The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-06-12
REE&CEE4EAN ElD us.
OUR BIRTH DAYS.
By CHIEF JUSTICE MELLEN, OF MAI

Each of such days is Il mile stone ON the road
of life, reminding us of the rapid rate at which
we have been advancing 10 lis close. Ii is true
that in life's morning, these mile stones appear
TO be farther apart than they do i'll latter years
still they are tie days Of hope and promise.
Thousands are then rejoicing that they are
one year nearer to The boosted age Oftwenty-
when young man feels himself lord Of his own
actions, aud glores in his own liberty. To thou
sands of the farer part of creation, these annual
monitors are welcome, rs hnrbiugers OF the day
when they shall shine in the ball room or circles
of fashion; attract all eyes, and command all at
tentiun: or perhaps fasten some sllken chain Il
round the heart Of an individual admrer, and
lead him in delightful captivity. To other thou
sands of the same sex, the anniversary will tell
tale of sadness of departed hours and departed
charms ; of withered roses and withered hopes );
when the looking glass has lost its magic power
and slleaks nothing save in the plain language OF
unwelcome truth s. soberness. Thousand ARE re-
minded that many Of the intervals between one
mile stone and another were distinguished ny
lovely landscapes and countless beauties; by
health and enjoyment; by JOY and gladness of
heart To thousands OF Others, such intervals
have heen gloomy aud cherries, without tie con
ISOLATION of friendship, tie comforts OF society,
or The Entering promises OF hope. surrounding
urospects only increased the gloom OF the mind,
and made the heart sick.
Vet in all these rccollections we mHy find in
st,uction and nourishment for our better feelings.
If our course has been checked with good and
evil. we may profit by tracing consequences to
their proper causes; ana thus learn now nlnny
mscaled msfortunes are the offspring OF folly,
imprudcncc, or wrong the uaIuTA' results OF
our own wanderngs from the path OF innocence
and duty; or else have been so unfortunate ms
10 have discovered by experience, that our hap
pnass aud du'y are Intimately connected, and
lhat wistlOm's ways are always ways OF pleasant
ness and peace. In both cases this annual re-
view of the days and years that have taken their
farewell of us. viii be salutary in effect and teach
us the value OF Virtuous resolutions OF amend
ment, when we have gone astray, the peaceful
feelings and antjrpalious of those whose desire
it is to preserve their moral health in The bowers
ofinnocenre and purity, and amid the green pas
lures and still waters Ct life.
This very day, have arrived at the seventy
third milestone on my journey 10 another coun-
try, where we all hope to enjoy happiness un-
ending. And hero must avail myself of the
old mans privilege, that OF speaking OF himself
and the incidents of exciting or soothing inter
est which have marked his onward course.
have abundant occasion to indulge IN ne pleas
ing retrospect. Through the smiles OF heaven,
| may truly say, that in the long vista can
scarcely discover an unpleasant Object to mar
the beauty Of the scene. 1t stL appears mar
aincd with foliage and flowers, almost us green
and bright as ever The surface OF the way
still seems smooth and The sky is clear and sum
merIike, rs IN the udyS OI my yo"'i "'t C"I'y
manhood. Surely these are distinguished hIes-
sings to me, and as such fondly cherish them
Heaven has given me firm constitution, and
long continued health These are precious
foundations to build upon and have improved
Them for that purpose. But much has been Ell
fected by the formation OF certain haolts ana by
m attention to certain rules and feel their
tendency and effects as valuable medicines. ItI
ianot vanity in an old man to recommend them
10 others ] am influenced by better motives
in the first place when child,
Il knew mothers tender care.
And heard the instructions of n fathers tongue,
and | hope have never forgotten them, or in
any situation dsregaried their benign influence,
but reverenced them as Important saieguardS.-I
The rules have adopted have never to any eX
tent deceived me.
Ist have always found that if had injur-
ed any one, especially if Intentionally, could
enjoy no peace of mind until had asked and
obtained his forgivneSs. When forgiven, there
was calm and sunshine in my bosom. never
solicited in vain.
End. Knowing by experience the value of
this blessed sunshine. have always endeavored
so to be on my guard, as not to offend by ndu'g'
ing passion, suspicion or want of respect or cour-
gesy and kindness in return from all others.
3D.. IL on sudden have for a few moments
been guilty of INDUCING in passion, the SUP
never went down on my wrath. / never did
and never could retain resentment against any
one, and cherish a desire of revenge Cor such a
desire would have been painful aud distressing.
A word from him who bad excited my momenta
ry anger,spoken to me in,kindness, never failed to
disarm every disturbed feeling. / have always
found peaceful disposition a source of comfort,
and to produce the same calm Within as is caus-
ed by gentle breezes on.a summer day, refresh
ing the invalid who is walking abroad to nhale
them.
4th In order TO preserve this youthful feeling
Of our nature, while advancing i'll years, have
steadily maintained the custom of associating
with the young as well as the old; in joining in
the social or fashionable CIRCLE and breathing the
atmosphere of the library or the drawlnS-room
with the ladies and gentlemen, more especially
with those whom am in the habit of meeting on
other occasions, upon terms of easy intercourse.
by this practice my social feelings have remain !