Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser

FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY.

Mr. Editor :-How much wiser we are than our Grandfathers. Almost every thing around us reminds one of the flattering proficiency we make in improving the human condition. What occasion have we to look with complacency on ourselves, as well as with pity and derision upon the humble attainments, made by generations that have gone before us. But my particular object, at the present time, is to notice with admiration that noble spirit of daring, with which our young men begin to throw off that blind and old-fashioned reverence for the Sabbath, which has so long been the reproach of our ancestors. I have lived to enjoy what King Richard denominates (pardon the allusion to a character with whom I hope I have no sympathies at all) the butt end of a mother's blessing," a good old age: have always inhabited the same tenement, which has undergone very little change, for the last forty years, except, like its master, to fall gradually into decay, and, unlike him, to have now and then, received a few repairs. This mansion is located near the centre of a country village not a hundred miles from your press. I have not been an indifferent spectator of passing events. But it affords me singular satisfaction, in the evening of life, to see the rising generation giving such indications of future respectability and usefulness; and, in some instances, stepping so much in advance of their years as even, during minority, to take the government of themselves from the shoulders of their parents, or as it is better expressed, " doing what is right in their own eyes." Forty years ago such was the popular delusion on this subject, that all, who could, attended the public worship of God on the Sabbath, and those who could not, abstained entirely from an open disregard of that day. Indeed to have been seen loungingly promenading the green, near a house of public worship, during the hours which are consecrated to that object, would have been regarded as a stigma on moral character. Not so now. Instances, it is true, did occur that the sons of affluence, idleness and dissipation did encroach a little on those hours, for the necessary purpose of an airing in a coach or chaise. But what is particularly praise-worthy now-a-days, the laboring classes are seen freely participating in those enjoyments, which used formerly to be monopolized, without opposition, by the idly rich. And what can be more refreshing or indispensably necessary to the health of a young man, who has been, all the week, confined to the rake, the scythe and the hoe, without sunshine or air, than the luxury of a Sunday-airing in a waggon, or chaise, top down, when he can, once more, breathe the gale as it comes fresh from the mountain, and regale his eyes on the rural scenery? And what ten-fold power has that fair one's charms, who, in defiance, it may be, of a parent's injunction, is seen bravely to bear him company! I have been led to these remarks, Mr. Editor, from having so frequently, at this season of the year, at church, when the windows are necessarily open, had my attention drawn from the duties of the place by the din of wheels, which are rolling by with accelerated velocity with these heart cheering sights. Indeed, I have no doubt, in my obscure country village, there is more annoyance from this cause, to those assembled for the public worship of God, on the Sabbath, than there is from the same cause to any worshipping assembly, in Boston.

A COUNTRY JUSTICE.