Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-04-15
NOM


Now \ short word; "a shorter thing.
Soon uttered sooner gone.
Now \ grain of sand on boundless
plain. \ tiny ripple ON ameasureless ocean
Over that ocean we are sailing, but the only
part of it we possess is that on which our ves-
sci at this moment floats From the stern
we look backwards and watch the ships wake
in the waters but how short "a distance it
reaches. and how soon every trace disappears
We see also some landmarks farther of, and
then the horizon closes the view; hut beyond,
that ocean still rolls far. far away. Memory
contemplates the few years Of our individual
life; history shows rs a dim outline Of noun
taips: science tells us that stil further back
out of sight. stretches that vast sea- reason
assures that, like space, it hath no boundary
but all that we possess of II is represented by
this small word-Now The past for action,
is ours no longer The future may never be-
come present, and is not ours until 1t does.
The only part of time we cam use Is tins very
molncnt--N0ic
But the multitulcs waste what they actual
ly possess in vain regrets for what they once
had. or vain intentions respecting what is moi
vet theirs. Alas says one, / have
thrown away the choicest opportunities, and
the best part Of my life is lost! Q, if thos,
wears might return, how differently would
now act Those years cannot return. Ba
YOU have the present moment Why ado
what YOU can improve TO the heap OF lost op
portunities which are now far beyond YOU
reachl
\ passenger comes bustng into the rail
way depot. He is Just too late, for the engln'
has sounded It's whistle, and the ears are gid
inc rapidly out of sight He looks atte
them in despair. He had important busines
to transact Ruinous may be the eonse
auences of delay He sits down on his trunk
leaning his head upon his hand, and absorbe'
in vain regrets, gazes yacantly forward, Bn
see another train is at the platform, jus
about to start for the same destination
Other passengers have arrived, and are Gag
erly crowding in. The bell rings Again tn
whistle sounds again the engine bears ava.
its living freight; and starting up, our inen'
again bewails an opportunity lost Q, 81
not down again dispondingly! There IS ye
another chance. Throw not this away, too, bu
at once take your seat in the third train whic
nog is preparing to follow the other two.
But should we never look regretluly aitc
the past? Certainly but for this purpose
that we may be stirred up to improve tn
present. Let US think about past sins we ma
repent of nOle, Let us mediate ON ionne
failures that we may watch and pray agains
similar dangers HOlo. But let US not be 5
foolish as to lose what yet remains while pol
ing over what is gone forever, Rouse the
self-reproaching, desponding sinner Tn
eailt has been great, but thou canst not Jesse
It by merely regretting it, Bring it noio
: Christ, that he may pardon it You cannt
atone for the past, but you may improve III
. present. Often in by gone years you migl
) have sought God in an " accepted time" an
have reioieed IN " day Of salvation Grei
is your guilt and great your folly in hayin
> lost such opportunities Yes, think Of th
9 and be ashamed. Think of this and mourl
a But so think of il as not to add to that gui
: and folly. To think of it as to act at once