Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1849-02-01
Winter AmuSementS.

W HUI hluuCCl IUutpI
During :als season, which many people
imagine possesses few charms, each indiv-
ldual following his inclination, cndeavors
to find amusements to enliven the long win
Ter evenings Many pursue one continual
round of riot and dissipation. 1t is indeed
truly lamentable to see so many people, by
Incidence, or frivolous pursuits, contriving
to lose the davs already too short. The
course of the day is commonly filled with a
circle of occupations, which neither cor
respond to the dignity of man, nor the de.
stnatIon of his soul. Late in the morning,
the vouptuary rises from his bed during
breakfast, he plans out the amusements of
the day. then abandoning himself to every
species Of idleness, awaits the hour Of din
ner; which arrived, he gives himself up to
the pleasures of the table. Gorged with
excess, he throws himself upon a couch to
recruit his exhausted powers. The hour
comes when be is to meet u numerops par
ty. He sits down to play. For the FIRST
time since the sun.beams irradlated the
east, he appears to possess a soul: with
cards in his hand the hours fly rapidly. AT
length, this sensual wretch quits his cards
for another debauch, and reels from table
to bed; but sleep does not gently overpow-
er his senses, and wrap his soul in sweet
iorgetfulness Pain and watching Cypress
him, or frightful dreams disturb his trou'
bled slumbers
How ingenious is man in devising Fri.
fling amusements to abridge the few mo
ments allotted him Sometimes, the plea
sures of the chase call him from his home
that he may enjoy the qualification Of see
ing the timid hare, and the painting deer
fly with the speed of wind, to escape theil
cruel pursuers; or that he may have the
satisfaction of viewing them in their las
sad agonies, torn and mangled, and heal
their piercing cries, mingled with this say
age howl of dogs and men, reverberateC
from the neIghboring hills.
The ball alures with meretrcicus
charms; and there innocence of heart il
often exchanged for sorrow and disease
At one time fcasts invite, at another di
versions and public places; all tending t.
mislead and corrupt. Having enumerated
sufficient specimen of the amusements o
winter, let me conclude by reminding my
feIIow-creatures of the part they ought tc
act respecting such diversions. wish no
to discourage and repress that inclination
for social intercourse which, particularly a
these season of the wear, is highly delight
full; but | wish you not to suffer it to TAXI
such firm hold of your mind as to becom'
passion. Allowing that when you NEE
together nothing passes that can derogat,
from virtue and good manners, yet sucl
parties may be hurtful, by consuming to-
much of your time, and occasoning thu
neglect of your domestic economy. Plea
sure is not the business of our lives tn
power of obtaining it is granted US by
tpenehCienr God, serve for relaxation frOl
the severer duties of business or study. II
be too eager in the pursuit Of pleasure,
at the risk Of never obtaining your end, O
of acquiring that which may ultimately pre-
duCe sorrow and remorse. Be very care
full, then, with what society you mix LAWS
not your time in those amusements whic
you cannot enjoy without injuring you
virtue, your reputation, or the peace o
your family Let not those needless plea
sure that disturb your neighbors, excit
their lamentations, and fill them with sor
row, and by which you may be lost to thu
duties of society and of religion, ever fine
access to your heart Suffer not even tn
most innocent qualifications to render yor
insensibIe to the pure and permanent plea
sure of Christianity, or to make you dlssa
tlslied with your more serious occupations
Oh God govern, with thy gracious in
huence, our hearts and grant, that amids
earthly enjoyments, we may never forge
thy most holy name. That in our inter
course with men, the remembrance of tn,
presence may secure US from temptations
and that, from day TO day, we may becom
more and more devoted to the exercise o
our duties as Christians, parents and citiz
ems; while we shun those fleeing pleasure
which so easily allure us from the path o
rectitude, and diminish our zeal for gooC
works. What inducement can we have, t.
seek for frivolous amusements, when W,
possess, within ourselves, the sources of tn,
most pure and refined pleasures TIL
contemplation of the great works of Natur'
at all times is grand, and fills the min'
with wonder and reverance for the Creator
In winter, as we'll as in the other seasons
they shine forth equally manifest TIL
starry heavens, the fields, as far as the eye
can reach, covered with snow, inspire tn
nobest and most sublime ideas, create
constant succession of pleasure, and elevat
and dignity the souI.-HOme Journal