The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-11-24

pose, desire to accomplish great achieve
ments. Trained by careful hands, his intel
lect had expanded, and now it logged to
plunge into the deep things of knowledge,
aud bring forth wisdom from its secret haunt
The glittering toys Of vanity were held up
to his view, to entice, if possible, his youth
full feet into the fowery pathway OF pleasure.
But in vain with strong resolve and firm
purpose he toiled with unwearied patience to
obtain that most precious boon-wlsdom.
Again years rolled round, and youth had CIV
en- place to manhood The goal had been
reached, but the stern duties OF life were now
to be encountered, and already had lines OF
care been traced upon that once fair forehead.
Sorrows shadow had ere this crossed the
doorway of his heart, yea, had fully entered.
lie mourned that the sweet, sunny days OF
childhood and youth had so swiftly dritted
away on the river oil time, and as he looked
away into the future, darkoned veil bill
from his view the windings Of his pathway
Many wel-laid plans had been frustrated,
many bright hopes blasted many sorrows
twined around his heart. Weary and sad he
rested midway in the journey of life, for pros
pegity had given place to adversely, and with
Its departure friends grew cold But though
weary and sad, he again took up life's burden
and iourueyed 90 toward the dim land of the
future. Time kept on his steady march, aud
years fled at his bidding. Among the busy
crowd | sought and found the familiar face
but how changed D5ep burrows were traced
upon his brow, and the lustro of his eye was
faded. Auburn curls had given place to
snowy locks, and the firm tread of manhood
to the feeble, tottering step of old age
Friends had como and gone, bitter disappoint-
ments had been endured, and his cup of life,
mingled with sorrow, he mad drank to its
drogs. Care had woven too heavy mantle
to be longer borne, and with weary heart
he laid down the burden of life. Months,
years, again were numbered. heard to
ing bell, and behold sable hearse, slo
winding procession moving to the church-yard
Once more the hands were folded on the
breast, once more the infant Of sunny curls
Sept 10 narrow bed. Tears fell as the por
tas of the tomb were closed, and sorrowing
friends babe the sleeper long adeu. Thus
passed away from earth one OF its countless
throng, and thus passes day by day many, ali
how many, weary ones. We mark their de-
parture, assign them house in the silent ci-
ty,' shed few tears, pass on, and they are
forgotten.
How miserable would man be if this was
the end Of his existence; if in few short
years we were to slumber iu the grave iorev-
er; if the iron bands of death were never to
be loosed, and nevermore the spirit to reanl-
mate the lifeess clay, then might we with rea-
son lament end mourn our being, then might
we enjoy to their fullest extent everything
which earth can afford to increase our feet
ing happiness, knowing that in few years, at
most, the lamp Of lie would be extiuguished
never more to be re-lit by single spark Of
divinity. But from this dark picture we glad.
y turn away, and anon there comes a CLEAN
Of light across our saddened soul, and our
spirit vision extends beyond the dark portals
Of the tomb, beyond the mystic river, and
wrapt in awe, we contemplate the glorics Of
that brighter world Life has changes. For.
tuue smiles the way is strewn with flowers
prosperity's bright robe is Ger US thrown, aud
hid within its ample folds are friends SO close
at times, they cling to us. Happiness with
Its attendant pleasures wakes up within our
hearts joyous song, and our barks sail over
the placid waters of Iife's sea, as though tenn
pests and storms were unknown. We gaily
laugh as we glide DER the sunny, dancing rip.
piles, and. dreaming OF naught but a happy
voyage, the fierce blast of adversely too otter
sweeps down upon US, and fnds our barks al
unprepared to meet the gathering storm Ii
vain we look for cid; in vain we turn tC
friend. Alone, all alone on the wide sea o.
lite, We must meet Its storms and breast the
dark pillows as they roar around US; alone
must we watch the cold, chilling waters, a'
they laugh in their wild play, and reach ou
their sparkling waves to enfold US IN Que Ions
embrace. Alone? no no not alone must WI
meet all this, ii we give the guidance of ouI
bark 10 Him who rules the stormy seas no
not alone, il we can sing as the wild waves
dash around us, NV Fathers at the helm.
Fearless, then, we plunge into the storm!
waves fearless we watch the inrolliDg water
of sorrow ;bopefui We keep our eye on th'
= bright, sunny fields beyond the stormy sea
trustipgly we wait the Masters word, anC
calmly do his bidding Life has ch ngcs
Happy he who lives above all common chang
who strives for something hi CHER than thi