The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1856-01-24

The evening lamp is burning, and
around it are gathered the cheerful family
circle. They arg hsppy among them
selves, andlrrjoice That they are secure in
their household temple-secure from the
Intrusion OF strangers. and allowed to pass
the hours in converse with spirits o q
Nike mind with their own, instead OF ming
ling with the busy crowd, with trifing
words and mocking smile.
Bltitis not so to night-that happy
liule fahilycircle is lobe broken up. "A
gay cfowd-some friends. Others strall-
gers,-haxe- aetermined-on making that
house the scene ,ofgwhat is termed 'fSur-
prise porty.'a DisregArding all the sa-
cred barriers which render the walls OF
tach, home inviolate. they enter, and turn
iato an evening offestivity and nirth that
which had promised to be one of peace
and family communion. The persons
thus intruded upon are of course obliged
70 receive their unexpected guests with
poli,eness and treat them as though they
had come by sperial invitation, instead o
having committed gross outrage On all
rules Of propriety and order.
1t matters little what may be the feel
ings Of the different m, mbers of the family,
violence must be done to them. Grief NAV
have cast its mantle O 'er their hearts, or
death may have been busy with relatives
and friends. Their minds may be indis-
posed for scenes of gayety, and household
arrangements may make it extremely in
convenient and unpleasant to entertain
even band of friends well known and
esteemed all the same to those who
will seek pleasure at the expense of 9th
erS.
We once read Of case which we think
should be known to all lovers of ''sur-
prise parties A gentleman in an cas-
tern city had after the tolls and cares Of
a busy day. seated himself in the family
circle to enjoy an evening Of domestic
quiet. For some time his business con-
Germs had been in precarious condition.
He was deeply involved in debt. but ow-
ing to promise made to his creditors.
who had every confidence in his integrity.
to live economically until his arrearages
should be paid. he felt that be would be
able to weather the storm and come out
safe at last. esF
But on this very evening a number OF
friends determined to give them sur
prise in the shape ola party. It was
done and two of his creditors passing the
house at the time. and seeing it brilliant
ly illuminated, concluded to inquire into
it. Bling informed that there was par.
ty there, they remarked, that he could
afford TO give. parties. he could afford to
pay his debts The result may be imag-
ined. The merchant was ruined, and
his family were obliged 10 disband and
seek individual means Of support. All
this arose from the thoughtlessness of
those who, no doubt, imagined that no
harm could result from the mere conven-
ing of party without previous notice.
Why not send and inquire if such an in
vasion on the part offriends would be con-
venient and pleasant? TIE mere act of
the surprise would seem TO US OF little &C
count, compared with the mortified feel
ing WHICH might result from a different
course. In particular cases the intrusion
may be pleasant, as a general thing we
are sure it is not.
In all our acts, either for profit or pleas
ure, we should remember that mans
house is his csstle, and his home and
hearth are sacred to his own family.
Friends, reflect for moment. and you
will allses the improperly Of "'surprist
parties.'