The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1872-06-28
The Instability of Life.

That life is uncertain, and death una
voidable, is maxim which, though all
admit to be true, all seem willing to
forget. 1t is maxim which has been
SO often reiterated that none can be
ignorant of it; and if any were disposed
to disregard it, the perpetual occurrence
of its fulfillment might be sufficient for
its establishment as an eternal truth.
Granting, then, that it be true, is it not
a matter of such consequence as to de-
Dand our most serious attention? Can
any one bestow upon it even the slight
est consideration without feeling its
Experimentation perceiving that,
regarding it merely as relating to q
complete removal from this world and
all its concerns, Independently of the
reward or punishment which is to follow,
it is point of utmost importance?
Can any one reflect, as on q matter of
no concern, on the being separated from
all those whom he loves and by whom
he is beloved? ?. Can he disregard the
tears which will be shed, and the signs
which will burst from the bosoms of
those whom filial or fraternal affection
have bound to him? Can he think I'M
moved that he will no more augment
their joy or soothe their grief-that
whatever danger may threaten them, he
can no longer lend his assistance to
avert it, and that whatever blessings
may conjoin to make them happy, Will
be embittered by the reflection that he
is not sharer in them?
He who can think on this without
emotion is more or less than man. Yet
these are the consequences of that event,
the occurrence of which to every one is
certain, and the period at which it shall
take place is unknown. Can it be de-
MED, then, that this is matter demand
ing our most serious attention? But the
departure from this world, however
affection or friendship may endear it to
us, must ever be considered by the vir-
iuous as cause of JOY, since it removes
them from regions of darkness and of
sin to re Inns of light and p lri.y.
Surely, then, he who wishes to make
even his death to contribute to the hap
piness of those whom he loved while
living, will so conduct himself in this
life as to leave no anxious doubtings on
their minds with respect to his welfare
in the life eternal. He will act SO that
at the end he may look back with tran
guilty, and forward with Rupture, with
out regret for the past or fear for the
future. But the disposition of mind
necessary for the attainment of life
productive of this desirable conclusion,
cannot be acquired except for frequent
and serious consider alton, and firm
conviction of the t.Lth of the above
maxim; since, without such conviction,
the highest incentive to virtue would be
wanting.
1t is, then, not only the duty, but the
interest of every one to reflect in a man.
ner suitable to the importance of the
subject, on the uncertainty of the pres
emit life, and on the consequent necessity
of being prepared for the change which
we know must take place at some period,
how near or how remote we are, by an
all-wise Providence, kept Ignorant of.
Nor can the wisdom which dictates this
concealment be impeached. Were the
time at which our dissolution should
occur known to us, its remoteness, if
distant, would breed indolent security,
or its suddenness, if ne r, occasion ter
rors which would prevent preparation
for it.