The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1871-03-23

lNrmurn.
Man seem. naturally inclined to skep-
ticism, aud as a result OF this inclination,
be has many times been led into gros, er-
ror., into mistakes not only involving his
happiness here, but also the more mo-
mention, affair. OF an existence in another
world. The most rigid moralists, the
greatest neutrality-suspicious., and the most
profound philosophers have alike become
entauglcd IN wild, visionary ,peculations,
in their fertile imaginations, and have
dragged after them thousand, Of their de-
luded followers.
Many centuries have passed since the
heavenly origin of the Divine book of Re-
violation was denied by the skeptic. To
this present, then, must we trace the ORR
gin Of lafdelity, through the shodowy
past, tainted with vice and crime.
In the midst of one of the darkest ages,
the glorious light Of religion, in all Of its
resplendent brillianey, burst upon man
kind. 1t was the glorious and refulgent
dawning ofa new disponsation, which was
to supersedc the shadowy rites of the
Mosaic Code.
The world awoke from her deep lethar-
gy, aud tho bright rays ofthe genial SUI
Of righteousness spread, lightniHg-likc,
over the Eastern part Of Europe. Even
imperial Rome, the Queen of the West,
tempted upon her seven hills, at the sound
of the soul-stirring eloquence of the Apos-
/ tie Of Christ, trembled and admitted the
power Of the words he spake. Nation at-
ter nation was converted to the true re-
| ligion, and in an incredibly short time,
the whole world acknowledged the pow
erful sway so noiselessly eXerted.
| Christianity in those early days bore
the marks Of holy simplicity which it
has since lost by being COMPOUNDED with
worldly motives II was this that spoke
+ TO them in thunder tones, and babe them
repent Of their wickedness. The philoso-
pliers of the age watched with jealousy
/ the progress Of the new religion. \
plan WAS concerted for It's final over
throw 10y uniting with it the Interests of
philosophy il. downfall would thu, leave
foundation npou which to reara mighty
! abric lo commemorate the names Of
those who plotted it, destruction.
/ To one who know, how imperfect was
The know ledge 81 philosophical science OF
those early ages. il r. uu wonder that in
+ the thousand pcrpleylng discussions aud
absurd theories which arose, the glori-
ous religion OF our Saviour, scaled by his
HE blood wa. brought down from it-
/ lofty position, aud hurled to the dust with
the sins oftlte-e wild speculations. Then
began tbe reign Of lHidelity, or, in the
language Of the skeptic, the age ofreason.
From that time TO this, Infdcliiy has held
&C. sway oterB portion OF the human tami-
jE. 10 some minds there seems to be q Pc
uliap charm To- the thought. that there is
ua God. tlat this beautiful world was
found bF chance, with IL, variety Of in
habitaut. and diversity ct formation.
Tki- mat Do very we'll while ihe dclnded
one :, in health and strength aud Ia the
midst 90 bu.iuc-s cares, but, methink.,
the SCENE viii change ia tie -till hour Of
death. whcn mildred friend. cau guide
uu further. when ia, Dcalh-Augel hover.
ntHr and tla hcanibrahs grow fainter
aHd aiuirr
peat4 e. terrible, come la what form IL
mas, TO nld of Young. d. chilling form
throw il blight over all e REACHES. But
doubIy, aud teu.ioll more SO to the proud
lngdei. who la Dc. pride uud God-giveu
strength hs. ever iehcl o.. authority and
refused bi- guidance.
The 8ie Of the tuidei uust be- a strange
compound olm, -lerioasNent-, and death
i welcome g. relieve him frpm The un-
certainty oflhe dread iuture-~s namele,s
blans, gr eternal .lumleF The soul
must leave it- lrall rAsAet, the body, aud
lhgneb forth upon The bottomless sea Of
eternity With - guide. ~ must 20
down q the cold aad gloomy grave, siih
no bright fas Of hope pointing to heaven
abose bu, instead, TIE narrowing dread
tlai. after 81, hs may have been mis-
taken, and there 3 Judgment sDd end