profaneness which too often disgrace the conversation of fashionable gentlemen. And when we find that in those countries on which the Sun of righteousness has never yet risen, woman is a slave, or at most the mere play-thing of a leisure hour, it must be apparent to the most superficial observer, that an adherence to those principles which have elevated and dignified her char

"Her might is gentleness."-SCHILLER. THERE is a beautiful adaption (perhaps too little observed) of the requirements of the Divine law to the circumstances of our existence. When obedience to parents is inculcated, who does not discover its pro-acter in Christian lands, is calculated to secure for her priety, from the long continued dependence of the offspring, as well as from the disorder that most necessarily follow a violation of this sacred precept? The same remark will apply with equal force to all the other ordinances and commands which the great Ruler has been pleased to enjoin upon the subjects of his government. The invariable harmony between the divine perfections in nature, and the discoveries of God's character and attributes, in the inspired records, should silence for ever the cavilings of honest scepticism, and convince all who will not obstinately close their ears against the voice of truth, that the framer of the universe is the author of the Bible.

that respect which the best interests of society demand. But let her disregard the injunctions of the apostles, and cast off the restraints of religion-let her endeavor to substitute the frowns of power for the smiles of gentleness-the iron fetters of authority for the silken cords of love, and the order of nature is inverted-her glory is departed. In declining to mingle with the mob, or direct the popular assembly

to guide the car of war,

To rule the state, or thunder at the bar"woman acquires a sovereignty more absolute than that possessed by the conquering hero, or the sceptred monarch. "By a right divine," the will of the mother is the supreme law of the little community over which she presides; and her own character becomes not only the model on which theirs is formed, but is the standard by which they measure the pleasing or objection

These reflections were caused by a conversation with a good sister, who suggested that our excellent pastor, in view of St. Paul's instructions, 1 Timothy ii, 12, "I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence," did ||able traits of others, as long as life endures. wrong in calling upon certain mothers in Israel to pray in the public congregations; and gave it as her opinion, that women were out of their proper sphere when thus participating in any of our religious exercises. I presume few will agree with our sister, when the apostle instructs "women to pray with their heads covered," and when we are informed that "Philip's four daughters prophesied (i. e., taught) at Cesarea." But there are those who venture upon the opposite extreme. If I mistake not, some respectable religious societies extend to the females of their congregations the same rights, or rather impose on them the same duties of voting in elections for pastors, officers, &c., as belong to the other sex. With the regulations adopted by other bodies of Christians we are, how-too often attendant upon gray hairs, every thing is ever, not disposed to intermeddle.

When the youth charmed by the voice of fame, or allured by the hope of wealth, forsakes the parental roof, he often gazes upon a world that seems all selfishness, and mourns the loss of a mother's disinterested attentions, and a fond sister's care. At last his eye is attracted by one, in whose person, to his ardent fancy, is united all that is amiable or lovely; and the brightest day-dreams of his boyish hours seem more than realized, until, as is the case with all terrestrial bliss, a few years suffice to snatch from his embraces the idol of his heart. The strength of manhood gives place to the feebleness of age; the world begins to wear a sallow hue; objects once delightful are now viewed with indifference or disgust; and to the peevishness

changed, save some favorite child, on whom is fixed But to the objections of certain infidels, who are all his love-the companions of his earlier days having displeased alike with the usages of Christians and the bid adieu to the scenes of mortality. To him, she instructions of the Bible, it may not be amiss to has an airy step, a faultless form, and a beaming eyeanswer, that religion has placed woman in the very no hand so soft as hers, to bathe his burning brow-no position, and surrounded her by the very circumstances melody like the tones of her voice, to lull him to for which she seems by nature to have been designed. repose. Thus, from infancy to manhood, from the Those who would lead their mothers and daughters to cradle to the grave, over the enthusiasm of youth, as the polls, and conduct their wives and sisters to politi-well as the sternness of age, woman exerts an almost cal gatherings, must certainly be ignorant of the unbounded influence. By the youthful viewed with a potency of that sceptre which these objects of their kind of reverence which nothing on earth besides can affection sway over the destinies of our race, and inspire, and by the aged loved with an affection that cannot be aware of the loss of influence they must borders upon idolatry, she necessarily becomes either sustain in occupying so improper a station. There an enchanting companion on the road to perdition, or is a degree of sanctity thrown around the female char-a minister of mercy to direct and lead to realms of acter that makes the very name of woman a kind of spell, to bring the blushes of shame to the cheek of the profligate. Her presence, as the rising sun dispels the mists of the morning, banishes that vulgarity and

unfading felicity. Beauty, accomplishments, and wit, may conspire to attract admiration, and command esteem; but it is when piety throws its charm around nature's loveliness, that the philosopher and the Chris

SCENE IN A SCHOOL-ROOM.

39

tian are constrained to acknowledge with the poet, that ing the usual morning Scripture lesson, I felt it deeply

we are

impressed upon my mind that before the commence"Allied to angels on our better side." ment of the forenoon recitations, I ought to address Religion is woman's best protector, and should be the young ladies on the great importance of seeking her inseparable companion. The righteousness of first the kingdom of God and his righteousness;' for Christ is her fairest ornament, and she should never as the close of the session draws near, and the time of lay it aside. The precepts of the Savior should dwell our separation is at hand, I feel interested in nothing so upon her lips in the social circle; and whether amid much as the salvation of their souls; and I fondly the giddy crowd, or the worshiping assembly, her hope that when the toils of life are ended, I may be actions and her words ought ever to make known associated with them in the heavenly world. This, the excellences of the heavenly system. A weighty|| sir," said she, "under God, has produced the excited responsibility rests upon her-a responsibility that state of feeling which you now witness." She recannot be avoided. Her example and her exertions sumed her seat, bathed in tears. But blessed be God, must tell, not only upon the events of time, but on the seed had fallen in good ground. "A word in the interests of eternity. Such is the influence with season" how good it is? Her exhortation came not which the daughters of Christendom are invested, and in word only, but also in power. such their privileges under the mild reign of the Prince Such were the impressions made on the minds of of peace. Then let them remember the degradation the young ladies present, that none were able to proof their suffering sisters beyond the pale of Christen- ceed with their morning recitations, though several dom, and be active to promote the interests of the attempts were made. The Spirit of God seemed to be Redeemer's kingdom, until the Gospel, which to at work in every heart. Half suppressed sighs and them has been emphatically "glad tidings of great || penitential sobs now filled the room, and were enough joy," shall rear its banner, and diffuse its bliss wherever to melt the most obdurate heart. We knelt at the woman mourns or mortals breathe. D. W. shrine of mercy, and mingled our tears and prayers together; after which many of the young ladies arose in different parts of the school-room, and related what had been the exercises of their minds for sometime previous, and closed by expressing a resolution to give themselves up to the service of God in the morning of life. This produced a still deeper impression, and caused a more general excitement.

Original.

SCENE IN A SCHOOL-ROOM.

BY REV. M. P. GADDIS.

"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good,' Ecclesiastes xi, 6.

By request, we again united in singing and prayer for the "broken in heart." We then endeavored, in few words, to explain the new birth, to urge its necessity, and point out the manner of seeking it, by faith in the Lord Jesus-urging that "whosoever cometh unto him he will in no wise cast out." While I spake, it was a time of weeping, and I believe of merciful visitation to many a heart. The whole forenoon was spent in singing and prayer, and in directing them to the blood of the "Lamb slain," as the mourner's only plea and as the only source of power to cleanse the soul from "crimes of deepest dye."

"Jesus' blood through earth and skies, Mercy, free, boundless mercy, cries." Many, I have no doubt, on that morning found peace in believing. This will appear more fully to the reader from a few precious sentences written in their memorandum books on the afternoon of the said day, copies of which were politely furnished me by the teacher, and which I still retain in my possession. From them I make the following brief extracts:

In the latter part of the winter of 1837, in the pleasant and flourishing village of F, I enjoyed the pleasure of witnessing a revival of religion in the female seminary lately established in that place. It was principally through the instrumentality of an indefatigable and pious preceptress. At an early hour on the morning of the 14th of February, while busily engaged in the performance of pastoral visitations, a messenger came in great haste to inform me that I was requested by the Principal to visit the school immediately. For a moment I hesitated, not being able to determine whether to go then, or defer it until I had performed my visits. The arrival of a second messenger, who informed me that there was an unusual religious excitement among the pupils, enabled me to decide. On entering the school-room, I was astonished at the scene that presented itself before me. Almost all eyes were suffused in tears, and sadness overspread every countenance. The preceptress, who was of another denomination, received us affectionately; and so soon as we were seated, and she could speak, she with much emotion informed me, that at the request of the school, she had sent for me to instruct them more fully "what they must do to be "I have learned this day that the Lord is good to saved." "This morning," continued she, "after read-them who will seek him early. E. V."

"I have learned this day, by happy experience, that it is well for us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. H. N. A."

"I have learned to-day, by happy experience, that those who obtain an interest in Christ can rejoice with exceeding great joy. M. A. B."

"I have learned to-day, by happy experience, that || out of season;" "for thou knowest not which shall nothing but religion will fit us for the kingdom of God. prosper." "Weary not in well doing; for you shall reap, if you faint not.”

and how God loves those who approach him in prayer, said should be the means of doing good to any of your in the morning as well as in the evening.

Original.
ZOOLOGY.

BY PROFESSOR MERRICK.

repetition in endless perpetuity, and for their subordination to one harmonious scheme of general good.

abysses of the deep-if we penetrate into the shades of the forest, or into the caverns or secret recesses of the earth; nay, if we take up the minutest portion of stagnant water, we still meet with life in some new form, "WE cannot," says Roget, "take even a cursory yet ever adapted to the circumstances of its situation. survey of the host of living beings profusely spread Wherever life can be sustained, we find life produced. over every portion of the globe, without a feeling of It would almost seem as if nature had been thus lavish profound astonishment at the inconceivable variety of and sportive in her productions, with the intent to forms and constructions to which animation has been demonstrate to man the fertility of her resources, and imparted by creative power. What can be more calcu- the inexhaustible fund from which she has so prodilated to excite our wonder than the diversity exhibited || gally drawn forth the means requisite for the mainteamong insects, all of which, amidst endless modifica-nance of all these diversified combinations, for their tions of shape, preserve their conformity to one general plan of construction? The number of distinct species of insects already known and described cannot be "The vegetable world is no less prolific in wonders estimated at less than 100,000; and every day is adding than the animal. In this, as in all other parts of creato the catalogue. Of the comparatively large animals tion, ample scope is found for the exercise of the reaswhich live on land, how splendid is the field of obser-oning faculties; and at the same time abundant sources vation which lies open to the naturalists! What variety are supplied of intellectual enjoyment. To discriminate is conspicuous in the tribes of quadrupeds and of rep- the different characters of plants, amidst the infinite tiles; and what endless diversity exists in their habits, || diversity of shape, of color, and of structure, which pursuits, and characters! How extensive is the study they offer to our observation, is the laborious, yet fascinof birds alone; and how ingeniously, if we may so ating occupation of the botanist. Here, also, we are express it, has nature interwoven in their construction | lost in admiration at the never-ending variety of forms every possible variation compatible with an adherence successively displayed to view in the innumerable speto the same general model of design, and the same ulti-cies which compose the kingdom of nature, and at the mate reference to the capacity for motion through the energy of that vegetative power, which, amidst such light element of air! What profusion of being is dis-great differences of situation, sustains the modified life played in the wide expanse of the ocean, through which of each individual plant, and which continues its speare scattered such various and such unknown multi-cies in endless perpetuity. Whenever circumstances tudes of animals! Of fishes alone, the varieties, as to are compatible with vegetable existence, we there find conformation and endowments, are endless. Still more plants arise. It is well known that, in all places where curious and anomalous, both in their external forms, || vegetation has been established, the germs are so interand their internal economy, are the numerous orders of mingled with the soil, that whenever the earth is turned being that occupy the lower divisions of the animal up, even from considerable depths, and exposed to the scale; some swimming in countless myriads near the air, plants are soon observed to spring, as if they had surface; some dwelling in the inaccessible depths of been recently sown, in consequence of the germination the ocean; some attached to shells, or other solid struc- of seeds which had remained latent and inactive during tures, the productions of their own bodies, and which, the lapse of perhaps many centuries. Islands formed in process of time, form, by their accumulation, enor- by coral reefs, which have risen above the level of the mous submarine mountains, rising often from unfath-sea, become in a short time covered with verdure. omable depths to the surface. What sublime views of From the materials of most sterile rock, and even from the magnificence of creation have been disclosed by the yet recent cinders and lava of the volcano, nature the microscope in the world of infinite minuteness, prepares the way for vegetable existence. The slightpeopled by countless multitudes of atomic beings which est crevice or inequality is sufficient to arrest the invisanimate almost every fluid in nature! Of these a vast ible germs that are always floating in the air, and affords variety of species has been discovered, each animalcule the means of sustenance to diminutive races of lichens being provided which appropriate organs, endowed with and mosses. These soon overspread the surface, and spontaneous powers of motion, and giving unequivocal are followed, in the course of a few years, by successigns of individual vitality. The recent observations sive tribes of plants, of gradually increasing size and of Professor Ehrenberg have brought to light the exist- strength, till at length the island, or other favored spot, ence of monads, which are not longer than the 24,000th | is converted into a natural and luxuriant garden, of of an inch, and which are so thickly crowded in the fluid as to leave intervals not greater than their own diameter. Hence, he has made the computation, that each cubic line, which is nearly the bulk of a single drop, contains 500,000,000 of these monads!

which the productions rising from graces to shrubs and trees, present all the varieties of the fertile meadow, the tangled thicket, and the widely-spreading forest. Even in the desert plains of the torrid zone, the eye of the traveler is refreshed by the appearance of a few hardy plants, which find sufficient materials for their growth in these arid regions; and in the realms of per

"Thus, if we review every region of the globe, from the scorching sands of the equator to the icy realms of the poles, or from the lofty mountain summits to thepetual snow, which surround the poles, the navigator Vol. I-6

is occasionally startled at the prospect of fields of all here introduce the classification of animals, as given scarlet hue, the result of a wide expanse of microscopic by Brown, in the "Zoologist's Text-Book."