“I am grown exceedingly uneasy in writing and speaking, yea, almost in
thinking, when I reflect how cloudy our clearest thoughts are; but, I
think again what other can we do, till the day break and the shadows
flee away, as one that lieth awake in the night must be thinking;
and one thought that will likely oftenest return, when by all other
thoughts he finds little relief, is, _when will it be day?_”
You see he would have wondered to be spoken of thus--“Poor Leighton has
gone.” Answer, “How very sad,”--when at last he had attained to that
day.
Let me show, by another noble instance, that, as Winter days, when they
come, bring often unforeseen beauty and gladness with them, so not
even the anticipation is always necessarily sad to the eye of exalted
faith. Remember you those words of the mighty Apostle of Christ--when
the Winter time was yet somewhat removed--with their more than calm
anticipation of it, their deep warmth of joy?
“To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. What I shall choose
I wot not.
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and
to be with Christ; _which is far better_.”
And then the stirring tones of exultation and triumph, as now but few
leaves were left, and Winter days were even at the door.
“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.”
Here is an aurora borealis flashing up to the heavens in light and
splendour, over the wide snow landscape of Winter days.
[Illustration]