Fashion was confined within narrow limits, and pride, which aimed at no grander equipage than a pillion, could exult only in the common splendor of the blue and white linen gown, with short sleeves, coming down to the waist, and in the snow-white flaxen apron, which, primly starched and ironed, was worn on public days.

There was no revolution except from the time of sowing to the time of reaping, from the plain dress of the week to the more trim attire of Sunday.

Every family was taught to look to the fountain of all good.
Life was not all sombre.

Frolic mingled with innocence.

Sometimes religion itself wore the garb of gayety, and the annual thanksgiving to God was, from primitive times, as joyous as it was sincere.