Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-01-04
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WEDNESDAY MORNING. JANUARY I, 1854.
THE new YEAR.

NC IuneIai Knell OF our old friend has been
tolled: A point Of time which marks our
progress in life has passed. The old year is
now numbered among the things that were.
But though gone, it cannot be forgotten, it
hasleftits mark upon each brow, its shadows
in each heart. The record of the past is
written, and whether in JOY or sorrow, it will
ever stand. There are few, who do not at
this season, find it necessary to knit anew the
broken thread of affection, and find it sad
task, to number the missing objects of inte-
rest. Many of our friends have passed from
earth, others have gone beyond the happy
circle, to which they once gave life and IN
terest some remain (alas too fewl firm in
their professions Of friendship, and fervent in
their lovc--others have become Indifferent,
cold and false. The record Of the past year,
is but part Of the fragmented and disjointed
history Of life, and upon every page bears the
sad evidences of Change. But while all is
doubt and variableuess, guided by the de-
lusivc phantom of hope, VIC still rush on, while
the links that bind us to life are ever giving
way--our fellow-travcller, our companion
sinks from our side into the grave-the crea-
ture of our Affections parent--a husband
"a wife--a child-our dearest idols
snatched away by death. Still we halt not
the eternal cry is "Onward" past re-
cedes, and is forgotten-the present and the
future are all to us. But yet, chequered
and variable as has been the past to u.s.,
there are in it, bright spots. One friend has
been lost, or proved falsc-we have gained
another. Once we were disappointed, again
we more than realized our anticipations. We
we're injured by the prejudices of one, the
partialities of another repaid US. During the
year that has but just closed upon US, changes
political, and social, have taken place in our
land, and We would fain hope for the better.
The fierce spirit of the glass and scythe has
passed over some Of the fairest portions of
cur land stealing its victims silently and un-
seen. The vigorous were stricken down, the
active and busy suddenly disappeared, death
was caught in the breath Of night-in the
dropping of the dew, and our own feet may
have been on the brink of the chasm--the |
invisible ABYSS, and our own bosom grazed |
by the deadly shaft, yet we rejoice, fervent-
ly, that we have witnessed the advent of the
New Year. And we trust that Time, IRON |
hearted as he is, has made us individually |
and as nation, better, happier, and greater.
All that can conduce to our comfort and hap
piness is ours abundantly to enjoy. The
wisdom of our Republican fathers--the gran
deur and sublimity of our free institutions, |
are becoming more fully appreciated.
Nor is our influence confined to our own
shores-the reyolutions-the struggles for
liberty in the Old World, tell us, that we
have spoken, as in tones of thunder to the
iron-clad despot, and in a language of hope
to suffering millions. The eyes of Europe
are upon this land of Freedom-this home of
the exile. Kingdoms falling-pont to the time
not far distant when we shall stand at the
head of glorious procession of Republics
which shall embrace the world.
Let no sacriligious hand be laid upon the
altar of our liberties. And though the po-
litical heavens may occasionly thunder, and
the earth rock, let the sky be cleared, and
the priceless value of our Liberty and Union
more highly priced. Letvirtue, intelligence,
and harmony be our Distinguishing character
istic, and We have little to fear for our future
destiny.
And now kind readers and friends, permit
US to express the hope that you have all
hailed the advent of the new year in happi-
ness-and permit us further oaexpress our
most ardent desire, that the present may be
to you year filed up with rich temporal and
spiritual blessings; that every day of it may
add gem to your crown of wisdom, and
drop to your cup of happiness. May all its
suns illuminate your pathway with bright
pleasures, and its moons beam delight, its
mornings realize joyous anticipatons, and its
evenings afford glad surprise and may its
close find you all in possession of life and
health, in the possession Of the most precious
treasures from the endless mines Of Gods
wealth-wiih as many real friends as you
would wish to have, and better and happier
than has any proceeding one.
JUST THE PAPER FOR YOUR FAMILY.
%e commend to our readers the "Ameri-