Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-10-29
For the Spectator.
= U,
RahectinD.

Oh! how essential to happiness is reflection
Many an evil would be avoided, would we only
reflect ere we rush upon it. Look at that young
man whose handsome features are distorted
with passion caused by taunting remark from
one who has hitherto been his friend. His
proud spirit can not brook such remarks. He
thinks no longer of the happy hours they have
spent together, of the many kind deeds that
friend has performed in his behalf No! re-
fection is thrown aside entirely-passion dark
and fierce has usurped its place. The future is
not considered-present vengeance alone enga
ges him. His hand is uplifted and desccnds
with deadly blow upon the brow of his unfor
tunate friend He falls liteless corpse. I'm
mediately, he regains his presence of mind and
oh ! what remorse fills his mind, as he bends
over his lifeless friend. Reflection has resumed
her sceptre; but alas, it is too late Had he
but reflected for a moment on the consequences
of that fatal blow. what lifetime of misery
would have been spared him. Reflection often
arrests us in the very act of committing some
deed that would cause US misery, perhaps eter-
nally.
Yet it oft times comes too late. Oh what
a meaning is implied in these two little words,
too late" They ring through the dying sin
ners ear and thoughts Of the past, opportuni-
ties that he has wasted pass before him in rapid
succession. Too late is echoed far and near
and every hope of Heaven Is banished at the
sound.
Reflection is like guardian angel, when it
points out to US the errors of the past and gives
us courage to press onward and avoid them in
the future. How many an aching heart has
been caused by want Of reflection. How of
ten do we hear this exclamation: eff | only
had my time to pass over again, how different
iy would [ act. Experience is the best teach
er, but like light in a ship at sea on a dark
night, it illumines only the path through which
we have passed When reflection points out
our past errors and experience shows us the
rocks against which cur frail bark has often
rushed and been sometimes nearly shattered,
we should be very careful in the future in steer
ing our bark so as to avoid shpwreck.
We should begin nothing of which we have
not well considered the end. If we follow this
rule we will never or seldom have cause to ex-
claim, oh that could recall that act. Think
twice before you speak once, = is familiar say
ing and one worthy of attention, for word
once uttered can never be recalled.
Follow me awhile and listen and OBSERVE
1t Is winter night, beautiful and bright. A
we pass along this avenue. leading to yon splen-
did edfce, strains of music greet the ear. The
noise of revelling and feasting Is borne upon the
breeze As we enter we behold crowd Of fine
" dressed young ladies' and gentlemen. Some
are laughing and talking merrily. Some are
dancing while in another room apart from the
rest there sit some young men around table
playing cards The bowl is often passed
around and all drink freely of the Intoxicating
liquor. All young man, pause a while and
think to what your midnight revels will lead
you. Pause in your downward path to ruin
and reflect upon your condition.
A short distance from this mansion stands
small hOuca povnrtC SnpmS an inmate here
Upon straw pallet lies an old man with dim
eye and withered FORM Beside him sits his
aged wife, whose form is bowed with the weight
of years and sorrow She watches by his side,
alone, until death has claimed him for his own.
Then she bows her head and weeps. but not as
those without hope She knows her husband
was a christian and that she will meet him
again Sweet reflection.
Let me advise you one and all, cherish and
cultivate the habit of reflection and in after life
you will never regret it. II. Z. w.