American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1866-03-10
1f(i5tellantous,
NOT ALL SAD.


death. Change is whispered in ever
passing breeze, written on the air
cloud, painted on the forest leaves, AM
doomed by the ocean waves as the,
lash the shore. But change is not a way
sad Autumn is but the harbinger 0
Spring. The flower drops aud mingle
with the dust that another, no less beau
tiful and dear, may bloom, II happy
hearts are made sorrowlul by unfortu
nate occurrences, sad hearts, too, are
made joyful by pleasant changes. l
some are left desoate and alone whc
were surrounded once by kindred and
friends, 50 some who were frendless and
uncared for have found an interest in the
hearts, and home in the affections oI
those about them, gladdened by the good
fortune that has bettered their condition
Suppose q revelation were given US to.
day that everything benceforth in this
world was to abide as it is; that the time
for change had ceased, and should be
known no more forever; what consterna-
ton would seize US. Do any live who'll
y in the present? Are we not all look =
ing for the coming future to bring US the
higher good we seek? 1t is as true as
trte that nan is never satisfied the good
he pursues is never quite reached, and
were all to stop now, farewell to ever ac.
compIishing the great aim for which he
lives. Now misfortune assais us, there
is hope that some kinl change may come
to OUT advantage, and We bear our bur-
dens more lightly as we remember the
mu!ability Of fear.hly things. We are ac-
custOmed to speak sadly ofearth's changes,
but where is the person who would be
satisfied with fixed, monotonous, unva.
ried life? Change in the power which
keeps all things moving, the impulse
which stimulates us in everything we do
and in thanking The benefcent Author Of
existence for the many blessings we enjoy
We should bless Him for the changes that
checker our lot
In the spiritual as well as in the mate
rial world, there is continual change, and
vastly more important. 1t is law of ma
ture that nothing stands STILL that in ev-
there is progression or retrogres-
sion. The human mind is either advance
ing in goodness and knowledge, or it is
taking the downward road of ignorance
and degradation. By far the most i'm
portant change, then, depends wholly on
our own choice. Earthly change will
affect US little if the mind and heart are
becoming better, more enlightened, near
er to the inhabitants of that world who
know no change but from the beautiful,
10 the more beautiful, the good to the
better, becoming ever more holy, more
laPpy, advancing nearer to the King Of
ilory, forever progressing upward and
inward. But the gfrst reat change must
,e here, Here must be the preparation
or the endless progression or retrogres>
ion. As the duties of one hour fit US
or the everlasting future. Let US, then,
instead Of bewaiIing the changes which
ime is working around US, see carefully
0 the changes it is working within US,
nd SEQ too, that they be such as shall
prepare US for the elevated society Of the
ust made perfect in heaven, that the last
Mortal change may introduce US to the
weet surprises and fadeless glories Of.
happy eternity. Let the mutations Of
fe stimulate us to greater earnes.ness.