The Setting Sun

There is a splendour peculiar to the meridian sun. There is a majestic and uncontrollable energy and boldness, with which it spreads light and blessedness on all around. The sun shining in its strength is a grand and exhilarating sight. But there is a still deeper interest attendant on its decline; when the warm and mellow tints of evening soften the dazzling brightness of its ray; and when surrounded, but not obscured, by clouds, and rich in a golden radiance, on which the eye lingers with chastened and inexpressible delight, it sinks below the horizon. It is with similar feelings that we regard the faithful servant of God, when he comes towards the close of a long, consistent, and useful life. We watch with a very tender interest the terminating scene of his pilgrimage; and survey with a more sublime veneration the holier radiance which gilds his declining years.—Ed. Craig