Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-07-28
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS spy.

r. Mr.. EDITOR How much wiser we are than
our Grandfathers. Almost every thing around
us reminds one Of the fattering proficiency we
make in improving the human condition. What
occasion have we to look with complacency on
ourselves, as well as with pity and derision up
on the humble attainments, made by genera
lions that have gone before US.
But my particular object, at the present
time, is to notice with admiration that noble
spirit Of daring, with which our yo1Ing men be-
gin Ito throw off that.blind and old-fashioned
reverence for the Sabbath, which has SO long
been the reproach of our ancestors.
have lived TO enjoy what King Richard
denomnates (pardon the allusi6n to cnarsc-
ter with whom hope have no sympathies at
all) "the butt end of a mothers blessing" a
good old age +; have always inhabited the same
tenement, which has undergone very little
change, for the last forty years, except, like its
master, to fall gradually into decay, and, un-
like him, to have now and then, received
few repairs. This mansion is located near the
centre OF a country village not hundred miles
from your press. have not been an indfer-
ent spectator OF passing events. But it affords
me singular satisfaction, in the evening Of life,
to see the rising generation giving such indica-
- ~NhSiS PC|tuOAAiAJ ohSt uSSluiACSoJ
and, IN some instances, stepping 50 much in
advance of their years as even, during minor
ity, totak e the government Of themselves from
the shoulders OF their parents, as it is better
expressed, Il doing ~Itat as right ii. their oUn
eyes,"
Forty years ago such was the popular delu-
sion on this subject, that ali, who could at
tended the public worship of God on the Sab
bath, and those who could not, abstained en-
tirely from an open disregard Of that day. In
deed TO have been seen loungingly promena-
ding the green, near house of public wor-
ship, during the hours which are consecrated
to that object, would have been regarded as
stigma on moral character. Net so now. In
stances, it is true, did occur that the sons Of
attiuence, adleness and dissipation did encroach
little Oh those hours, for the necessary pur.
pose OF an airing in coach or chaise. But
what is particularly praise worthy now-a-d days,
the t1boring classes are seen freely participa-
ting in those enjoyments, which used formerly
to be monopolized, without opposition, by the
idly rich.
And what can be more refreshing or indis.
pensably necessary to the health of young
man, who has been, all the week, confined to
the rake, the scythe and the hoe, qoithout sun
shine or air, than the luxury of Sunday-air-
ans in a Wagon, or chaise, top down, when he
can, once more, breathe the gale as it comes
fresh from the mountain, and regale his eyes
on the rural scenery? And what ten-fold pow
er has that fair ones charms, who, in defiance,
it may be, of parents injunction, is seen
bravey to bear him company
have been led to these remarks, Mr.. Edit
or, from having so frequently. at this season ot
the year, at church, when the windows are
necessarily open, had my attention drawn from
the duties of the place by the din of wheels,
which are rolling by with accelerated veloci-
ty with these heart cheering sights. Indeed,
have no doubt, in my obscure country VII
lage, there is more annoyance from this cause,
to those assembled for the public worship Of
God, on the Sabbath, than there is from the
same cause TO any worshipping assembly, in
Boston. A COUNTRY JUSTICE.