Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-01-10
LET THERE RE LIGHT.

In the beginning, deeper than Egyptian dark
ness was that which eDveloped the earth.
No twinkling star relieved the solemn blackness
of the sky, tiny ray from the fires feeble lamp
enlivened the chaos; but all was silent, heavy
darkness
Around the throne of the mighty God was COL
lected all, which there shOne with mitable splen-
dor
At last the omnipotent voice of the Creator pro-
nounced the words: "Let there be light" and
from the throne there issued vast flood of glow
ing radiance which descended on the swift wings
of the morning to illuminate the earth.
Then arose a mighty shout of JOY from the as
sembled host of Heaven, and "God said, 1T is
good"
Darkness drew her sombre mantle around her,
and fed to the secret caverns of her earth.
The light danced merrily on the sparkling waves
and penetrated the deep ocean.
Softly it called the hidden verdure from the cold
bosom of the earth, and joyfully it was obeyed.
The merry insect sported on its wing and life
was throughout the regions of the earth.
Water resolved into vapor and floated as feecy
clouds in their air.
Then the seven colors bent in a loving embrace
across the sky forming the rainbow arch and part
Gu TO do their appointed work.
The red painted with fairy pencil the robes of
Aurora, kissed the delicate petals of the flowers,
then dived into the sea- and left a glowing blush
on the sea-shelrs cheek.
Green moved quickly over the earth, touching
trees and grass with its refreshing color.
Yellow sprang to the sunset sky and pencilled it
with its bright golden hue; then glided gently to
the peepng stars and left her color in their mellow
ed rays; moved along the seas shore on the shining
sands and sought the dark caVerns Of the earth at
last where it left its magic impress on the glitter
ing metal .......
Blue spread the heavens with its soft, ETHEREAL
AZURE then rested on the bosom Of the clear, trans
parent waters. ..... .... -.
Purple went to the overburdened vine and left
its tint on the luscious grape.
Violet, abashed, fed to a modest fowret and hid
in its jeweled cup.
Orange, as it passed over the fields, colored the
little flowers with its brilliant hue then sought the
delicious fruits of the South, and smiled upon
them.
Again were the colors sent on their mission when
man was created.
Red Hinged the rich blood which coursed through
his veins, pressed his cheeks with the glow of
health, and fingered enraptured on his lips in life
long kiss.
Blue dweat in the mild radiance of his beaming
eye Yellow danced in the wavy ringlets of his
hair and the seven coors united in beautiful COM
binaton left their snowy impress on his noble brow
Then God, the maker, pronounced in loving
tones, those thrilling words, Let there be light
and living light from the Divine Spirit illumined
mans frame and he became an immortal being.
He looked at the earth and saw the springlng
flowers and creeping reptiles. He gazed about
him and behed the vast ocean swelling and dash
ing and the tall forest trees covering the earth Tor
many miles, and affording shade to the inuumera-
Bile animals that dwelt in peace and harmony. he
raised his eyes to the heaven vault studded with
stars, and strove in vain to penetrate the mystic
rious curtain. Then man reasoned: "Who could
be the author Of these wondrous things2" And
mighty voice replied, at is l, the First and the
Last" And man worshipped the great II Am,
for he felt that He was his maker. But soon the
clouds obscured the light; the tempter came with
his insinuating wiles, and man forgot his Godl
Then came Death, the King of Darkness, to take
the place of the Lost Light.
But God was merciful and sent the glorious Sun
of Righteousness to drive Darkness away forever.
The heavenly decree, "Let there be light" has
been issued every time new born soul is born In
to the Kingdom of Christ, and whenever the light
of intelligence beams upon the soul, though often
in mercy, the Good Fathers voice remains silent,
and weeping friends and heart broken mothers Ia
mcnt the birth of an idiot child, for those blessed
words have not yet been spoken; but they are
spoken when
"The soul freed from its cumbrous prison of clay,
Greets the eternal morn of a heavenly day."
At last, when "the earth is consumed by fire,
and the earth passes away with great noise;
the light will return to Heaven, and shine with re-
newed splendor around the "Great White Throne"
There for an eternity will it shine rejecting on
the pure and happy faces of the blest.--AHOn.