Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-11-10
IYo PIoA's S asons.

ttands coyeg'j DER with snow and then demlnd
Tho fsnl of sll hh lOiln---
29s p,oa. S a,ons
The unexpected and unusually early approach
OF the dismal season Of winter, was n few days
since sxemplifsd. in q dreary fall Of snow,
which covered the faco Of creation, and re-
minded man Of his own impcrfectibility, of his
dependence on the Creator Of tho Universe,
for all the blessings he enjoys, aud spoke, in
the strong language OF tho elements, Of the
weaknoss and the insgniicance of frail NOR
tllity;-and the appearance Of the snow-clad
monarch OF the seasons, should remi.ld us all
Of tho inevitable approach Of that dismal
period OF life, which 10 destined to close our
mortal career, and TO consign us all to the
dark valley Of tho shadow Of death! Yet, with
all thoso unerring and certain evidences of the
approach Of that hour. when we sha!! be call
cl upon to bid the world farewell, how few of
US ezer, ourselves to make preparation for that
dreaded period, which will close our NOR
tai career. and cons;gn US to those unknown
regions, where wo must other be wretched or
happy! 1t is in the nature Of man, to po stponc
those things which ho ought to perform, and
TO perform those which he ought to neglect,
and to leave ali unfinished till it Is everlasting
ly too late. Hence, We arc never prepared for
the events that await US; and. rejecting the
councils and admontions Of the wise and the
good, We are taken unawares, and unprcpared,
at those oyen.fll periods, when we oueh,
ways to be ready. +.
But winter is already upon us, and lest we
waste those hours in sentimental reflection,
which ought otherwise to be employed, let US
Procsed to prepare ourselves for the reception
Of that gloomy season. which We cannot dis
pei, anl make an effort to meet the stern frowns
of winters chilling blasts.
Whilst. however, We prepare ourselves,
a for tho consummltion Of our own happi-
ness, let us all remember, that there arc 9TH
ers that we are to provide for;-that in the
funess Of christian charity, we are bound tc
ieok forward for the happiness of the less for.
tunate members Of society-for the welfare o
the fatherless, the widow and the orphan, and
those who are laid low on the bods Of sickness
Of misery, and Of want.
1t is not sufficient that we provide for our
own families, and mako comforta,.'e the i'm
mediate connexions of our hcarts;--a nobler
and moro extensns iaty ia imposed upon US,
ond we are bound to relieve the Borrowings o
tho miserable, dependant and distressed.
20 do this, is no hard task, and if oac and
all Of US, would resolve TO forogo the useles:
iuxuries of life, and appropriate the means thai
are thus uselessly expended, how many we
should make happy;--and how many thousands
we should raise from the desoate beds of sick.
moss. and by our kindncsscs, rowling then
loarn them to live and bo happy, and :cacl
them, that mans humanity is not obliterated
and tina. in the midst of sorrewings and afilic
tions, there are those, who arc ready and will
ling to heal the bleeding heart, and to admin
istcr the balm of Gilsad to the broken spirit.
But of late, philanthropy has assumed new
attire, and hes followers, actuated by strang'
impulses and erroneous views, make their bcnc
factions and bcqucsts, where they are not want
cd; and for the sake of ostentatious parade
and the gazo and adulation Of the world, be
stow their surplus means on those, who arc ia
from being meritorious, and who are not, b.
fhe tics Of friendship, or affinity Of blood, o
country, entitled to their charity.
Scarcely day passes over our heads. bu
that we see the namo Of some muni6cent bcnc
faciion blazoned about tho world: and Wills
a sickiy taio is told OF his having generousl
bestowed large sum on the nations Of Hin
dostan, and for which hs is rewarded, by tn
applause Of Tribe Of sycophantic schcmcrs- =
precisely the reward he asked, begged for, an
received-the suffering Of his own country, hi
own friends and neighbors is disregarded- per
haps members Of his own family-are suesrin.
from want, and lingering beneath the loath
some pnchings Of misery and hunger.
II is an old, wise, and a humane adage
that charity should begin at a,mc - an
all who adhere TO il. and practice upon il
pfiaciples, do that which is required Of ther
from on High, and obey tho procepts of tina
0s-psI. which should be the rule and guide q
,usorsla When we have taken care Of "