It is
gratifying to see that home feeling completely aroused which holds
so powerful a place in every English bosom. The preparations making on
every side for the social board that is again to unite friends and
kindred; the presents of good cheer passing and repassing, those
tokens of regard, and quickeners of kind feelings; the evergreens
distributed about houses and churches, emblems of peace and
gladness; all these have the most pleasing effect in producing fond
associations, and kindling benevolent sympathies. Even the sound of
the Waits, rude as may be their minstrelsy, breaks upon the midwatches
of a winter night with the effect of perfect harmony. As I have been
awakened by them in that still and solemn hour. "when deep sleep
falleth upon man," I have listened with a hushed delight, and,
connecting them with the sacred and joyous occasion, have almost
fancied them into another celestial choir, announcing peace and
good-will to mankind.
How delightfully the imagination, when wrought upon by these moral
influences, turns every thing to melody and beauty! The very crowing
of the cock, heard sometimes in the profound repose of the country,
"telling the night watches to his feathery dames," was thought by
the common people to announce the approach of this sacred festival.
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