Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-01-09
From the philadelphia INQUIRER.
=; ~ = - From the PhIIadelphla Inquirer
T CLOSE oFTHE AR.
a@; FEW HINTS FOR THE SEASON.
"Upon dial stone, - 81. Sab esaa4

Behold the shade of Time, a.-
Forever circling, on and on,
@1 In silence more sublime ~
Than if the thunders of the spheres |
Pealed forth its march to mortal ears" |
This is the last day Of the year. A few
hours longer, and eighteen hundred and
forty-6ve-a child Of Time that has been
with us daily and hourly for nearly twelve
months have mingled with the sha-
dows of the past-lts joys and lis sorrows
its hopes and its disappointments-its
good and its evil will, except in their eff
fects or influences, live only in the cham
bers of memory-aid the records of histo.
ry. There is. perhaps, no more appropri-
ate season for thoughtful reflection, for a
review of the PAST with reference TO its in
fuences upon the PRESENT and the FUTURE,
than at the close of the year. The pro-
gress of time is so steady and unWavering
day succeeds day in such regular order,
that we grow familiar with the diurnaI
changes, and pay little heed to the hours
| as they pass. But at the close of the year.
it is the custom of the man of business to
glance at his profits and losses, to review
and revalue his stock, and thus to ascer-
tain, as nearly as possible, his pecuniary
position in the world. This is wise,
prudent, and almost indispensable rule
and if such review may be regarded as ne
cessary with reference to matters of strict
ly business nature, is 1t not equally impor-
tant that we should take some retrospect
as to our intellectual and moral progress,
as to our advancement in the nober ele-
menss Of our nature, in the sympathies, the
virtues and the affections, which prove our
superiority over the brute creation, and the
proper exercise Of which is essential not
only TO our mortal but our immortal desti-
ny. Time is ever progressive. He new
er turns to retrace his steps. We may re-
pent Of misdeeds, and determine TO reform.
We may, looking back at the past, be
warned by lis errors and false steps, but
the records Of that past can never be erased
from the mind of the Great Eternal, altho'
! by our subsequent conduct we may win
mercy and forgiveness. On-on-the
years follow each other, rapidly, inevita-
bly,. We may not see them-we may be
Indifferent with regard to their progress,
and forgetlul Of their influence. But new
ertheless, Time is constantly working chan
ges in US and ours, is hurrying US to the
end of,all human pursuits, is changing the
destinies of men and of nations, is fulfil
ling from year to year, and from age to
age, the mighty plan of the Author of the
Universe.
Each individual, it is true, is but one of
many millions-a sand, comparatively
speaking, in the boundless plain Of crea-
lion. And yet each plays part in the
great drama of existence-each not only
influences the little circle in which he
moves and mingles, but contributes, how
ever remotely, to the triumph of good or
teviI, and will be held res ponsible according
30 his position, his cspability and his acts.
These are the thoughts which naturally
rise to the mind, as we pause at the ter
mination Of one regular period of Time.
and reflect as to the future. What has
been the history Of the year about to close,
so far as we are Immediately concerned
How have we advanced. how have we ben
Gifted ourselves and the beings confded to
our charge! Are we wiser, better, hap
pier than we were year ago? If not,
have we omitted any of the means within
our power for the improvement of our con-
dition? Have we been faithful to our coun.
, try, to liberty, to society, and 10 virtue
Have we in any degree assisted TO soothe
the sorrowful, relieve the afflicted and &c
advantage the poor! Have we discharged
all our duties as men and Christians, as be.
ings bound to pursue certain course here,
and conscious that such course will ahec,
our destinies hereafter Have we realized
and appreciated the blessings enjoyed by
us, and manifested our sense of gratitude
in a spirit OF proper humility and Deepen.
dence upon Providence! Welive in a land
that enjoys peculiar blessings, in an age
that is characterized by high degree Of
+. civilization. Our duties are increased &C.
cordingly. We are able to see clearly and
distinctly the broad line between virtue
and vice-we recognise and acknowledge
the Supreme Belng-we feel our accoun.
liability in the end to the Maker of Heaven
and ofEarth. The path of duty is a plain
one before US. Have we followed that path
during the year which is about TO termi
nate Are the motives ofour daily conduct
such as they should be And are our acts
governed by our motives }! r- g..-a,=-
These are questions which each should
put to himself in spiri, of inquiry and ad
: monilion. If we see the right, and ye