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5 Thou does find me this year my birthday - less devoted to God then at any time in my former life. Here are no sunctarius - no honoring of God outwardly - here are no means of grace - no private prayer. All thoughts are turned to earth. All like the man with the muck rake intent on the glittering pulp below regardless of the angel overhead proffering the fadeless immortal crown. Gold not Religion claims mens thoughts here. Most of the time have I been favoured with the preaching of the Holy Word - yet this is not a small part of a Christians duty. Obedience and Love these are thy requirements O Divine Master! Yet my heart hath not wholly forgotten the Lord - nor have his mercies passed unheard there burns yet the embers of gratitude and devotion - faith strong and ardent - though lacking sadly manifestation through works. Remember not my transgressions O my God! Be not swift to mark my inequities - nor make haste to punish my sins. Revive me again O Lord! Heal my backslidings - forgive my coldness - and pour out the Spirit of thy grace upon me! Such wilt thou find on this year. Scarcely more wise - certainly no better. I feel solemn in view of thy farewell. Another year thou fraust into eternity. Another year's book is sealed - and it records reserved to the great day. Thou leavest me again - to buffet with the world - to sail on life tempestous sea - to changes - storms and calms - to exposure to all those times and chances which befal men - to another years strife - when all may be lost and I undone. I am but a man - have hopes and fears - sympathies and feelings - ambitions and interests - virtue with many faults and failings - shall I suffer as in the years past. Are there still harden trials before me - or shall my years - glide smoothly and sweetly along? I part with thee - shall I greet the next year no more than I am? Help me that past experiences - may correct too enthusiastic hopes of joy - past reverse - sober hopes ever too gay of flight - and past realities - modify judgements of the future. Thou dost leave me. Oh that it could be with a better account - that thy heart might no more be saddened - thy returns and communications might be more fully bestowed - Leave me thy prayers - thy blessings - thy advice - so shall I learn of thy counsels - and walk in the paths that thou dost point out. My 26th birth day Farewell!