The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-12-31
THE OLD AND NEW YEAR.

AS the midnight hour drew nigh, the Old
Year stood before me. Weary and wayworn
he seemed, and in his hands was an hour
glass, whence the last sands were falling AS
looked upon his wrinlrled forehead memories
both pleasant and mournful came over me-
Ispoke earnestly to him:
MANY blessings hast thou brought me, for
which l gave thee thanks. New have they
been every morning, and fresh every morn
ing. Thou hast indeed from my hearts gar
den uprooted some hopes l planted there.
With their clustering buds they fell, and
were never quickcned again."
"Praise God for what 1 gave and what 1
took away" he said, "and lay UP treasures in
heaven, that thy heart may be there also.
What thou callest blighted hopes are Outlines
changed into the fruits Of Righteousness"
But l answered: "Thou hast also hidden
from my sight the lored and the loving.
Clods are strewn upon their faces; they reply
to my call no more. To the homes they made
fair they return not, and the places that once
knew them know them no more forever"
Still he said: "Give praise TO God. Your
lost are with him. They have preceded you
None can drift beyond his love and care.'
Then his voice grew faint, and he murmured,
my mission unto man is done. For me the
stone is rolled away from the door of the
sepulcher 1 will enter in and sluInber with
all the years of the past forever.
And he Strengthened himself out to die As
i knclt by his side said, "Oh, dying year,
dear, dying year, see n scroll beneath thy
mantle. What witness shall it bear OF me
when Time for me is dones"
Low and solemn was his voice: 'Thou
shalt know when the book OF tho universe is
opened"
Tho midnight clock tolled, and covered my
face and mourned for his death. for he had
once been my friend. remembered with pain
how often had sighted his warnings, neg
lected the golden opportunities of growth he
had given me, and cast away the precious
hours he had been SO generous with, and
hurried my face and wept When / again
lifted my head, 10! the New Year stood in the
place of the Old.
Smiling, he greeted Inc with good wishes
and words of cheer. But was afraid; for to
me he was stranger; and when would have
returned his welcome my lips trcmbled and
were silent.
Then he said: 4Fear not. l come from
the great source of all good, whence come all
good gifts"
Trembling, l asked: "Ncw Year, whittier
wilt thor lead mes Art thou appointed to
bring me Joy or sorrow, life or deatha"
Looking with glowing eyes into the I'M
trodden future, he replied: II know not.
Neither doth the angel nearest the throne
know: only He who stitch thereon. Give
me your hand and question not. Enough for
thee, that accomplish His will | promise
thee nothing. Follow me and be content.
Take, with prayer for wisdom, this winged
moment The next may not be mine to give,
yet il we walk onward together, forget not
that thou art a pilgrim for eternity. If
bring thee cup of JOY be thankful, and bc
pitiful TO those who mourn: and let all men
be unto thee as brethren. If the dregs of Bit
terness cleave unto thy lips be not too eager
TO receive relief, lest thou betray the weak
Iess of thy faith. Gods perfect discipline
giveth wisdom. Therefore count those happy
who endure. When morning breaketh i'm the
east, grid myself for thy duties with a song
of Thanksgiving, and when night putteth on
her coronet of stars look over the day lust
gone and let its failures and blunders guide
thee to better things on the morrow, SO that
when / have no longer any days or nights to
give thee, and must myself die, thou wilt
bless me as friend and q helper OH the road
to heaven"