The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-10-30

VALLEYS and hill sides are radient with the
bloom Of autumn, - II TO compensate for fad
Cd flowers. the absence OF birds and the visit
ings ofthoss son winds that afford 20 large .
part Of the charm for summer. We mis- the
Heightened twilight. 20 like . beuediotion to
the departing day, and those still. holy nights
when heaven seemed % near that the breeses'
whisperings suggested angel Symphonies.
Odd spake to US in the beauty and glory OF
summer, and too many turned nom his voice
and its teachings even while revealing In the
gifts Of his bounty. They told Of his love that
gave In proiusion without even the asking
they were eloquent ofhis skill, but the handi-
work Vas not traced to the Creator; they
spoke Of his eufolding and sleepless care, but
men would not hearken.
Nov he spesks in other and not less kindly
tones. through fading verdurs and withered
flowers, through ripening fruits and grain, and
In the home voices that bid NJ gather about
the social hearth to cherish moro tenderly than
ever the sweet charities that kallou life.
Stronger and clearer - the days sweep on
and the strengthening cold drives rs nom for
cot paths and garden haunts do those voices.
and Gods through them, appear to us to make
home the hap?iest ~ we'll ~ dearest spot on
earth. Let the sunshine that fed with the sum
ner DO replaced by the dearer sunshine Of the
heart; and the son spirit voices Of the sum
ner wind hnd an echo In the tones which utter
household words that should never know .
tinee Of bitterness.
Flowers lie dead In the garden, bot the Bios
SONS Of hope, love. charity, can DO made per-
petual and they are moro precious than oil the
bloom Of the vide earth. Once rooted IN the
heart they are safe from autumnsi frosn ana
flourish In storm % In sunshine, making the
lives Of men happier and heller.
while, then, We cultivate With admirtng ten
deruess the early blossoms OF spring and the
floral sisterhood Of summer, and hang with
rsvsrent wonder over their infinite variety and
ioyeiinsss. let them indeed Do horsl apostles,
sutrsatiug by thsir ouu profusiou, sweetness
and beauty that Ne hnd In than Incentives TO
pure and noble lives, to childlike trust, to ever
deepening conviction Of an Immortality beyond
the grave.
hearts; then Are they 9od,s voice TO US, .as =,
death claims them for its Own, % let us remem-
Der that No arc frail 90 they. and that all OF us
that can die shall mingle In the dust - thsy
do.
This thought need not eadden, only hallow
the present to lite's best purposes. We 20 10
the graves Of the departed-"uot here but
riseu," whispers voice from the depths Of the
bereayed heart. Gods voics to- which Ne must
listen u We would b eouforted.
sickness, poverty, the Temptations OF wealth
or pover are tests to prove our sincerity and
spiritual strength. To stand 6rm In these, to
be able IA say. I know In whom have believed,
10 have faith In light though II b hidden. 10 to
listen and obey. and in Gods own time to reap
the heavenly harvest ofs peace past oil under
standing.
Eyermore let rs be found patiently hsarken-
ing to the voice that can alone sustain, com
fort and lead Us Alright. SO many disappoint-
meuts await, % many temtations beset, 90
many sorrows depress that life were scarcely
TO be borne without that trust that leaves
all In the hands Of Father and Almighty
Friend.
such then he our faith; and when our hearts
choicest treasures wither ~ do thess autumn
leaves under our feet, may We but clap moro
firmly the unfAltering hand that will never mis-
lead pr bensy. IL . h' q,