There certainly--we must confess it now--is something awful in the sound.
Strictly speaking, it may not be more impressive now, than at any other time; for the hours steal as swiftly on, at other periods, and their flight is little heeded.

But, we measure man's life by years, and it is a solemn knell that warns us we have passed another of the landmarks which stands between us and the grave.

Disguise it as we may, the reflection will force itself on our minds, that when the next bell announces the arrival of a new year, we may be insensible alike of the timely warning we have so often neglected, and of all the warm feelings that glow within us now..