38 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
have acted, as by this at once they know that their labours 
are appreciated, and they have gained esteem and respect. 
If, however, we have not even succeeded in this, the fault 
may not have been altogether ours, since 
“The attempt, and not the deed, is in our power.” 
The poet has told us that, “ billows of disappointment 
roll along the easeless tide of time/’ What if some have 
not acted as we had thought and hoped they would ? 
from others we have received more than a compensating 
support, therefore have we much cause for self-gratulation 
and gratitude, both to inspire confidence and to stimulate 
us to renewed exertions for the coming year. 
Turn we now to a less pleasing theme, although not less 
profitable, if rightly viewed. Our necrology for the past 
year may not be very large, yet it contains some well-re¬ 
membered names, of whom but few had attained to the 
limited age of man’s probationary existence upon earth, 
their sun having gone down at noon. But one—the 
father of the profession, whose death was recorded in the 
first number of the Journal—had exceeded it. Yet 
“ Those who the longest lease enjoy 
Have told us with a sigh, 
That to be born, seems little more 
Than to begin to die.” 
Death has been designated the twin of sleep ; but there 
was no grave in the untainted Eden of man primeval. 
Man was not made mortal. Well has it been said, “ Life is 
to all men a voyage, and Time the sea on which they are 
sailing f* consequently, we do right to heed the admonition— 
“ Give thy mind sea-room ; keep it wide of Earth, 
That rock of souls immortal: let loose thy cord; 
Weigh anchor; spread thy sails; call every wind; 
Eye the great pole-star; make the land of life.” 
Our voyage, then, will terminate with a delightful pros¬ 
pect in full view. 
“ Land ahead ! its fruits are waving 
On the hills of fadeless green; 
And the living waters, laving 
Shores where heavenly forms are seen.” 
