Original. SPRING. BY MRS. 0. I. W. BLAIR. SPRING. "There's a smile on the brow of the gorgeous spring O, BID some nobler minstrel touch the string! And though when swept to joy's triumphant strain, The lyre in low prophetic tones reply, Or 'neath a feeble touch in mournful murmurs die. Joy on the hills once more! the ancient earth Throws off her shroud, and starts as from the tomb: The hills are echoing to the torrent mirth, The murmuring air is loaded with perfume, For hill and vale have burst to sudden bloom. Where leafless, late, and bare the orchards stood, Now blossomed boughs the very air illume A glow lights up the mountain solitude, And 'neath its crown of buds how smiles the gray old wood! But in this forest land-this wondrous west This world of death and life, whose oaks have grown All hoar with centuries above the breasts Of tribes who perished ere their seeds were sown. What untold radiance on this land is thrown, Yet softer than the hues of sun-set hours, Or hills arrayed for autumn's stormy throne! But not a poet's dream of Eden's bowers Is fair as yonder vale, gay with its orchard flowers. Come to the height, for health is in the air, No words to tell of spring's magnificence; But plain and valley shalt thou view from thence, The springing blade that tells of autumn's store, The verdure stealing o'er the forest dense, And children laughing by the poor man's door, 'Neath gleaming boughs that cast their shadows on his floor. Yet while the waves their ceaseless anthems roll, Man shrinks with care-worn brow and trembling soul; O, man, couldst thou but feel thy birth divine, There are no tears in heaven, 'tis said, I know: Its dangers past, the heart will overflow 189 With such a gush of love and thankfulness As would be tears on earth. And not the less Shall God be praised, though gratitude may seem To hush the soul, and seraph powers suppress; And well the rescued child of earth may deem The archangel's loftiest strain too lowly for his theme. A MOTHER'S VOICE. THERE'S music in a mother's voice, More sweet than breezes sighing; There's love within a mother's breast, There's anguish in a mother's tear, When farewell fondly taking, That burns in all she's saying. A mother! how her tender arts A mother! when like evening's star, THE WORLD. THERE is an hour of peaceful rest, To mourning wanderers given; There is a tear for souls distress'd; A balm for every wounded breast"Tis found above-in heaven! There is a soft, a downy bed, "Tis fair as breath of even; A couch for weary mortals spread, By sin and sorrow driven; The heart with anguish riven; And views the tempest passing by, The evening shadows quickly fly, And all serene-in heaven. cattle, 30 or 40 horses, and many swine. They have granaries filled with wheat, oats, barley, and peas, and cellars well stored with vegetables. with the dashing waves of the Pacific seas the sweet music of a busy and virtuous civilization." TRAVELS IN THE GREAT WESTERN PRAIRIES AND IN THE OREGON TERRITORY. By Thos. J. Farnham. New York. Oregon is now drawing to itself the sober attention of many of "A site had already been selected on the opposite side of the our citizens. Until recently, no serious effort has been medi-river for an academical building, a court of justice had been tated to settle this vast region with an American, civilized pop-organized by the popular voice; a military corps was about to ulation. But this can be no longer affirmed. The missionary be formed for the protection of settlers, and other measures stations at different points are probably to be the nuclei of sev- were in progress, at once showing that the American, with his eral settlements, which, within ten years, will be rapidly ex- characteristic energy and enterprise, and the philanthropist, tending the usages and comforts of polished life along the with his holy aspirations for the betterment of the human convalley of the Willamette and other tributaries of the Colum-dition, had crossed the snowy barrier of the mountain, to mingle bia. One token of the approaching settlement of Oregon Territory, is the frequent visits which our citizens make beyond the Rocky Mountains. It is no longer a strange thing to meet We gather from Mr. Farnham's record of travels and obserand converse with travelers who have accomplished this jour-vations, that the region west of the Rocky Mountains is of modney. Mr. Farnham's route by land was from near Indepen-erate agricultural value; that much of its soil is sterile, partly dence, Missouri, south to the Arkansas River; thence up the river to the mountains. He traveled much in the Oregon Territory; his description of the country is considerably minute, and must be valuable to the Government and to enterprising citizens. Mr. Farnham has something to say of the missionaries. He speaks thus of those sent out by the Methodist Episcopal Church: "Twelve or thirteen miles from the Doctor's, we came in sight of the mission premises. They consisted of three log cabins, a blacksmith shop, and out-buildings, on the east bank of the Willamette, with large and well cultivated farms round about; and a farm, on which were a large frame house, hospital, barn, &c., half a mile to the eastward. We alighted at the last named establishment, and were kindly received by Dr. White and lady. This gentleman is the physician of the mission, and is thoroughly devoted to the amelioration of the physical condition of the natives. For this object, a large hospital was being erected near his dwelling, for the reception of patients. I passed the night with the Doctor and his family, and the following day visited the other mission families. Every one appeared happy in his benevolent work-Mr. Daniel Leslie, in preaching and superintending general matters; Mr. Cyrus Shepard in teaching letters to about thirty half-bred and Indian children; Mr. J. C. Whitecomb in teaching them to cultivate the earth; and Mr. Alanson Beers in blacksmithing for the mission and the Indians, and instructing a few young men in his art. I spent four or five days with these people, and had a fine opportunity to learn their characters, the objects they had in view, and the means they took to accomplish them. They belong to that zealous class of Protestants called Methodist Episcopalians. Their religious feelings are warm, and accompanied with a strong faith and great activity. In energy and fervent zeal they reminded me of the Plymouth pilgrims-so true in heart, and so deeply interested were they with the principles and emotions which they are endeavoring to inculcate upon those around them. Their hospitality and friendship were of the purest and most disinterested character. I shall have reason to remember long and gratefully the kind and generous manner in which they supplied my wants. "Their object in settling in Oregon, I understood to be twofold: the one and principal, to civilize and Christianize the Indians; the other and not less important, the establishment of religious and literary institutions for the benefit of white emigrants. Their plan of operation on the Indians, is to learn their various languages, for the purposes of itinerant preaching, and of teaching the young the English language. The scholars are also instructed in agriculture, the regulations of a well managed household, reading, writing, arithmetic and geography. The principles and duties of the Christian religion, form a very considerable part of the system. They have succeeded very satisfactorily in the several parts of their undertaking. The preachers of the mission have traversed the wilderness, and by their untiring devotion to their work, wrought many changes in the moral condition of those proverbially debased savages; while with their schools they have afforded them ample means for intellectual improvement. They have a number of hundred acres of land under the plough, and cultivated chiefly by the native pupils. They have more than 100 head of horned on account of its poverty, and partly from annual drouths. He inserts in the conclusion of the volume, "Extracts from the report of Lieutenant Wilkes to the Secretary of the Navy, of the examination, by the exploring expedition, of the Oregon Territory." Lieutenant Wilkes concludes his report thus: "To conclude, few portions of the globe, in my opinion, are to be found so rich in soil, so diversified in surface, or so capable of being rendered the happy abode of an industrious and civilized community. For beauty of scenery and salubrity of climate, it is not surpassed. It is peculiarly adapted for an agricultural and pastoral people, and no portion of the world beyond the tropics can be found that will yield so readily with moderate labor, to the wants of man." Of this testimony Mr. Farnham says: "Mr. Wilkes' statistics of the territory, it will be seen, agree in all essential particulars with those given on previous pages. There is one point only of any importance that needs to be named, in regard to which truth requires a protest; and that is contained in the commander's concluding remarks. It will be seen on reference to them, that the agricultural capabilities of Oregon are placed above those of any part of the world beyond the tropics. This is a most surprising conclusion; at war with his own account of the several sections which he visited, and denied by every intelligent man living in the territory. What! Oregon, in this respect, equal to California, or the Valley of the Mississippi! This can never be until Oregon be blessed with a vast increase of productive soil, and California and our own unequaled valley be greatly changed." NARRATIVE OF A TOUR FROM THE STATE OF INDIANA TO THE OREGON TERRITORY, in the year 1841-2. By Joseph Williams.-Mr. Williams is a local preacher. He commenced his journey on the 26th of April, 1841, at the advanced age of 64; his object was to see the country, and preach the Gospel to the settlers and Indians. He struck into the great prairies west of the border settlements alone, the company with which he wished to travel having started several days in advance. Two hundred miles of the journey, through the midst of the Pawnees, he was a solitary wanderer, and must have been aware that his danger was extreme; but he seems to have cherished strong confidence in God. Mr. Williams visited the missionary stations of the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Churches. He speaks discouragingly of them, and deems the prospect of great usefulness on the part of the laborers very faint. He thinks that several posts might be selected for missionary labor more promising than those occupied by the present missionaries. He believes that the Indians are fast perishing from the soil. The description he gives of them forms a most repulsive sketch of human depravity and its consequent miseries. He represents the root diggers as dying in such numbers from starvation that often their deserted lodges are filled with their bodies. They shoot, strangle, and bury alive their own children, or, in case of necessity, feed upon them; and often adults kill and feed upon each other. On page 38, he says, "These creatures have been known, when pressed with hunger, to kill their children and eat them!-when traveling in a hurry they leave their lame and blind to perish in the wilderness. A Frenchman, who lived with an Indian woman, when one of his children became burdensome, dug a grave and NOTICES. buried it alive. At another time he took one of his children and tied it to a tree, called it a target, and shot at and killed it. This place (Fort Rubedeau) is equal to any I ever saw for wickedness and idleness. The French and Spaniards are all Roman Catholics; but are as wicked men, I think, as ever lived. No one who has not, like me, witnessed it, can have any idea of their wickedness." Such a picture of the morals of the people does not fully apply to the whole territory. Mr. Williams represents the conduct of the settlers on the Willamette and at Vancouver in a less repulsive, though it must be confessed, not in a very amiable light. We should judge from the notes of the traveler, that the soil and climate of Oregon are not inviting. Comparatively small regions are productive, but much of the country sterile; and as a whole, we presume that, for agricultural purposes, it will prove to be greatly inferior to the inhabited portions of the United States. DISSERTATIONS ON THE PROPHECIES RELATIVE TO THE 191 not" mean year. Second. "To pretend to fix the date of the millenium is directly to contradict the authority of Christ and his apostles." We think that, on the former point, Mr. Scott has shown that, in the symbolical prophetic style, a day means a year; and that, in regard to fixing the date, we may hope to ascertain the century, though not the precise time of the millenium. Fox's BOOK OF MARTYRS: Being a History of Christian Martyrdom from the Earliest to the Latest Periods of Christian Persecution. By the Rev. John Fox, A. M. With copious and important additions. Philadelphia: Jas. M. Campissued as a supplement to the Select Library of Religious Literabell, 98 Chesnut-street.-This instructive biography is being ture. It is a standard work, and as a record of the sufferings of ology should be studied, as a development of the depravity of the Church, will never be displaced by any other. Martyrman, and of the enormities which it is capable of enacting, when forsaken by the restraints of grace. SECOND ADVENT. By Geo. Duffield, Pastor of the First Pres- cluding Remarks in Conversation, and Extracts from SerMEMOIRS OF MRS. SARAH HAWKES, Late of Islington, Inbyterian Church of Detroit. New York: Dayton & Newman.—Mr. Duffield has given to the public a book which could Cecil. Philadelphia: J. Wrentham.-Mrs. Hawkes had clear mons and Letters of the late Richard Cecil. By Catharine not fail, at any time, to excite deep interest, and rouse to views of the evil of sin and of the doctrines of grace. Her faith anxious inquiry. Much more, at present, will it provoke serious attention, and become the occasion of diligent and trials she was very patient. She was an eminent Christian. was strong, yet she was remarkable for humility. In great careful study. The author argues in favor of the pre-millenial, Some of her last words in death, as written down by a friend to personal advent of our Savior. The book is divided into six- whom they were addressed, are as follows: "Make more acteen chapters, which discuss the following themes: The Duty quaintance with God, and then you will hang upon him more. of Studying the Prophecies-The System of Interpretation-Do not trouble yourself about your dispensation, but cleave to The Nature of Figurative Language-Symbolical and Typical him. Give me a sweet touch of drawing to him-and to say, Language-A General Outline of the Literal and Spiritual God is my God and hiding place. Wash me from all self-rightSystem of Interpreting the Prophecies-Traditionary History-eousness. I had not a shred. I have thought better of myself The Principles of Interpretation Applied, and the Second Coming of Christ Shown to be Pre-millenial-The Coming of Christ is Prior to the Destruction of Popery-The Nature of the Day of Judgment Supposed to Afford an Objection Against the Premillenial Coming of Christ-The Season and Signs of Christ's Coming-The Skeptic's Objection. We have not perused the writings of Mr. Miller. He is represented by many as superficial. No such charge can lie against Mr. Duffield. His work is the fruit of patient and profound investigation. We have read nothing on the prophecies, whether of an early or recent date, more indicative of ripe scholarship, of a familiar acquaintance with the rules of interpretation, and of talent and skill in the application of those rules. He expects the personal advent of Christ, to set up his kingdom on earth. The advent and the gathering of the Jews will, he argues, be nearly cotemporary events. In this he differs from Mr. Miller. He announces no particular year or age for this advent, but supposes that the period is near, and that the Church should be looking for it. He deems that no such change as is implied in the "conversion of the world" is to be expected. than I ought to think; now I think only of my Savior. I believe thrust at me; but I trust I am able to say, in very faithfulness my faith has been right faith. Satan has been permitted to and righteousness, He does all. And now I cast myself on him-take me as I am-make me as thou art." She suffered much, but submissively, in death. THE "AMERICAN MESSENGER" is a monthly sheet published at New York, Boston and Philadelphia, by the American Tract Society. We have received the fifth number. Its subscribers are already about ten thousand. Its motto is, "An evangelical ministry, an active Church, and a sanctified press, the hope of the world." It is truly a paper "for the times." It rebukes the profligacy of the press, and speaks as it should of novel reading and its results. We sincerely wish that it could reach every family in the United States. Six copies for a year, beginning in January, for one dollar in advance. Let companies be formed in every neighborhood, and send to No. 13, North Seventh-street, Philadelphia, for this excellent and cheap paper. LETTERS ON THE SUBJECTS AND MODE OF BAPTISM. By J. T. Hendrick, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Flemingsburg, Kentucky. Eagle Book-store, Maysville, Ky.This is a good treatise on the themes announced. Its historical proofs of the early practice of infant baptism are conclusive. Such a work was needed in Kentucky, and will be of general advantage to the Scriptural usage which it vindicates. It is a 12mo. of 200 pages. We can say, in conclusion, that the perusal of this work has convinced us of two things which were previously disputable points: First, that Christians ought to study the prophecies. Second, that they have neglected it till the Church, both in her ministers and members, is exceedingly ignorant of their import. N. B. The "Spirit of the Age," a monthly magazine edited by Dr. Breckenridge, of Baltimore, has reached us. The whole number is occupied with an able review of the above work, in THE MAGNOLIA; OR, SOUTHERN APALACHIAN.-This periwhich, if we understand the position of the author, he wholly odical, published in Charleston, South Carolina, by P. C. Penmaintains the views of Mr. Duffield. He harmonizes with dleton, and Burgess and James, is much improved in its appearMr. Duffield in regard to the importance of studying the proph-ance, and is one of our most beautiful monthlies. Its contents ecies, and suggests that this will be important to the just action display much talent, and some of its articles are of great liteof ecclesiastical courts on questions connected with the pro-rary value. Its "Editorial Bureau" is rich in criticism, and phetical Scriptures. shows that its columns are under the supervision of a trained A REVIEW OF PROFESSOR STOWE'S "MILLENIAL ARITH- and skillful mind. We have no fault to object against it, except METIC." By Walter Scott.-Our readers will find a brief notice that it is of a fashionable cast, reciting frequent tales of love, of Professor Stowe's "Letter to Dr. Mussey on the Millenial treachery, robbery, and murder; but in this respect it is by sevArithmetic" in the April number of the Repository. The object eral degrees more sober and discreet than most of its cotempoof the writer was to prove the "utter groundlessness of all mil-raries. Novel readers might profitably substitute it for several lenial arithmetic." Dr. Stowe aimed chiefly to establish two other magazines of more vicious moral tendency, and of less points, namely, First. "Day, in the prophetic writings, does literary value. EDITOR'S TABLE. "MILLERISM."-This article was admitted into our columns under the express stipulation that the Editor should express his own views, with as strong opposition as he might please, to those set forth by his correspondent. That our opposition may not Beem cynical or wanton, in any degree, we will begin with ap proval. We agree with the author in her vindication of Mr. Miller's Christian character. We have never been able to gather from credible sources any proofs of Mr. Miller's insincerity, ambition, or worldliness of purpose, in teaching as he does concerning the day of judgment. We have, on the other hand, strong testimony from good men, who are well acquainted with his manner of life, that he is a consistent and truthful Christian. But his sincerity is one thing, and the consistency and utility of his doctrines is another thing. We wish to observe on the latter point: 1. That he does not seem to have adopted any particular mode of interpretation. He is neither a literalist nor a spiritualist-rather he is both by turns, and resorts to all methods of interpretation, as happens to suit his general purpose, and contribute support to his established views. This looseness of method more than draws in question his qualifications as an interpreter of prophecy. The reader will perceive at once that little dependence can be placed upon results which are reached by no uniform rule or method of exposition. 2. Mr. Miller greatly errs in some of his conclusions. For example, he applies Daniel xii, 11, which speaks of the taking away of the daily [sacrifice,] to the cessation of the Pagan abominations, and the substitution of the Papacy. No application of this part of Daniel's prophecy could be less warrantable than this. The wildest fancy, it seems to us, could invent nothing more remote from the truth. This is one instance, amongst others, in which Mr. Miller falls into gross error. 3. Another feature of Mr. Miller's course, which ought to be promptly rebuked, is his bearing toward those who differ from him. He deems all who do not embrace his views of the advent "foolish virgins," and consigns them over to perdition. Ministers who do not preach as he does, that 1843 brings along with it the end of all things, are accounted deceivers, and are classed with false teachers. This is a stretch of arrogance which, were it not for our strong resolve of charity, would lead us to question Mr. Miller's sincerity. But we will refrain, and only say, that he is probably an example of the length to which an untrained, indiscreet, and partially sanctified mind may wander from a decorous Christian bearing and yet be sincere. While, however, we admit him to be honest and devout, we claim that thousands of those ministers whom he so improperly reproaches are equally pious, and inconceivably better informed than he in Christian theology. We are convinced that no moral or religious good can result from Mr. Miller's effort to convince the world of the near approach of the judgment. On the other hand, it will produce serious evils, some of which are already developed, and others 2. Even Christians, by yielding their thoughts to the theme of his lectures, are diverted from those meditations, and from those means of holiness by which they may expect to mature their Christian character. 5. The excitable are become so sensitive to what they deem fearful or alarming, that they cannot meditate calmly, and are in no frame to "consider their ways and turn their feet unto God's testimonies." 6. Some such are driven to despair, and are found, at length, of clearly revealed truth, man is not to be blamed; but when it inmates of mad houses. When this result follows the preaching results from unwarrantable teachings, it is sinful. 7. Infidels are gathering strength and boldness from these efforts to interpret the chronological prophecies. 8. The agitations produced by this theme are aids to other gross heresies, such as Mormonism, and other errors of equal fraud and folly. 9. Disputations amongst brethren have arisen out of the contrary views which spring up on this theme. "Mark those which cause divisions." Not that blame attaches to the min istry of clearly revealed truth, even if that truth cause divisions. But Mr. Miller preaches what is not clearly revealed. Nay, he preaches some things which we believe are contrary to truth. He does it, we think, without any intention to deceive, but as being self-deceived. He ought, by diligent prayer for deliverance, to escape his delusion, and come to the light. By these remarks we are far from purposing any diminution of a solemn regard for the eventful period in which we live. Revolutions, we doubt not, such as men have never known, are just before us. We need not resort to extravagant expositions of the prophecies to make out the case. Nor need we watch for physical tokens of their approach. The signs of the times are to be looked for in the moral world; and surely they are enough to satisfy the most intemperate lover of the marvelous. We agree with the author of the following paragraph-a gentleman more remarkable for sound judgment than for poetic enthusiasm. He says: "Ever since the French Revolution peculiar events, both moral and political, have been transpiring. The nations of the earth are rearing the standard of infidelity: Popery is propagating its abominations; the Ottoman empire is wasting away; in nearly every nation on earth; the Bible has been translated the Gospel is extensively propagated, and has been preached into more than one hundred and fifty languages; an extraordinary movement has been made in favor of the Jews; the world is sunk in fatal security and indifference, and laughs at the thought of danger; a large portion of the Church, like the foolish virgins, are fallen asleep; the preparation is making for a fearful crisis; the kings and rulers of the earth are leaguing and conspiring together, and becoming involved more and more in their ambitious schemes and enterprises, and the Lord is pouring out his Spirit and sealing his people. Verily, we must be blind indeed, if we cannot discern the signs of the times." LADIES' ORNAMENTS.-A foreign female missionary objects to the use of ornaments: 1. That they are unnecessary. 2. That they are a waste. 3. That they are inconvenient. 4. That they injure the mind. 5. That they are humiliating. 6. That they are a relic of heathenism. Mrs. Judson-a name dear to religion-once sent forth a strong appeal to the pious females of America on this subject. It was not generally regarded. We would be pleased to see it re-published. Perhaps, speaking from the grave, she might be heard by some who disregarded her living testimony. It seems to us that the time cannot be distant when, in this respect, a great change in favor of sobriety and godliness shall come upon the female portion of the Church. This would be like life from the dead to the cause of missions, and of all Christian charities. To CORRESPONDENTS.-"The Washingtonian's Wife," "Lan3. Those who adopt Mr. Miller's views read the Bible less gartha," and the lines from "E. A. W.," all have merit; but for practical purposes or moral guidance, than as a book of they are evidently from unpracticed writers, who would probenigmas, which human ingenuity is to solve for entertainment.ably write prose with better prospects of success. Poetry must They study it not so much to learn what they ought to do, as to be very good, or it is not even tolerable. One word amiss will ascertain what God is about to enact. 4. "Star gazing" has become common. Mr. Miller may have roused some to read the Bible, but he has stirred up more still to study the aspects of the heavens. Phenomena familiar to past "generations are now viewed as fearful portents, forewarning us of the world's approaching dissolution. spoil a volume. Those who are not well acquainted with the laws of versification should never venture in this field. Several articles of poetry were excluded from this number, which will be inserted in following numbers. The lines from Texas are too eulogistic to be inserted in the paper which is their theme. THE LADIES' REPOSITORY. CINCINNATI, JULY, 1843. Original. ON REVENGE. in the higest walks of civilized society that man bends over his prostrate enemy with bowels of compassion, and as he binds up his bleeding wounds, exclaims, "Forgiveness, O how sweet!" The Muses whom the ancients regarded as the civilizers of mankind, viz., Eloquence, Poetry, Music, &c., have a refining, humanizing, softening influence. The Muses of Christian civilization, viz., Love, Joy, Peace, Long-Suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance, cannot breathe in an atmosphere of resentment. Just in proportion as you ascend the scale of civilization do you find revenge subsiding. Just in proportion as resentment is indulged do men plunge themselves down toward the rudest barbarity. The African who, when insulted, meekly pardoned, saying, "I write insults on the sand-favors on the marble," was far more civilized, in the true sense of the word, than his proud insulters. WOMAN is designed to be the companion and helpmate of man. In a few respects she is his inferior-in many his equal-in some his superior. Designed for relations and duties somewhat different from those of man, it was to be expected that peculiarities would be impressed upon her form, her intellect, and her heart, by the hand of nature. Descriptive and picturesque anatomy have pointed out the distinctions between the sexes in form and feature; but mental philosophy has failed to expose, with equal nicety, the differences between their mental and moral constitutions. I do not pretend to enter upon this wide and inviting field, but merely to direct attention to one little spot within its limits. It is supposed that resentment is more easily excited and more lasting in woman than in man-that the female is prone to take offense-indisposed to forgive. "Woman is revengeful," is a sentence I have often heard from the pulpit, the highway, the fire-side, and the bar. If this allegation be true, it is not difficult to account for it. Vanity is the stronger in the softer sex. Secluded from the world, denied the pur-"Remember that I began the reconciliation." Which, suit of fortune or of fame, woman's chief happiness is to be derived from the approbation of her friends. Moreover, when offended, being the weaker vessel, she has not the opportunity of retaliation. Man, when injured, rushes into battle, and spends his passion with his blows. Woman cannot do thus. How natural, then, for her to "let concealment, like a worm in the bud, feed on her damask cheek." 2. Revenge is beneath a good heathen. It is related in classic story, that two brethren quarreled, and were reconciled. Afterward one, boasting, said, "Remember that I began the disagreement." The other said, think ye, did the heathen suppose to be the better man? "May I perish," said one, "if I be not avenged of you!" "May I perish," said the other, "if I do not compel you to love me!" Heathen history has transmitted the story for the everlasting admiration of the latter. This was a maxim among the ancient Greeks: "To revenge is barbarous-to forgive divine." It is related of Lycurgus that Alcander having put out one of the Mythology attributes the destruction of Troy to the eyes of that great man in a seditious tumult, was derevenge of Juno, excited by Paris' awarding the prize livered to him to be punished according to the dictate of beauty to her rival, Venus. The Roman poet of his own feelings. The magnanimous legislator, notascribes all the calamities of the Trojans, flying their withstanding his avocations and designs had given to consumed country under Æneas, to the lasting resent-his disposition much of severity, received the youth ment of the wife of Jupiter. The same master-hand with kindness, treated him with tenderness, forgave his paints Dido, with her dying breath, imprecating curses upon her lover, and by her prayers doing her utmost to hand down her revenge to future ages. He represents her as bearing her resentment to the shades, and scorning to notice the soothing words of the sympathizing Æneas when he meets her in the realms below. Was it Herod or Herodias that thirsted for the blood of John the Baptist? There is surely no impropriety in putting the lovely and the beautiful upon their guard against this feeling. Bear with me, fair one, whilst I assign a few reasons why it should not be indulged. 1. Revenge is barbarous. This passion is found most vigorous in the rudest condition of mankind. It is the son of the forest, whose wigwam is 'mid the den of wild beasts, who cries out, as he plunges his hatchet in the brains of his victim, "Revenge is sweet." It is VOL. III.-25 offense, and, having reformed him by wise counsel and humane example, brought him into the theatre, saying, "As you well remember, I received this man from you an abuser and violent-I return him humane and well disposed." The heathen multitude were lost in admiration. 3. It mars beauty. The step loses its elasticity, the spirits their vivacity, the heart its buoyant bound, the cheek its crimson, and the whole countenance that ||indefinable, attractive expression which speaks a soul at ease. I have seen the lovely lass, whose lips seemed formed only for accents of peace, whose eyes seemed to be the windows of love and joy, and whose whole form one might imagine a fit tenement for Gabriel, should he become incarnate, suddenly transformed into a creature more unlovely than the swine, under the influence of such a passion. |