The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 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 wrinlled 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 quickened again"
"Praise God for what | gave and what
took away" he said, "and lay up treasures in
heaven, that thy heart may be there also
What thou callest blighted hopes are ofttmes
charged into the fruits of Righteousness"
But l answered; "Thou hast also hidden
from my sight the loved 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. l will enter in and slumber with
all the years of the past forever"
And he Strengthened himself out to die As
/ knelt by his side l said, ooh, dying year,
dear, dying year, see scroll beneath thy
mantle. What witness shall it bear of me
when Time for me is done"
Low and solemn was his voice: "Thou
shalt know when the book of the universe is
opened"
The 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 slighted 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
buried my face and wept. When l again
lifted my head, lol the New Year stood In the
place of the Old.
Smiling, he greeted me with good wishes
and words of cheer. But was afraid; for to
Inc he was stranger; and when l would have
returned his welcome my lips trembled and
were silent.
Then he said: "Fear not. come from
the great source of all good, whence come all
good gifts"
Trembling, asked: "New Year, whittier
wilt thol lead met Art thou appointed to
bring ME Joy or sorrow, life or deathln
Looking with glowing eyes into the un-
trodden future, he replied: ~ know not
Neither doth the angel nearest the throne
me your hand and question not Enough for
thee, that accomplish His will. promise
thee nothing. Follow me and be content
Take, with a prayer for wisdom, this winged
moment. The next may not be mine to give,
yet if we walk onward together, forget not
that thou art a pilgrim for eternity. I'll
bring thee a cup Of joy be thankful, and be
pitiful to those who mourn: and let all men
be unto thee as brethren. II the dregs of Bit
terness cleave unto thy lips be not too eager
to receive relief, lest thou betray the weak
ness Of thy faith. Gods perfect discipline
giveth wisdom Therefore count those happy
who endure. When morning breaketh In the
east, grid thyself for thy duties with song
of thanksgiving, and when night putteth on
her coronet of stars look over the day Just
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 a helper on the road
to heaven"