min,
and extending the limit of the finite
still farther toward the Infinite VIII
religious privileges do we enjoy, secure
alone through their suterings
Does not a voice from those dark ag,
still murmer to Us? /? Shall We who el
joy these blessed advantages renal
with folded hands and selfish hearts,
rather does NOT this voice bid Us roGi
our energies, and exert our powers
dethrone error and establish truth
Watch the progress Of nations-the a
vancement Of civilization and refnemer
Our intellectual advantages are far sup
rior to those Of any preceding age. III
author is known through his works, b
we, looking at the noble result Of bis
bors, scarcely bestow thought to It's Q
igin-we little know the difficulties e
countered. The wonderful achievmen
in science and art are indices Of progres