Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-08-31


beamed upon the human soul, the dignity
of man and wisdom of science began to
be manifest. And as year has rolled /
upon year and age succeeded age, that
light has become more brilliant. until
now it reflects upon society at large the
splendor of its own magnifcence. Aud,
as the mind Illuminated by this light sur
yeys the earth and scans the starry skies,
it traces in each the glowing feature Of
a Deity. and from each proves revela=l
ton true. Thus these works of Gods
greatness and power are dispensers Of
wisdom, and inspire love for truth and
advancement in knowledge. Such pur-
suits are elevating-they expand and
dignity the mind, and would that here
the spirit of ambition oftener directed
the steps Of man. But there is that in
the heart which withdraws him from
this higher influence, and binds him
down in servitude TO baser principles.
To some these higher walks lie hidden,
and in the broad world nothing is seen
but their fellow men on which to fall and
lavish all their hatred and revenge.
Hence oppression has held nations sub
servient to its viii. The blood of inno-
cent victims has been shed to satisfy the
ambition of cruel rulers. In their sighs
and groans we behold the effect Of in
justice. But, if man had learned to
love his brother instead Of lifting up
the sword against him-if the great OBJ
ject had always been to communicate
good to others, instead of striving to re-
lceive good from others-if affection, an
enlightened conscience, and the pow
er of true religion had predominated in
all the intercourse Of man with man, the
history Of the past would have syren
voice, and we might with safety sit at
ease and enjoy its music. But now the
spirit of hatred, revenge and intrigue
darken the historic page-crim and
wickedness have filed the world with
suffering, while the principles of morali-
ty and religion have been forbidden to
utter a warning voice, or point to bet
ter way. When wisdom cried at the
gates men heard not instruction that they
might be wise, that they might rule in
Righteousness. In view Of this per-
lverseness, in view of the consequences
| of this neglect, what saith the past to
thee? +? Does not this murmuring voice
bid you strike the key Of human action
and elevate its tone. The claims Of hu-
manity are the same now as in former
times. The degraded are to be ele-
vated, their minds enlightened. and they
prepared to contend with vice and su-
! perstition, and become blessings to their
5 fellow creatures. Behold in nations dis.
: cordance and intrigue.
5 Public good is sacrificed to personal
ambition, and all to satisfy the craving:
of man for power. Ignorance and su-
f perstition follow; the people confde il
: sages and astroIogers until 1t seems they
{ are destined to sit under the shadow O
. darkness. But all this gives way before
: the demands of reason and science. The
b investigations of philosophers are re
a warded by the discovery Of truth
e and the experiments of the chemis
d by the knowledge of new elements
y and unknown combinations. The fal
II ling Of an apple suggests the principle
e Of gravitation, and the world acknow
" ledgss the truth of the theory. II
d tapplication brings to light hidden myste
Ie ries, defines the laws of the heavenly
e bodies, and to all their motions discover
ie bounds; and still the mind Is active
off Thought viii not rest. DifFnse knowl
d edge among the people, and We see foil,
lie and superstition vanish as the mornin
W cloud But a brighter star than this ha
s? arisen-a more glorious age than thi
le has dawned-a softer light than art 9
d, science penetrates the heart, reines th
: feelings, and elevaies the nature. Whs
at are those sounds / hear from Jon cottagl
ed How ike music they arise on the ev,
ming air, and haliow the sacred hour
es twilight; what harmony does il spea
n within, what peace without. II IS ii
IN hour Of evening prayer; the mornir
or song Of praise, and the evenings offe
Sc ing Of thanksgiving embrace each othe
to and rise as acceptable incense to heayel
, And as It aseends, does it noi marmur
d. the past? Have not the agonizing az
lt- pleading Of those households persecnts
C. for righteousness sake across The Wal
he been attaned 70 a sweet echo Z VII
ut are those triumphal strains that greet O
la ear ike loud anthems from thousands
l.