A Monthly Magazine, DEVOTED TO THE SOCIAL, LITERARY AND RELIGIOUS INTERESTS EDITED BY REV. H. HARBAUGH. VOLUME VI. · LANCASTER, PA.: JNO. H. PEARSOL, PRINTER AND PUBLISHER, 1855. VOL. VI.-JANUARY, 1855.-No. I. THE NEW YEAR. THE Editor greets his friends of The Guardian, known and unknown, near and far, with a happy New Year. The heart lingers when it is called to leave behind it that which it will meet no more forever. Thus, somewhat sadly, do we turn to the year that is just gone, while we say to all its joys and sorrows, Farewell! The Old year is gone. We stand upon the threshold of the New. What it will bring to us, or take away from us, who can know? Whatever shall meet us, may it meet us in the path of duty. What if the year should transfer us into the company of the white-robed saints-into the bliss of an endless life! What if it should shut us out forever from hope, happiness, and heaven! How many of those whose hearts and hopes, on last New Year's day, were living and fresh as ours are now, have gone to return no more. Fixed in an eternal state, They have done with all below: But how little none can know! What changes can a year bring forth. The last eventful year lifts its warning voice like a trumpet: "Be ye also ready!" How have the gates of Death been thronged by the hosts, who went at but a moment's warning. From the foaming waves, that clapped their hands over sinking ships, went up the wail of horror, and the last sad sigh for the "loved ones at home." In many of our cities and towns the noisome pestilence, walking in darkness, has borne away its thousands. Still nearer to us has death silently stepped into the circle of our own nearest friends, and has carried them off, one by one, to the land of silence. They have gone. "Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep!' We are following after. This year will bring us nearer, if not entirely to our eternal home. Let us pass on humbly, prayerfully, and reverently into the mysteries of the Future! VOL. VI.-1. |