Good Night by J. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 17, 1857

"Good Night"

By J. Clarke

Is a contraction of "God be with you to night," meaning, God grant you a good night, or give you rest, quiet sleep to-night. Our daily food is not more necessary than sound abundant sleep. "So He giveth his beloved sleep." Ps. cxxvii, 2. All should say (rather pray) Good night. Children and parents and all should think of this. To be freed from disturbing dreams, from "the pestilence that walketh in darkness," from the powers of darkness who "wear out the saints," now more busy than ever, to rest from exciting cares, and painful watching, from fatigue of labor, mental and physical, to be protected from the midnight assassin, to be shielded from every danger, all these are included in that trite but beautiful expression, good night. Who that has tossed, sleepless, and restless and almost distracted, vainly desiring sleep for only one night, does not know the torture of such a trial?

Especially is sleep indispensable to the wearied mind, and to such it is oftenest denied. The wearied body sinks readily into slumber; not so the wearied mind. Ever active, the mind is more so when the eyes are closed, and the pall of night hides outward vision. Exciting studies, news, and intensely interesting subjects, should be attended to at an early hour, and as the hour of rest draws near, the mind should be calmed, freed from all that perplexes, or burdens, or excites. It is said that four out of five cases of lunacy are preceded by loss of sleep. Fretfulness, despondency and a thousand ills proceed from the same cause. Be sure to get regular abundant sleep. Indeed, there is a world of meaning in the evening salutation, "Good night."

J. CLARKE. Portage, Wood Co. Ohio.