Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-12-30


The selections, ike most of the fash
ionable music Of the day, were of light
er order than is strictly called for by a
thoughtful community. But the juvenile
character Of the performers was suita-
bic apology for this occasion. ~ --~-
Mr.. Bailey will give another concert,
with his Juvenile Class, at the Congrega-
tionalist church, en- Friday evening next.
A new programme throughout, comic
pieces, etc. Admission 25 cents. Chill
dren IS cents. T TrrTF
The closing year brings with it its
PLEASURES. its sorrows, is bright hopes, or
its dark forebodings for the future, aud
its pleasing as well as its painful reflec-
tons for the past. Each has aimed to
do his duty and to act well his part in
the great drama of human life. Yet
each has faiIed-every one has come
short in the progressive scale and is far
from being satisfied with the progress he
has made. If wealth was the Object,
few are satisfied, while those who run
the race for fame, have failed to secure
the dazzling prize. If it were literary
attainments, the hight is not gained,
though the ascent seemed easy. If 1t
was progress in morals and religion. few
can discover the slightest advance
Hence. long anil many years may we
live aud vet accomplish little. That life
is short indeed, though of century ,of
years, which answers not the end for
which we are created. That life is long,
though brief in wears, which answers
iife's great end. IT'S not the rolling
sands of time that makes us better or
natures the mind. Virtue subdues the
boisterous passions. and natures the
soul. Sadness or grief will rot improve
unless lighted by the bright, the guiding
star of virtue. Hope may please but
only virtue adorns. -
But the closing hour draws nigh. We
feel it, we are passing crisis-aImost a
clemacteric. None but the thoughtless
can pass from the old year 10 the new,
and much less from one decade to an-
other, without serious thong and deep
meditation. AS we gaze into the back
entry of time'' we behold the wreck of a
thousand well wrought schemes, tumbled
promiscuously together with wealth and
honor once within our grasp. We be-
hold the images of departed worth and
sigh in sadness ever pleasures long since
past. Then glarcing into the future be.
wildered at the prospect. So sure as
time rolls on-so sure as Suns shall set
and moons shall wane, so sure shall
we be then where former friends are
now. eve k4# y &
Why then this eagerness for wealth
Why then this sacrifice for famel The
beggar may be rich when compared with
the millionaire, and the child is happier
far with his toys than the king upon his
throne.
What is life when wanting friendship
and lovef Dark night with never a
bright beam of morning. And how can
we bave love In the heart that knows
nothing but sordid selfishnessl And
yet the world is better than we allow
There is some redeeming feature in the
breast of every human being. Some
good intention lurEs behind thousand
snares. Were the secret cares of the
heart written legibly upon the brow,
thousands would share our pity who now
raise our envy.
But again the hour is passing. To
morrow we step into a new year-to-
morrow we step into new decade, and
well might it be If we could step into a
new life. Few, if any, are satisfied with
the present, and none with the past.
Let us forget the faults and foibIes OF
days and years gone by. Live in the
future as for the future, and then with
brighter hopes and happier thoughts we
shall bs better prepared to meet the
events Of life-better prepared TO i've
happier on earth, and secure home ia
Heaven hereafter. NJ.