Litchfield enquirer., 1833-01-03
COOP OLD CUSTOMS.


It IS an old Dutch custom to call and
exchange good wishes on the first day in
the year, not only with present friends, but
those between whom and the visitor there
had been any GOODNESS or inisunderstand-
ing. It is a custom worthy the age of
Saturn. He who can sit down by his Gre
on the last night Of tho year, and look back
as he must on the track Of his personal
feelings, and remember the offence he has
given and ,taken--both perhaps unforgiven
and not wish, in his calm blood and cb-
bling resentment, that his enemy we're there
to sit down with him and exchange pleas
ant regrets, and renew the old and famil-
lar intercourse, must step on the thresh-
old Of the new year with little hope and
los prospect Of coming happiness. And
it IS not the express differences we have
had with our friends and neighbors--
not the most aggravated proyocations,
(which come mp the thickest and are me
most dificalt to forgive. 1t is the cold
look, the inattentive courtesy, tho forgot.
ten respect, the sighted opportunity Of
kindness, the doubtful and unreasonable
iniury-.he thousand touches which our
pride and self-interest get in1the unavoida-
BILE hurry and press Of the thronging world.
These tester when a deep wonnd heals.-
1t is not less asnagnaninous duty still, to
array them all at the years close and
calmly dismiss them. And il is not less al
pleasure than the forgiving great wrong
for they, cumber sadly the timid feet of
content, and starting up namelessly in the
heart at the call Of its perpetual associa-}
&:o~s tw,,,lNt0 sfa s>ao = - nrxrairOo1tsy WhvI
should notthe affections be rsckoned with
like dnties2 Why should they not waste
and become disordered, like them, ii not
watchfully overlooked Z Once year, all
least, we should inquire whom and how
much we love and hate, and whether these
more responsible treasures than gold and
silver, are fitly lavished or Withheld. The|
dutifnl affections. most ofall, need carefully
vigilance. Theysare deeply rooted, and1
we feel secure OF them, for they were
planted by nature. But in the busy for
getfulnesso of care or pleasure, they are of
ten suffered TO be overgrown aud slighted.l
An assidnous natural affection is as rare as
N perfect chrysolite. And it is as precious
for what on earth sinks so deeply into
tho heart, as the ready, delicate, anticipate
Y
be we'll spent hour between two years
that shonld be devoted TO dispassionate
reckoning with the daily and familiar feel
ings.f The passions will take care oftheir
own, for though called generous and warm,
I they exact too nice.a return not to eniis.
tho most wakeful sel6shness in their scr-
vice. But of these silent working and ac-
custOmea ministers to our love within US,
we are often far too secure. They and all
our preferences and ayersions should be
iealeusly kept upright and free from un-
worthy mixture, and IL there Is time Of all
!. oilers fitted for the recurrence Of such
vigilapce, 4 il this.
Tho custom Of presenting gifts at this
season, springs frem tho same natural lecl-
ing. There Is . watmth Of heart belong
ing to the season itself which IS universal,
and this i one Of its promptings. How
could the year be better begun than by ad-
dug ! new link to friendsbip7 To chill
/ drRns particularly, the new years holidays
are spurces gof the most benevolent and
genial feelings. Nothing is so cheaply
bought a. The love Of child, and few
things are 20 delightful. An inconsidera-
BILE gitf pleasantly presented, gives Won q
lasting place IN tho memory Of human
being in one Of lis most beautiful stages.
.E#wfAa Il Neas- Yerk MIRROR.
ssf9n@s 9txftA B-- AfAfs3 If3.
Ssvea advantages 1T Iafaai Schools.
~. They relieve parents fran the car
md trouble offhsir younger children an,
give them leisure freely TO attend 70 thei
domestic concerns. .- .s n Nv
3. They rescue children from the per
sonal dangers In the little accidents !,
which they are exposed; and, what is vast
y more Important, they rescue childFeg
ffonI the corrupt examples and influences
Of vicious servants. ssa nse &
8. They redeem from waste, and pro.
vide employment for the most valuable