New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-12-01
DARK Forcbodlnes; or, Ono Stop at Tlm.

The John Raine and Charmer passed down at l
and the Madison at O'Clock this evening.
Dark Forebodinas; or, One Step at Time.
The highest of all authority has said, "Take no
thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take
thought for the things Of ITSELF Sufficient unto the
day il the evil thereof.n Yet who has not exDeri.
enced the difficulty Of obeyng this most merciful
command? Who has not felt at times bowed down
under an oppressive weight on both heart and
spirit, which, when closely examined, is found
to consist not SO much Of the real present burdens
of today as the anticipated ones of Tomorrow
1t is the shadow of clouds yet distant that cast
upon the path. How the weary heart will ask,
+" how am | to face the tempests now gathering
in yon darkened horizon? How shall the trial be
borne in reality, which even in prospect seems
more than | can bear?n Or if without excuse for
such dark forebodiugs, still, how am | to get
through so many duties, resist so many tempta-
tions, fulfill so many engagements How shall one
already wearied in running with the footmen,' be
able to contend with the horsesN p If the cares of
to-day are so oppressive, where am to find strength
for those of tomorrow
There are doubtless some light-hearted, buoyant
spirits, and some calm, unimaginative ones, to
whom such a state of feeling may be almost
unknown. But the greater number of rejecting
minds, if they have Travelled any length Of time
through the Wilderness will but too easily recor-
know the Lord, will also know how suddenly and
wonderfully He can throw light upon the darkness,
and, by perhaps trifng instruments, fulfill His own
promise and g sustain" nnder the burdens which
a weak and trembling faith has sought 10 bring to
His feet.
It was under the influence of feelings such as I
have described, that | set cut on country walk
one summer morning. knew by experience the
reviving effects Of fresh air aud exercise, of the
sweet sights and sounds OF nature; but that day
they were all powerless to cheer and I could but
adopt the poets desponding language
] may moi hope from outward forms 10 win
The spiri and The life whose faunssini within.
Ihadas a companion gentle child, whose lively
prattle / was accustomed on such occasions to en-
courage. This morning the effort seemed imposs-
BILE. | was distracted and silent; and my young
friend, after few vain attempts at soeiabtY,
amused herself by silently gathering flowers, and
chasing the butterflies of tile wayside. in order
to take circuit home, it was necessary to cross a
stream, which tho shallow, was of considerable
breadth. There was no bridge, and the water,
deepened by late rains, now dashed nalsily against
the stepping stones, and in some cases almost COW
cred them. began ab5traetedly TO cross over, till
perceived that my young companion stood still
on the side had left, evidently fearing 10 follow.
What, Jane! why arc you not coming?n
oh, Aunt, dare not: I am afraid.a
Afraid? do you not see how firm the stones
9" Oh! there are SO many and tie water is so
deep! | shall never get over. / cannot, | dare
notm And the poor little thing, naturally tmd
now burst into tears
passed rapidly to the other side, and then re-
turned to her.
Come, silly child" l said, half angry, half
amused, " do not be foolish; you see how easily
have done it. am not telling you to leap over
the whole at once.'
'tOh, aunt, who could do that2"
"Well, neither you nor have to do it, We have
only to take one step at time and you are not
even alone; nor would the water drown you if you
were to slip. Come, here is my hand; you will find
each stone in efquite firm you stand upon it. !.
Trembling and weeping, yet fearing to dsobey,
she began the perilous passage. The first few
steps were the worst. Her courage rose when
they were over and at last we both stood safely on
the opposite bank. Little Jane sank down on the
grass, as if to recover iromher agitation. seated
myself beside her and for some minutes neither OF
US spoke. AT last she said
"Aunt, you were quite right; one step al a time
was not difficult"
Eyes, my DEAR replied "and remember thai
in your future life, when you have more difficult
undertakings to get through than crossing The
Avon.r
The words of the child and my almost invoun,
tary answer, went at once to my own heart. +" Oh 7!
thought, !" is not this a lessen for myself? Have
not been sinking under the anticipation of to-
morrows burdens, instead of simply attending to
the duties of to-day? Have not been looking to
the stormy waters, rather than to the Saviour who
walks upon their waves! Where il my confidence
in the wisdom that cannot err, the love that cannot
deal unkndy the strength that is made perfect in
weakness2 Lord, pardon thy sinful servant; and
as regards things to come, let this heneeforth be
my only prayer, Not Thy will, but thine be done
Hold up my goings in thy paths that my footsteps
may slip not"
The spell Of despondency was broken, the clouds
dispeled. Little Jane and both talked cheerfully
as we walked home together; and often, since that
day, has the remembrance of the ford on the Avon
acted as reproof and charm, when fears and
forebodings have again assaiIed my faithless heart
" One step at a time," as / commenced the frs
duties of new day. And faith and hope, thongl
too feebly in exercise, have never been dsappont
ed. :" The thing that | greatly feared" has Otter
not "come upon me- or, if it has, there have
been with it alleYiations and comfort such as
could not have foreseen or Imagined. The task
which al distance seemed overwhelming, patfan
and prayerfn effort has been enabled steadily Il
fufial. Never has the promise failed, " As thy day
so shall thy siranpth he y