Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-18

not ne denied, that even tue most spirituaf
missing the excitement OF their ordinary occu-
pations, anticipate their usual bed time. The
obvious inference from this fact, is skillfuly
avoided by certain ingenious reasoners, who
allege that the constitution was originally so
organized, as to require an extra quantity Of
sleep on every seventh night. We recommend
to the curious, to inquire, how this peculiarly
was adjusted, when the hrst day OF the week
was changed from Saturday to Sunday.
The Sabbath morning is as peaceful as the
first hallowed day. Not ahuman sound is heard
without the dwellings, and but for The lowing
Of the herds, the growing OF the cocks, and the
gossipping Of the birds, animal life would seem
TO be extinct, till, at the bidding OF the church
going bell, the old and young issue from their
habitatons, and with solemn demeanor, bend
their measured steps to tho n'ee'ing house. The
family of the minister-the squire-,he doctor
the merchant--tne modest gentry OF the vii
laee, and the mechanic and laborer. all arrayed
in their best, all meeting on even ground, and
with that consciousness OF independence and
equality, which breaks down the 'pride Of the
rich and rescues the poor from strsilliy, envy,
and discomfort. If morning saluta,on is re-
ciprocated, it is in suppressed voice; and it,
perchance, nature. in some reckless urchln,
burst forth in laughter, my dear, you forget
it's Sunday!' is the ever ready reproof.
Though every face wears solemn aspect,
vet we once CHANGED to see even deacon's,
muscles relaxed by the wit OF neighoor, and
heard him allege in a halt deprecating. half
laughing voice, ",he squire is SO droll that DO.
DIV mus, laugh, though it be the Sabbath day .
The farmers ample Wagon, and the little
one horse vehicle, bringing in all who reside at
an announcement walking distance that is to
say, in our riding community, half mile from
the church. 1t is pleasing sight to those who
love to note the happy 7eculiariies OF their own
land, to see the farmers daughters blooming IN
telligent, and We'll bred, pouring out OF these
homely coaches, with their nice white gowns,
prunela shoes, Leghorn hats, fans and para soils,
and the spruce Young men with their Pianed
ruffles, blue coat and yellow buttons. The
whole community meet as one religious family,
| 20 offer their devo,ions at the common altar.
If there is an outlaw from the society--a luck
less wight whose vagrant taste has never been
subdued he may be seen stealing along the mar
gin Of some little brook, far away from the con-
demring observation, and troublesome admo.
nilons of his fellows.
Towards the close OF the day, or 10 borrow
a phrase descriptive of his feelings who first
USED il) "when the Sabbath begins to abnte,"
the children cluster about the windows. Their
eyes wander from their catechism TO the wes-
tern sky, and though it seems 10 them as if the
sun would never disappear, his broad disk does
slowly sink behind the mountain; and while his
| last ray still fingers on the eastern SUBMITS;
merry voices break forth and the ground re-
sounds with bounding footsteps. The village
belle arrays herself fer the twilight walk; the
boys gather on "'he green;" the lads and girls
throng to the Singing schools" while so ne coy
maiden fingers at home, awaiting her expected
suitor;-and all enter upon the pleasures Of the
evening with as keen a relish as if the day had
been preparatory penace.-i Mss 'Sedg,c'ck.