The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-02-13
Miscellaneous,
The Teachings of Wisdom The
Old and the New Year.

The daughter of Reflection whispered 10
me and said, -'wouldst thou he wise" ! an
severed yes, and she said lookn looked &
behcId two persons of very different appear
ancc, approaching each other from opposite
directions. One was IL very old man. His
step was lettering and slOw-his check pale
and sukcn. His hair, white us the fallen
SNOW, streamCd in the northern blast, that
with is icy brcath,was freezing up the spring
oflilc. lie leaned heavily upon his staff, for
he bore weight far heavier than the weight
ofage. He carried Oh his shoulders, and on
either arm, package of no ordinary size
whilst many oil smaller dimensions were ias-
tened to different parts Of lis person. The
other was youth. His bearing was noble
and dignlied-hiS step elastic but firm. Hope
was IN bis cyC--hCaltlI upon his cheek. His
brow wore the corouet Ola high cstutc, and
his lips the smile of uucircumscribod being
nifty. The way-wurm grim that thou see
ST. she said, is the Old Year, about 10 close
his long and toilsome journey: and the Youth
is the New Year, just entering upon the same
race.
The Travellers had now met and sauted
each other: and the daughter of reflection
whispered again aud said, --'Wouldst thou he
wise? l answered yes. aud she said, Listen
listened, and noted the words that passed
between them.
New Year. Whittier goest thou, old man?
- One would suppose that you would prefer
to be comfortably housed in this Indictment
weather
Old Year. | have neither time nor will to
tarry. | am weary, it is true, but have not
long to travel now--lny journey is nearly
done. Thou askest whittier go Seest thou
that vast eXpansc OF gloomy water yolnler, q
that little vessel there moored close TO the
shore.
New Year. No, I cannot turn my eyes in
that direction; if were should die. But
what of the water and the ship?
Old Year. 1t is the Sea of Death! and that
small vessel, whose sails are already sailing
with breeze from shore. is to bear me over
its sunless waves.
New Year. Andwhither will it bear you,
venerable Father?
Old Year. TO Eternity
New Year. And what is Eternity? Where
is it?
Old Year. Ask of the angels. The dark
ness of the grave hangs between us and it
Millions have embarked for its undiscovered
shores, but yon sulIcn Sea bears no returning
bark.
New Year.--But you seem TO he heavily
laden old pilgrim; what do you carry?
Old Year.-The records of eartlI, since
commenced my journey.
New Year.-What is that immense bur
then on your shoulders?
Old Year.-It contains the records of mis-
spent ACCOMPLISHMENTS principally ofyoiIths
& young madens,who could not be persua-
ded that the minutes and hours they were
scattering, with so profse hand, on Times
all devoIring sea, would be swallowed up,
and return to them no more.
New Year-Why does
Old Yeaf.-Stop know what you wish
and will CRAFTY your curiosity without fur
Their question. The package on my right arm
contains the records of ingratitude for the
mercies and blessings Of God. 1t isa heavy
burden. Man in the hour ofdistress and dan
ger, is swift to fly to God for succor; but when
mercies and blessings are showered upon
him, he forgets the hand that sends them
This, on my left, contains general record
of duties wnperforned. 1t is long and feor'