Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-03-27
LIFE rs SHORT,

Reader, las IL ever occurred 10 you
how short is the period allotted to man
on earth? How swiftly be passes from
one stage of life to another, until the
decrepitude of old age steals upon his
weakened frame apd exhausted nature
sinks beneath the power of death
To-day you behold the prattliag in
FAINT, beautiful 10 its infsntile innocence,
unacquainted with the trials and troub=
les of life, happy in its ignorance and
Innocence. We contemplate the sight
with pleasure; but behold new scene
presents itself to view. There is a
young man just entering upon the arena
of life,. The sports which are attended
upon the days of childhood have passed
away; and though he has many scores
of pleasure, yet duties press upon him.
and he frequently has to contend with
disappointments and difficulties, and he
often wishes, as his mind wanders back,
that he could be a child again, Now,
We see man passed the meridian OF
life; his brow is covered with wrinkles;
lis face looks careworn and anxious;
be has met with trials and troubles re-
peatedly; he has bid last farewell to
much loved friends; he has been be-
trayed by those in whom he conhded;
he has been buffeted by the storms Of
misfortune; many crosses and losses
have marked his pathway. Again the
scene changes, and We see an old man,
his hair white as snow, his strength and
vigor gone. He has grown weak and
feeble, and can with difficulty support
himself with the staff which he carries
in his hand. The rosy hue of health
Las left his cheek, and every feature,
every movement shows that he is fast
nearing his eternal resting place!
Again the curtain rises, and we see
the hearse bearing inanimate burden 10
the grave-the last home OF all that is
left of him whom we saw but few
years ago-rejoicing in the amusements
of youth. He has acted his part in the
drama OF life aud passed of the stage,
TO make room for others. All this has
passed in few years, like the light
niag's fash, that shines in the heavens
for a moment, and is gone. Such is
life OF man
Life is short and uncertain. To-day,
we sec man rich III all vigor OF health
aud strength. Tomorrow, death seizes
his prey, and he is borne to his last
resting place. How important, then,
dear reader, that we should improve
each passing hour. n If we would pause
occasionally and consider that we have
immortal souls; if We would look be-
vond this eartE and see what beauti-
lul home is awaiting our coming; if we
would permit our hearts to be true to
themselves; to feel that there are sweet
conpanionships to lie found there
perhaps some loved one-a happy
change would be wrought i'll our ma
lures How much better fitted we
would then be to enjoy the blessings Of
lie I! But We seldom think of these
things until some loved one is borne
away from our side to the land Of
shadows, until we feel that one link in
the chain of association has been bro
ken. But better this harsh stroke, if it
reminds us of our duty, than wait until
the mind is weakened by disease, and
death is ready to sieze his victim.
Mans death and burial creates no sad
thoughts beyond the circle of home
where he was most intimately known.
The din and hustle Of the world goes
on as ever. The hearse aud the funeral
train passed by. Perhaps few OF our
fellows may stop awhile to inquire who
is dead; then pass on again, forgetting
that heart has ceased to beat forever.
Even the mouruers tears that flow so
freely are soou dried up, and the Grape,
the dark badge of death, are cast aside,
and the lifeless clod of the valley is
soon forgotten. Such is life q! If We
die to-day, the sun will shine as bright
ly and the birds sing as sweetly to-mor-
row. Not a wheel in. the machinery of
the business world Will cease to move,
aud scarce voice Of niirth be checked.
Such is life How short it is How
soon We are forgotten {!
The world moves on, creature dies,
And in the grave eutombed he lies;
His soul to heaYen-like q star is shot,
The flash is gone, and man forgot!