The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-05-12
WHOLE NO. 1850.
From the Connecticut Observer.
MOURNING APPAREL,

lions Wnlcn lnuuce me TO approve OF the de-
cision of those who have trampled on the
neck of the tyrant fashion, and determined
to abandon the custom of wearing mourn.
. ing apparel.
l. AS general practice it is no real ex-
preston of grief for the loss of our friends.
; nor is it so considered. 1t is adopted by all
classes; by the covetous heir, whose heart
beats with joy at an event which puts him
IN possession of his idol, as well as by those
who are affected with the purest emotions
OF genuine sorrow. An English writer has
remarked that "the very time that man
only half mourn, and the very time that he
shall cease to mourn, are fixed for him by
the world, whatever may be the duration Of
his own sorrow!"
Z. 1t IS no mark of respect for departed
relatives. The dark habiliments are as
Sumed, whether the deceased was yirtuous
or vicious, honest or fraudulent, sober or in
temperate whether he was wise man or
a fool, Christian or an iAfidel, blessing
or curse to society.
3. 1t imparts no consolation to the bosom
of sorrow. 1t alleviates not the wo which
flows from the bereaved heart 1t offers no
balm to its wounds, 1t equally fails to as
suage excessive grief and to excite that
which is proper.
A. AS a memento of departed worth il is
.superfuous. The heart of true friendship
needs it not; the object of its affection is
engraven there too deeply to be effaced.
f'he mock mourner is unaffected by its sa-
bic hue.
5. 1t conveys no moral or religious in
structioB to the mind. 1t exctes no mourn
ing for sin no submission to God no part
ing with the world +; no desires after heav-
o. fbor fho a. &c 81,
scene of death, nor the affecting and adj
monitory truths of the word of God, can be
enforced by it.
Our objections to the custom are founded
principally on its positive evils.
I /. 1t is extravagant, and absorbs large
amount of funds which might be appropri-
ated to useful purposes.
I z. 1t presents strong temptation to pride
and dishonesty, and has often robbed the
widow and fatherless of their bread, and
the creditor of his due.
3. 1t is violation of the command, Be
ye not conformed to this world.'
a. 1t diverts the attention from the voice
of the Almighty in his instructive provi-
depce. 1t occupies the mind, as well as the
hands in that solemn period, which is so PEI
! culiarly favorable for the soul to retire with
in Itself and contemplate its character and
} destiny. 1t appears to be an artful and sue
cessful device of the adversary of man to
dlsqnallfy him for obeying the command of
his God. " In the day of adversely consid-
err"
The DRuNKARD. 81 got married !. for
woman, affectionate woman, will see no
faults in him she loves. He will soon re-
form. He loves me too we'll to make me
} unhappy he knows shall not like it. He
: promises to abstain. All, deceived womant
Love may be stronger than death, but the
power of the cup is stronger than both!
What A drinking man; man that can
drink five glasses of brandy day with
pleasure. is not far from that point when he
will sacrifice health, wealth, pride, patriot
ism, reputation, love, life, every thing for
that damnable thirst. | loved my wife as
much as man could | was as sensitive to
} honor and reputation as any, but | tell you
X could, when the habit of drinking was
thoroughly formed, (which was before was
aware,) have sacrificed any thing. ! have
often come home and found nv wife weep
: ing in silence-a silence that at first used
to gore my soul-but liquor soon hardened
5 every thing that looked like tenderness.
a She has told me the children wanted clothes,
s but curse the children" said I, 81 want
e my drink, and will have it." One night
4 stayed till two o'clock at the tavern playing
e cards, and who should come in at the dread
: hour of the night but my wife, with her in
3 FAINT IN her arms My God if my blood
: did'nt run cold, and curdie at my heart Is
3 this woman? Is this my wife exclaimed.
Never before did realize the full power of
: female virtue. My profane companions and
: myself were perfectly abashed. l cursed
r her, and told her, with severe threats, to 90
l home. "No, that will not" said she, ris-
: ing in the dignity of injured Innocence.
: though with trepidation that shook her
: frame like the aspine, and holding her trem-
; bling infant out to me, " this is your child,
} and | will not stir one step from this spot
, till you take 1t and go home with me.n She
!, then turned to my companions and up
braided them as my destroyers, in strain
e of invective that made them cover like so
s many disarmed assassns before the mes
. senger Of retributve lustice.'
ABOVE THE MARKET. A countryman, driy-
: ing down towards Fulton Market the other say.
: with load of turkies, was aceOsted by citizen
n with" Halloo, Mister, what do you ask for
tuikies ~ F." A dollar piece, sir" g A dollar
Y a piece You're rather above the market" III
y know it, said Bareycorn, drawing up the reins
and cracking his whip, "but shall soon b@
doso" there-ge up Dobbin y
a Ny Constellation.
Is CoMINe TO THE PINT. "Madam" said an
II old topper have you any water in the house,
: that YOU can give poor man drink Of beer
y though like cider best, and should like little
a whiskey. very seldom get no cider at all a,
!, home my orchard is very small, consisting of
L only one scattering tree"
G Old Parr, who lived until the age of I52
years, gave this advice, I" Keep your head cool
by temperance, your feet warm by exercise, rise