The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
a Beautiful Visitor.
BY REV. JOHN TODD, D. D.

When the mighty Hand that lights up
suns and kindles stars was lifted up from
the creation which it had just completed,
there flashed out light and brightness, that
hung over each world as mother would
cherish her babe. 1t was the first, full morn
ing of creation, when all was done and all
" very good;" then "the morning stars sang
together, and all the sons Of God shouted
for joy" When this song of the stars had
ceased, and the shout had died away, echo
ing off from star to star, bright, golden
form was seen to leave the highest heavens,
and, on swift but gentle wings, to bend her
course down to new made world. With
smile she lighted among the flowers of the
place, and folding up her beautiful wings,
was heard to say, "Oh, beautiful earth! This
then is to be my home, till yonder sun sets
in night eternal, l shall not again listen to
the songs and the worship of heaven, but
my dwelling must be among the earth-born,
and here l must fulfill my great mission. l
must spread my wings over every land, and
cheer every people, and as far as possible be
blessing to every soul. shall walk invi-
sible and with velvet step. AZ the frst
missionary to the new world, and that new,
wonderful creature, made Of pure spirit and
dust of the ground, is to be the object of my
love-"
From that day to this, the beautiful spirit
has lived upon earth: sometimes shut up in
great box,* sometimes wandering in hot,
dreary wilderness sometimes confined to
single walled city,+ sometimes driven away
from men, and sometimes welcomed as
guardian friend. When our ancestors cut
down forests and reared villages and cities,
she was with them to aid in planning and
laying the foundations ''for many genera
tions." AS they went to the dead, and new
generations came on the stage, she has ever
cheered them with her warm breath and her
sweet spirit. Her eye is as bright, her form
as beautiful, and her step as gentle, as at the
first moment she stepped on the earth.
A few mornings ago watched her coming
to our village. With the early light of the
morning, spreading a robe Of silver over
mountain and valley, she came. At her ap-
proach there was hush, save that the birds
broke forth in song, the brooks leaped and
murmured, and soft winds just rocked the
rose, and gently shook the leaves On the
trees. All things else seemed to pause-the
great water-wheels of the factories stood
still, the looms ceased to rattle, the plow
stopped in the furrow, the anvil of the black
smith forgot to ring, the oxen laid down to
rest under the tree, the children left their
balls and playthings untouched. Families
gathered, and washed up and dressed up in
their best clothes, to welcome the angel Of
mercy. Industry laid aside his plans, and
Toll rejoiced in rest. All turned their
thoughts to interests Of highest moment
Onward, onward she came. Soon all the
children ran for their books and sweet songs,
the bells began to ring, and all the families
left their houses and went to places already
prepared, where they might meet the good
spirit and hear what she had to say. Cleanly
and comely and with smiles the community
gathered aud met one another, and sat down
together. Earthly cares and anzieties were
left behind Then they sang songs together,
old and rev, the voices of age and child
hood mingling together. Next sweet voice,
which they all loved to hear, was lifted up,
telling them how to meet temptation and
trials, sorrows and griefs, and telling of that
home above from which the beautiful one
came, and how she would meet them there in
more beautiful place forever. Hearts
ceased to ache, Doubt left the house, Fear
gave place to Hope and Faith, as they came
iu to meet and cheer and bless ALL And
when the angel left US, we were sorry to have
her 60, and rejoiced that she would come
again. Oh, she will come, and we will bless
her name, the name of SABBATH!
Gen. VII. I, + Gen. xvi. 1. tIsa. lz.44.