The constitutional union., 1861-01-11
ARC ARKANSAS, FRIDAY JANUARY II, 1S6l

1 every cnafn, ana wrapped m her SnIOuU or sheeted snow we turn for our qualifications to moral sources The dreariness and dcsola- tion of the landscape, the short gloomy days and darksOnIe nights while they circumscribe our wanderngs, shut in our feelings also from rambling abroad, and make us more keenly disposed for the pleasures of the social circle
 Our thoughts are moro concentrated; our friendly sympathics more aroused. We feel more sensibly the charm of each others so- ciety, and are brought more closely together by dependence on each other for enjoyment
 Heart calcth unto heart; and we draw our pleasures from the deep wells of loyine-kind- ness, which lie in tue quiet recessos of 0Ur bosoms and which, when rcsorted to, furnish forth the pure element of domestic felicity.
 The pitchy gloom without makes the heart dilate on entering the room filled with the glow and warmth of the evening fire. The ruddy blaze diiliu9cs an artificial summer and sunshine through the room, and lights up each couRtenance in kindIier welcome
 Where dces the honest face oG hospitality ez- pand into broader and more cordial smile where $ the shy eace of love more swcedy eioquont-than by the winter fresidc and as the hollow blast of wintry wind rushes through the hall, clasps the distant door, whistles about the chimney. what can be more eratc- ful than that feeling of sober and sheltered security. with which we look round upon the comfortable chamber and the scene Of domcs- tic hilarity?
 The English, from the great prevalence of rural habit throughout every class of society. have always been fond of those festivals and holidays, which a@rccably interrupt the s-iI- ness Of country life; and they were, iu for mer days particularly obscrvant of the rali- 2ious and social rites of Christmas. It ia in- spring to read even the dry details which some antquafics have ~ivcn of the quaiut lmors the burlcsque paGeants. the complete abandonment of mirth and g0od-teIlow,hip with which this festival was celebrated 1t seemed to throw open every door, and unlock every heart. It brought the peasant and the peer together, and blended all ranks in one warm generous flow of joy and kindness. The old halls of castles and manor-houses re- sounded with the harp and the Christmas ca- rol, and their ample boards oroaneI under the weight of hospitality. Even the poorest COL ta4e welcomed the festive season with 4rcg9 decorations of bay and holIy-the cheerful fire glanced is rays through the lattice iuyit- ing the passengers to raise the latch, and join the gossip knot huddled round the hearth. beguiling the long evening with legendary
 jokes and oit-tJld Christmas tllcs
 Che of the least pleasing effects of modern refinement ls the havoc it has made among the hearty and holiday customs. It has com pctcly taken off the sharp touching@ and spirited rclefs of these embellishments of life, l, and polished. but certainly less charlctcrie- tic surface. Many of the games and ceremo- nals of Christmas have entirely dIsSppcarcd. and Ike the shcrris sack of old FalI,taf are becoming matters of. speculation and dispute | among commentators They H0urshcI in ! times full of spirit and lustihood. when men enjoyed life roughly, but heartily and yigor- ously; times wild and picturesque, which have furnished poetry with its richest mate rialS and the drama with its most attractive variety of characters and manners. The world has become more worldly. There is more of dissipation, and less of cnioymnet. Pleasure has expanded into a broader but a : shaiIowcr stream and has iorsaken many of the deep and quiet channels where 1t flowed a sWectly through the calm bosom Of domestic i life. Society has acquired more enlightened and elegant tone; bat t has lost many of 1s strong local pcculiart;cs, its home-bred icel- I nes. its honest iiIc#i5c delights 1h3 tradi- { tionary customs Of goIdcn-hearted antiquity. , is icudal hOsptalItics and lorGly WassajI.n4s. have passed away with tho baronial castlgs , and stately manor-houses in which they were celebrated. They comported with the sh9I- { owy hall, the great ouken gallery, and the l tapestriel rollor, but are uuJcGttcd to the ' light showy saloons and gay drawing g-rooms ot the modern villa.
 n Shorn, however. as 1t is, of its ancient and festive honoys, Christmas is still a period oi delightful excitement in England. IL is glal- i 1ying to see that nome feeling completely f aroused, which holds so powerful a place in , every English bosom. The preparations mak- l ing on every side for the soc:al board that is , again to unite friends and kindred; the pre- l sants of good cheer passing and repas ing. D those tokens of regard and quickeners oi :, kind feelings; the cyergrcens distributed about houses and churches, emblcm5 Of peace and gladness; all these have most pleasing r effect in producing fond associations, end Iind- t ling benevolent ympathics Even the sound Of the Waits, rude Is may bo thcr miustei.y, r DICdh5 uPNa the HliGNolcilcS Oi d NlnoCi li-lI, f with the effect of perfect harmony. As 1 have been awakened by them in that still and solemn hour, < when deep sleep faIleth upon , man. l have listened with husheI dc- light and, connecting with them the sacred < and joyous occasion, have almost lanced them , into another celestial choir, announcing peace and goodwill to mankind.
 How delightfully."- the imagination, when wrought upon by these moral influences, turns { everything to melody and beauty. The very F growing of the cock, heard sometimes in the ! profound repose of the country telling the l night watches to his feathery danes" Was thought by the common people to announce the approach of this sacred festival.
 q Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes n Wherein our Sayiours birth is celebrated,
 - This bird of d0wning singcth all night long, a And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad;
 The ghts arc whoesomc-thcn no planets strike
 No .airy takes, no witch hath power to charm, $ So hallowd and so gracious is the time"
 Amidst the general call to happiness, the hustle of the spirits, and stir of the affections
 ,,ro1aI ot +hic ,,orio1 what bocoD, cor