Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-01-11
LIFT THERE BE LIGHT.

ness was that which enveloped 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 ilmtable 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 food of glow
ing radiance which descended on the swift wings
of the morning to illuminate the earth.
Then arose mighty shout of joy from tie 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 foated as teecy
clouds in their air. .-.
Then the seven colors bent in loving embrace
across the sky forming the rainbow arch and part
ed 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 glowing blush
on the sea-shel's check.
Green moved quickly over the earth, touching
trees and grass with its refreshing color.
Yellow sprang to the sunset sky and penciIEed it
with its bright golden hue; then elided gently to
the peepng stars and LETT her color their mellow
ed rays; moved along the sea- shore 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 the bosom of the clear, trans
parent waters.
Purple went to the overburdened zine and left
its tint on the luscious grape.
Violet, abashed fed 70 q modest lowret and hid
in its jeweled cup.
Orange, as it passed over the fields, colored the
little flowers with its brilliant hue them sought the
delicious fruits of the South, and miled upon
them.
Again were the colors sent on their mission when
man was created.
Red Hinged the rich blood which course ed through
his veins, pressed his cheeks with the glow OF
health and fingered enraptured on his ]i,as in iIs
. long kiss.
Blue dwelt in the mild radiance of his beaming
eye. Yellow danced in the wavy ringlet is Of his
hair and the seven colors united in beaut iff
bnation, left their snowy impress on lis no ole brow.
Then God, the maker, pronounced in loving
tones, those thrilling words, Let there le 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 sprnging
flowers and creeping reptiles. He gazed about
him and beheld the vast ocean swelling and dash
ing and the tall forest trees covering the earth for
many miles, and affordng shade to the innnepera-
bic animals that dwelt in peace and harmony He
raised his eyes to the heaven-vault studded with
stars, and stroye in vain to penetrate, the mystic
rvus curtain. Then man reasoned: "Vho could
be the author Of these wondrous things?" end "a
mighty voice replied, ut is I, the First and the.
Last" ,And man worshipped the great 81 kxn;' y
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 Godr
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 Eght
of intelligence beams upon the soul, though sfen
il mercy, the Good Fathers voice remains silent,
and weeping friends and heart broken mothe,ss Ia.
ment the birth of an idiot child for those bsessed
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 br Era
and the earth passes away with = great noise /: u
the light will return to Heaven and shine with re-.
newed splendor around the "Great White Throne u
There for an eternity will it shine rejecting on
the pure and happy faces of the blest-Asoa