Lingering around her like a spell, Was beauty strange and deep; Yet while we weep, a wispered tone Is borne on the breath of even It bids us be glad, for the loved one hath gone Then mourn not the spirits early fled, I had rather be the remembered dead, Original. FEMALE INFLUENCE. EMMA. DEAR BROTHER HAMLINE,-I rejoice to learn that I once visited the grave-yard of a pleasant village on the Ohio river. It was the spring of the year. The birds caroled among the trees. The dog-wood and red-bud, earliest children of the spring in western scenery, were in bloom. As I saw the houstonia cerulia, and other wild vernal flowers, springing up over the graves of the dead, I thought of the resurrection of the just. I saw the genius of Christianity, by an eye of faith, spreading her trophies over the tomb. Clad in the habiliments of immortality, while a light stream-||your laudable efforts for the establishment of a perioding from the resurrection morn illumined the tomb, she ical for ladies, have met with so much encouragement, exclaimed, "It is sown in corruption, it is raised in as to have determined you to commence the publication incorruption; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in of it, and that the work is likely to be so extensively glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; patronized, as to insure its perpetuity. If my best wishit is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."es and humble exertions, will contribute any thing to It was eventide. The sun's last rays, like molten a result so very desirable, they are hereby most cordialgold, still rested on the hills and tree tops, as I busied myself, reading the inscriptions on the tomb stones. I at length came to one, in a retired part of the churchyard, which I found to be a stranger's grave, with the following epitaph: "Deep in the west, from kindred dust how far! On thy lone grave shines down the evening star." The time to die, come when it will, is a solemn hour; but to expire among strangers, distant from those we love, who are ignorant of our fate, must add to the struggles of that hour. Whether the Christian dies among friends or among strangers, on the land or on the ocean, in the arid desert or beneath the palmetto's shade, a Friend is near, who whispers, "Because I live, ye shall live also;" and thronging seraphim conduct his soul to the mansions of the blest. With these and kindred reflections crowding upon my mind, I paid the tribute of a tear to the stranger's grave, and returned to my lodgings instructed by my "walk in the grave-yard," not to ly tendered to your acceptance. This, my dear sir, is an enterprise which, in my opinion, has already been delayed much too long. But the good old maxim, "better late than never," will apply with peculiar force to the undertaking in which you have so nobly embarked. And I trust that it will be prosecuted with a vigor, and sustained with a promptitude and liberality, that shall make ample amends for our past inadvertence, (to use no stronger term,) in relation to this important matter. And as all our efforts, in order to be beneficially successful, should be begun, continued and ended in Him who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, allow me to add my fervent invocations to yours, and to those of many others, that in this, God would so abundantly bless the labor of your hands, as soon to exceed your most enlarged expectations. I have long felt that the amount of reading matter included in the "Ladies' Departments" of our periodicals, was altogether inadequate to the just and reasonable wants of that interesting class of our readers. While the selections have always struck me as judicious and appropriate, in kind, they have appeared to me to be deplorably deficient in quantity and variety; and necessarily so, from the small portions of the papers that could be conveniently spared for that purpose. And when we consider the pervading and powerful influence of the sex, in the formation of individual and social character, it cannot fail to occur to every candid and cultivated mind, that they should share munificently in the benefits of periodical literature, as well as in every other means of intellectual and moral culture. And, indeed, so deeply am I impressed with the conviction, that female influence is, in a large majority of cases, decidedly predominant in giving to the human character its original shape and direction, that if either sex is to be stinted in its supplies of that kind of || poraries were measuring their own worth and imporreading, which relates more especially to the refinement tance by the richness and profusion of their exter of the taste, and the purification of the heart, I would say let it be the male. Let the delicate sensibility, quickness of apprehension, and never-dying affection, so remarkably characteristic of the female mind, be blended with the recorded experience of the present and of former times, through the medium of happily chosen books, and well conducted periodicals, and let there be superadded to all these a strong and durable sense of religious obligation; and then, indeed, in the beautiful language of the Psalmist, will "our sons be as plants grown up in their youth, and our daughters as cornerstones polished after the similitude of a palace." I am well aware that some of our modern fashionables, whose highest ambition appears to be, "to troll the tongue and roll the eye," and "music make, of melancholy sort," would think themselves but poorly complimented by being told that they are capable of wielding a mighty influence in the nursery. But not so thought the mother of the Gracchi, the mother of the Wesleys, and that of our own beloved and venerated Washington. They (and a thousand more that might be mentioned) were so intolerably vulgar, that they thought it one of the most noble employments to which their powerful and capacious minds could be devoted, to instill into the generous bosoms of their infant charges the sentiments of virtue and honor, and to imbue their expanding intellects with those principles of prudence and of rectitude which are destined to hand them, as well as their children, down to the latest generation, as among the brightest ornaments and greatest benefactors of their species; while the haughty contemners of their unobtrusive, but inestimable virtues, shall be utterly forgotten, or remembered only to be pitied or despised. nal adornments, they, with countenances of far more brilliancy than that of the most costly gems pointed to their children, and said, with the illustrious matron of Rome, THESE are our jewels. It will be found that such mothers as those to whom allude, while they rendered a becoming respect to all the proprieties of life, resolutely flung aside all the trammels of fashion, when they interfered, in the smallest degree, with the health and happiness of themselves, or of those with whose training-intellectual, moral, and physical—a gracious Providence had intrusted them. To sacrifice at the shrine of fashion, at the expense of reason, humanity, and maternal affection, is a thought that never so much as entered their minds, or if it did, was instantly scouted as a foul intruder. They would as soon have thought of making their children pass through the fire to Moloch, as to have compelled or encouraged them to pass through those tortures and agonies that are now so rigidly exacted by the demon of fashion-the practice to which I am understood to allude, differing chiefly from the horrible immolation to the heathen idol, in that the suffering inflicted by it is far more protracted, and is too often transmitted, in all its terrible consequences, to an innocent, unoffending posterity. I have unexpectedly wandered a little from the point which I was anxious to impress upon the minds of my readers; and that is, the superior place that maternal influence has, in the original formation of individual and social character, and the consequent importance of their bringing to this difficult and momentous task, not only those native qualifications, which they so pre-eminently possess, but all the additional aids that can be afforded by periodical publications. Reserving what more I may have to say on female influence, in this and in other relations, to some future time, I will conclude this hasty communication by expressing the hope that your periodical may be sanctioned and cheered on by one of the most potent of all earthly patronsthe smiles of those to whose entertainment and improvement its pages are more particularly dedicated. Yours truly, J. S. TOMLINSON. Augusta College, Dec. 6, 1840. 0444 14100 I have frequently heard it remarked that there never was a great man whose mother was not a strong-minded, sensible, well informed woman. And if the reinark is not universally true, I am inclined to think, both from observation and from history, that the exceptions are so rare, that they only prove the rule-exceptio probat regulam. Examine the characters of the mothers of those who have made a figure in the world, and you will find that, to a native force of intellect, they added untiring industry in the acquisition of knowledge from every available source; and that the treasures thus accumulated were wisely, affectionately, and perseveringly used, not in trying to make themselves the centres of admiration in the world of fashion and display, but in adorning themselves and their children with ly so unfruitful, that many readers will perhaps pass it those virtuous dispositions and habits which, in the by as unworthy of notice. From those, however, who sight of God and of all good and sensible people, are are gifted with the virtue of patience-a scarce yet neof incalculable value. And while their giddy contem-cessary article-I may hope for some attention to my worn topic; especially as the subject of inspiration lies before me. But why this long preamble? say you; and I must here repeat my caution, "read not, unless you possess patience." *I do not wish to be understood, in this remark, as intending any reflection upon the cultivation of music, either vocal or instrumental; but simply refer to those affected screams and con tortions, under the name of musical performances, which, how ever they may appear to the initiated, are perfectly shocking to ordinary eyes and ears. Original. THE BOOT. BOOT! a title so unattractive, and a subject apparent Almost every thing under the sun has been at some period the theme of composition; and why, pray, should we neglect so serviceable a friend as this, unless man's perverse nature prompts him to cancel debts of gratitude by forgetting the benefactor. Let us for a moment review some of the qualities, and number some of the good deeds which entitle the Boot to a place among the literary portraits of the day. Well, then, to our painting; and before us rises in perspective, sole enough to shame many of the noblest of creation; and among its noble attributes are, First, dauntless courage—the possession of which we infer from the fact of its plunging unhesitatingly into danger. Second, unwavering friendship. What better evidence do we find of friendship, than zeal in shielding us from a contact which would occasion unpleasant feeling? And where is this test applied with more uniform success, than to our friend the Boot? Third, fidelity and perseverance in the walks of duty. "Be not weary in well-doing," seems to be its practical motto, and one which it has vainly endeavored to teach faulty man. Here appears the contrast between man and things most insignificant, with respect to fulfilling the design of their creation. He often forms an object possessing in large measure those characteristics, which, while they constitute the brightest ornaments of his own nature, he passes by as comparatively unimportant. How often do we begin with vigorous resolve to perform a work of benevolence or self-gratification, but ere the task is half accomplished, some trifle allures, and causes us to add another and another proof of fickleness to the list already too long. Fourth, cheerfulness, despite its hard fortunes. Unlike Merry-Andrews and laughing maidens, it is never known to obtrude its merriment upon others, but always carries along with it a covert smile. Destroy its upright position, and you see amidst its smiles a row of teeth, which in point of solidity and regularity, might vie with some of the best in our own race. Fifth, brotherly kindness—a feature so distinct that it cannot fail to attract the notice of the most careless observer. As David clung to Jonathan, so does the Boot to its amiable companion; choosing to suffer the|| same evils, and share a severe lot rather than part. One of the most common vices of humanity is to be lavish of favors to those who enjoy the sunshine of prosperity, but the instant misfortune sheds its withering blight on a fellow being, to withdraw those sympathies so grateful to a troubled heart, and leave the sufferer to extricate himself unaided. This is never the case with the original of our portrait. No sooner does his fellow traveler become involved in difficulty, than the strength of his attachment is manifested by the prompt assistance he renders. clusion; is near the judge on the bench, the lawyer at the bar, and the physician at the bedside of his patient. Seventh, long-suffering, without whose delicate shading our picture would be imperfect. We know that mortals may possess all the other requisites of a noble character, and yet be deficient in this. The rarity of the attribute increases its luster and value to a degree, which at once elevates it to the highest rank among the graces. Month after month do we find this silent preceptor enduring the caprice and ill-humor of its thoughtless proprietor, without an upbraiding word, till premature old age cuts short its existence and terminates its career—a career which, unnoticed though it be in the lowly Boot, would be sufficient to shed a halo of light around our path through life, and reflect glory on our memory long after death has claimed us as his prey. Eighth, forgiveness, the crowning excellence. What a pity that man, with so noble an intellect, should be compelled to yield the palm of one of the brightest moral graces to this unpretending moralist! Though constantly trodden upon by the arrogant and haughty, it is ever found returning good for evil, and imparting comfort alike to friend and foe. There is one instance, and only one, in which it is known to murmur and give signs of great dissatisfaction. It will bear every thing but the tortures of a dandy's foot, under the pressure of which it will even shriek in agonies. I close by saying, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." MORAL. There is no object, however insignificant, from which the thoughtful may not draw lessons of instruction. FANNY. Original. DEITY. BY MISS M. B. BAKER. Gop fills the earth; and he is all abroad, Over the azure heaven, when the bright sun Gives light, and life and gladness unto all. He mingles with the pale light, when the moon In her chaste beauty, shines from her blue course Among the stars, over a slumbering world,— When summer's sea is tranquil as the beam That rests at midnight on her quiet breast. He comes upon the tempest's dark'ning wings; And 'mid the fearful rush of the loud storm, He sends athwart the gloom the lightning gleam— Points out the passage for the deadly bolt, And bids it where to spend its furious rage. He paints the bow that gilds the passing cloud, And colors the red meteor of the night; He is upon the whirlwind's awful form, And in the breeze, that plays amid young flowers. Beneath the shades of noiseless solitude, Where light of sun or moon hath never shoneWhere not a sound has broken on the depths Sixth, benevolence. The Boot is a faithful auxiliary in all good causes. It accompanies charity to the abodes of misery and want; ascends the pulpit with him who dispenses the word of life to a fallen world, and supports the missionary of the cross in all his weary wanderings through the wilderness. It is familiar with the walks of science; retires with the student to his se-l Of rock-bound caverns since creation's dawn, 31. A Deity in solemn grandeur reigns. God moves upon the ocean;-he awakes The storm that swells the bosom of the deep. "Tis he sends forth the flash that lights the gloom Of midnight storm contending with the waves. He speaks-the tempest ceases at his voice, And foaming waves are cradled to repose. God paints the flow'ry vales that ever bloom, In fadeless beauty, beneath sunny skies, Where the mild air for ever fragrance breathes, Birds ever chant, and summer always smiles. And he sends forth the wint'ry clouds, and storms O'er regions cover'd with eternal snow. Over the great ones of the earth he reigns— O'er thrones, o'er principalities, and powers; And humble child of want and poverty, Thou art beneath the shadow of his wings. God pours the fount of life, that warmly flows In the pulsating heart; he paints the blush Of glowing beauty on the cheek of youth, And kindles the mysterious light, that beams In diamond luster, from the speaking eye. He waits beside the lowly couch of death, And even then, in man's most trying hour, When darkness gathers o'er the swimming eye, And the worn spirit, struggling for release, Trembles beneath a weight of suffering clay, Ev'n then, his presence thrills the virtuous heart With such sweet rapture, such excess of joy, That as the spirit passes to its rest, It leaves the smile of triumph on the cheek Of deadly paleness; and the tear of joy, Trembling upon the lid, for ever closed. Beyond the light of heaven's remotest star, Where the swift comet, in a course immense, Of lingering ages, dart no wandering beam Of its ethereal light-where entity Trembles upon the verge of chaos drear. A Deity, in glorious grandeur, dwells; Creating joyful worlds or kindling suns, And launching systems through the gloomy void. O'er hell God frowns in vengeance on his foes, Above the fearful night, which hath no moon, No star of light, or hope of coming day. Would he but change that frown into a smile, Quicker than thought the brightness of his face, With a refulgent glory, would break forth Upon the passing shadow of despair, And the sweet harps of heaven at once awake Their thrilling tones of harmony sublime, And mingle the sad murmurs echo'd back, As past away hell's last expiring groan; And trees of life, and flowers of paradise Spring up beside the starting founts of life, As past away, with melancholy moan, The foaming billows of the fiery lake, And hell at once be heaven, with all its joys. God reigns in heaven, and from his azure throne Beams the refulgent glory of the day Which hath no twilight, even, night or dawn; DEITY. And round the throne millions of deathless souls, Wake songs, for ever thrilling, ever new. O then! since God is in, and filleth all, Sun! brightest luminary of the skyThou who hast traveled forth in light, and strength, And beauty, on thy shining course thro' heaven, Since he commanded light, and thy bright car In beaming grandeur, roll'd o'er earth's first day,— Whilst thou art giving life and light to all, In thy refulgence beam the praise of God. Queen of the night! join with thy paler rays The stars that keep all night their watch above, And with your chaster light, shine to his praise. Ocean! thou dark, unfathomable world Of waters-'tis beyond the power of man To still thy murmurs, or control thy rage. The storm contending with thy mighty waves, But strengthens thee, and adds magnificence And grandeur to thine own sublimity. Ocean roll on, in thy deep, wide career, But let the music of thy moonlit waves, And deep ton'd thunder of thy billows, join In praise of him who call'd thee, and thy voice First broke creation's stillness, as thou didst Come forth, what thou art now and shalt remain, Till he proclaims thy doom, and thy proud waves Roll back in gloomy grandeur, whence they came. Let the cool breeze, that on its light wings bears Fragrance and melody at summer eve, Join with the storm that sweeps the trembling earth, And in wild fury rushes o'er the deep, In praise of him, whose chariot is a cloud Impelled by the wild fury of the storm. Let the loud peals that rend the vault above, Join with the solemn silence of the night, In praise of him, who thunders when he pleases. Let earth's ten thousand sunlit mounts join The deep, dark, voiceless caverns in his praise; While torrent joins with the distilling dew Of summer eve, and mountain cataract Thunders to the low music of the rill, And zephyr joins with whirlwind in his praise. 32 NOTICES.-EDITORS' TABLE. Original. "GATHERING OF THE WEST." WHAT shall we gather? Gems and gold, From mountain's hoard and river's bed? And as their sparkling hues unfold, And round their radiant lustre shed- On woman's sunny brow to shine? What shall we gather? Buds and flowers To form boquets for woman's breast, No! earth-born flowers would soon decay, Their fragrance cease, and fade their bloom: We'll seek a flow'r whose living ray Gilds e'en the precincts of the tomb; And "Sharon's Rose" we'll garner here— "Twill fadeless bloom in heaven's own sphere! What shall we gather? Rob the worm Round woman's graceful form to fall, Was wove in earthly looms, will fade: Where "robes of righteousness" displayed, "Washed white" in priceless blood, are giv'n To all who shall be "heirs of heaven." Yes! we will gather gems of thought- Shall be, "The Gatherings of the West?" Clark co., O., Nov. 14, 1840. 。©�་་་ཁ METHINKS on yonder ivy tower, I hear the deep-toned bell; E. F. W. Old Time has pass'd the midnight hour, And bid the year farewell. I view the wreck of nations past, The column, fane and tower; Of empires in oblivion cast, By Time's almighty power. NOTICES. LETTERS TO MOTHERS.-By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. -Harper & Brothers, of New York, have issued the fourth edition of this useful work. It should be read and studied by every mother in America. LETTERS TO YOUNG LADIES.-By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. This is the sixth edition from the press of the Harpers. It directs the attention of young ladies to religion, to industry, to health, dress, manners, and to sisterly virtues-to books, friendship, and other topics. Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST.-A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea. This is a recent number (CVI.) of Harpers' Family Library. Seminaries. OAKLAND FEMALE SEMINARY is located in Hillsborough, Highland co., Ohio. Rev. J. M'D. Mathews is its Principal. WORTHINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY, at Worthington, seven miles north of Columbus, under the supervision of Miss Sarepta Marsh, Principal. NORWALK MALE AND FEMALE SEMINARY, at Norwalk. Rev. Edward Thomson, Principal. SCIENCE HILL ACADEMY for young ladies, at Shelbyville, Ky., under the supervision of Rev. John Tevis and lady. EDITORS' TABLE. OUR SPECIMEN NUMBER.-In mechanical execution, the "Repository" cannot, we think, disappoint the reasonable expectations of our patrons. In this respect, no western periodical has hitherto excelled, if indeed any has equaled it. It is intended that it shall be among the best in material, type, press-work, &c.; and no effort has been spared in making preparation to fulfill the highest expectations of the public. ENGRAVINGS.-It is not certainly determined how many numbers of this volume shall be thus ornamented. As soon however, as the patronage will warrant it, a liberal regard will be had to this point. Perhaps of the present volume, the numbers for January, April, July and October will be thus embellished. CORRESPONDENCE.-We have been favored at the commencement; but hope to add several other names to our present list of worthy contributors. FEMALE CONTRIBUTORS.-As this is a Ladies' Repository, we shall look to the ladies as well as gentlemen, for contributions to its pages. Other things being equal, the offerings of lady correspondents will take precedence of others. TIMES AND SEASONS.-Articles for the Repository should reach us at least a month before the time of publication. For the February number they should come to hand by the first of January. RESERVED ARTICLES.-" Woman's Influence," by D. W.; "Communion with Nature," by E. H. H., and "To the youthful readers of the Repository," by E. F. W., will appear in the next number. |