Old Christmas

ming into my soul from the happy looks of those around me. Surely happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven; and every countenance, bright with smiles, and glowing with innocent enjoyment, is a mirror transmitting to others the rays of a supreme and ever-shining benevolence. He who can turn churlishly away from contemplating the felicity of his fellow-beings, and sit down darkling and repining in his loneliness when all around is joyful, may have his moments of strong excitement and selfish gratification, but he wants the genial and social sympathies which constitute the charm of a merry Christmas.

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[Illustration: The Stage Coach]

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Omne benè Sine poenâ Tempus est ludendi; Venit hora, Absque morâ, Libros deponendi.

Old Holiday School Song.

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THE STAGE COACH

[Illustration: I]

In the preceding paper I have made some general observations on the Christmas festivities