Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 December 1876 — REFORM. [ARTICLE]

REFORM.

For many months past this word reform has bean foremost upon the tongue of the orator. It has appeared prominently and frequently in the newspaper literature of our land. It is* little word, but capable of immense possibilities. Reform ie a good thing to talk about, an excellent thing to practice, It la well at the commencement Of the new year to resolve upon one or more measures of personal reformation. Resolve to turn over a new leaf in the journal of life, and quitone or more vicious, immoral, foolish or ungenteel practice*. Or, better still, break away from every bad or questionable habit, and begin to live a purer life. Let the swearer cease his profanity; it is foolish, it is coarse, it is wicked.

"Swear Dot at all: neither by heaven; for it is God's throne*, nor by the earth ; for it is his footstool. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Let the drinking man reform and resolve to abjure the use of intoxicating liquor. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink i’ raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.’’ The excessive use of strong drink excites the baser passions, destroys all of the finer feelrings and nobler impulses of the heart, brings sorrow, poverty and shame. Let the spendthrift cease his profligacy and commence to lay by something to support himself in* old age, that be be not a public charge, a tramp or a thief. Let the miser resolve to open his heart to the appeals of merciful charity, and cease to oppress the widou(, the orphan, and his unfortunate neighbor. “He that give th to the poor lendeth to the Lord;”. Let the tattler learn to bridle his unruly tongue, cease to speak evil of his neighbors, and not indulge in the Repetition of scandal, “lie that rpeaketh lies shall perish.” Let the dilatory, debtor make prompt, honorable and satisfactory settlement with him who has favored him with credit. This is just. Say not, It is but a trifle, he is able pnd paq wait a while longer; for this is not a fair way to treat those who have shown us kindness whpp o»r necessities have pressed upon us sorely.

“Bring foi th fruit for repentance.” Pay the doctor whose skill and counsel have restored health to the sick, strength to the feeble, and joy to the hearts of those who were bowed down in gruet at the suffering of those loyed ones who sank down close to death’s door. J*ay the merchant and the jailor who have clothed you. Pay groper, |.he butcher, the miller *ud the baker who have fed you. Pay the landlord who provided you wkb a halter from inclement weather. Pay your laundress, for she is poor and needy; perhaps she may be a widow whose children want food and clothing; her rent may be due; or her wood-pile low. Pay the miuiater under whose ministra-

tion you have sat with satisfaction, ai-d whose words of hope have been cheer and consolation to your foul. Pay the attorney whose cojMMel has shielded your posses#jphs from the rapacity of soulless /borporatjuns. Pay the man servant and maid servant whose labor have .guided to your comfort and your store. “The laborer is worthy of .4>is hire.” Pay all whom thou owest, even to the uttermost farthing. Square up all old accounts. Make honorable settlement of some fcind. £wear off from bad habit*. Regolye to reform* Cumin it no perjury, DP to every good resolution, Then U’iU the new year be indeed • happy ou*-

It is reported tlt/X Govu-mor Hendrick* is in favor of a comyrofni*e of die ejection niuddlc by permilticg the Hoose of gptivea to elect the president. and the senate the vice prc*W«nt. This would place Mr. Tilden in the White jHou«e and Mr. heeler •?hiM become presiding officer of the Senate. M«. Hendrick* would he provided for either by * Cornet jpositioß or a foreign mission.