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 external 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. 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. It will be found that such mothers as those to whom I 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 Molech, 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 patrons— the smiles of those to whose entertianment and improvement its pages are more particularly dedicated. Yours truly, J. S. TOMLINSON. Augusta College, Dec. 6, 1840. 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 remark 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 centers of admiration in the world of fashion and display, but in adorning themselves and their children with those virtuous dispositions and habits which, in the sight of God and of all good and sensible people, are of incalculable value. And while their giddy cotem-cessary article-I may hope for some attention to my *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, however they may appear to the initiated, are perfectly shocking to ordinary eyes and ears. ་་་- Original. THE BOOT. Boor! a title so unattractive, and a subject apparently so unfruitful, that many readers will perhaps pass it by as unworthy of notice. From those, however, who are gifted with the virtue of patience-a scarce yet ne 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." 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 || clusion; is near the judge on the bench, the lawyer at perverse nature prompts him to cancel debts of gratitude the bar, and the physician at the bedside of his patient. 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. 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 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.” GOD 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 gleamPoints 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 Of rock-bound caverns since creation's dawn, A Deity in solemn grandeur reigns. DEITY. God moves upon the ocean;-he awakes Over the great ones of the earth he reigns ;- He waits beside the lowly couch of death, God reigns in heaven, and from his azure throne Beams the refulgent glory of the day Which hath no twilight, even, night, or dawn; And round the throne millions of deathless souls, Wake songs, for ever thrilling, ever new. To obscure its glory, or a moment hide That mirrors deep heaven's golden palaces. O then! since God is in, and filleth all, Let all be vocal with the praise of God. 31 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 In praise of him, whose chariot is a cloud 32 NOTICES.-EDITORS' TABLE. Original. "GATHERINGS OF THE WEST." And round their radiant luster shed- 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- 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 heav'n." Yes! we will gather gems of thought- Clarke co., O., Nov. 14, 1840. ་་་ 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. 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. 66 THE LADIES' REPOSITORY. CINCINNATI, MARCH, 1841. Original. AN ADDRESS moral grandeur which burst upon the world, when the "Sun of righteousness arose with healing in his DELIVERED BEFORE THE PUPILS OF THE OAKLAND FEMALE wings." It might be interesting to compare the past SEMINARY, AT HILLSBOROUGH, OHIO.* BY SAMUEL GALLOWAY, A. M. and present condition of the female, and exhibit the happy reformation which has been effected in her character and prospects by the spirit and power of Christianity; but our object, on the present occasion, is to vindicate her neglected interests by some remarks on the importance and character of female education. The first consideration which we would present upon the importance of her education, is, that to the female is confided the direction and development of the infant mind. There can be no higher nor more solemn office than to preside over the operations of immortal powers. Words, thoughts, and actions, exhibited before the opening heart and intellect, are stamped with the seal of immortality. "A pebble on the streamlet scant, Has turn'd the course of many a river; THERE is no nobler characteristic of our age, and none which more strikingly proclaims the superiority of modern over ancient civilization, than elevated female character. The brightest eras of antiquity are unadorned by that redeeming radiance which female excellence ever imparts. In the records of the past, the picture of man's achievements is sketched in all the rich and varied coloring of fancy and of fact; whilst the portrait of woman's deeds is so drawn as to hide from view those nobler features which are her appropriate ornament, and mark her high original. We contemplate the grandeur of man's enterprise in those magnificent monuments of skill and giant energy Has warp'd the giant oak for ever." which have stood, like the rock-bound coast, unmoved by the waves which have buried all else in oblivion. Upon the mother devolves the responsibility of giving We bow before the loftiness of his intellect, as we are those impressions which shall warm every vein, beat in warmed and invigorated by the power of those thoughts every pulse, and remain imperishable as the elements which yet remain as a central fire in the literature of of the soul. She watches the first beatings of the the world, and as we feel the tones of that commanding young heart, and "enshrines her own image so deeply eloquence which has thrilled the passion and intellect in its sanctuary," that its striking features shall surof successive ages. Amid all the memorials which vive the dissolution of the body. She occupies a starecall man's glory, in the brightest periods of anti- tion, which no other teacher can possess. She stands quity, there exists scarcely one which illustrates the at the fountain head, observes the bubblings of the dignity, purity, and moral power of the female. Her little rivulet, and can mark the channel in which its proudest eulogy, as given by Thucydides, is, "that the waters may peacefully flow-other teachers have to best woman is she of whom the least can be said, either stem the angry and chafed torrent, as it rolls impetuof good or harm." Her most cherished qualities were ously on. Her authority is supreme, and her words such as were personified by Venus-the adored patron fall as the voice of an oracle-the sway of others is of all licentiousness, and yet the chosen deity of the disputed, and their motives questioned. She takes the refined and classic Greek. Alas! that depravity which canvass fresh from nature's hand, and writes upon changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an its surface the sentiments and passions of her own image made like unto corruptible man, dragged wo-bosom-others take it so overspread with the pencilman-heaven's brightest emblem-from her high pre-ings of other artists, that it cannot receive an original eminence, and crushed, with a tyranny dark as the mantle of midnight, those nobler attributes which link her to angelic intelligences. But thanks to the genius of Christianity, the same power which “spoiled principalities, and made a show of them openly," displayed, as one of the loftiest trophies of its conquests, woman, || tongue—the mother lays the foundations and rears the rescued from the degradation of centuries. She rose a participant in the risen glories of her Lord, with the spirit of that redemption in her heart, and its tones upon her tongue, and walked abroad invested with that impression. How few acknowledge a mother's power! When the "oak tree is felled, the whole forest echoes with it," but a thousand acorns are planted, silently, by some unnoticed breeze. The philosopher enriches the world by his labor, and his fame is heralded by every pillars of her country's greatness, and her deeds are unnoticed and unknown. The history of the world abounds with examples of her commanding influence. Cornelia, as a lone star, stands out, amid the darkness and degeneracy of Roman matrons, illustrating a moth* We were furnished with this Address through the solicita-er's power. The expression, "These are my jewels," tions of the Principal and teachers of the Oakland Female Seminary. To them as well as to its author we acknowledge our obligations. 9 As the displays her interest in the destiny of her sons. the mother of the Gracchi, she shines upon page |