ing that he has been being imposed upon. injured, or is in danger of and spread blessings wherever it is laid. Our characters are formed in our infancy-one of the disturber of our happiness out of our homes-greatest living philosophers has asserted that a out from our minds. Let us not only endeavor child learns more between the ages of two and to free our own minds from the monster, but five than all the rest of its life. During that strive likewise to remove it from that of others, period, the child is entirely under the control especially in all those who look up to us for of its mother, and it is an acknowledged fact guidance and direction, and who profit from, or that all eminent men have had maternal relasuffer by our example. In affecting an object, {tives of no ordinary character and ability. no individual is so humble as not to have the We must bear in mind one important fact, means of aiding it in his own sphere,—each indi- { that in order to check selfishness in others, it is vidual has a circle in which his or her example, necessary to crush it in ourselves. will produce good or evil. Females-mothers stones, our feelings call into existence similar more especially so. Let them lend their aid to ones in others—anger excites anger-selfishness the good object of chastening our selfishness, calls out selfishness-and our benevolence canlet them bear in mind the important fact, that not fail to call into existence benevolent feelings the germs of a child's disposition are formed in those around us. Let us then cultivate under their care, that it is in their power to benevolence, aided by the cheering thought that weed the infant garden under their charge, to every bad feeling crushed, and every good one eradicate the weeds, and tend and cultivate the nourished, not only tends to enoble our own flowers to destroy the tares, and nourish the minds, but will ultimately benefit mankind, and wheat under their fostering care, until it ripen advance the progress of universal civilization. Like load "If the music of earth is so sweet, what must be the music of heaven, when all the heavenly hosts unite their Voices-ten thousand upon ten thousand." ROM the lowly flower to the house And the heart responds to its holiness. T editor may be disappointed. EDITOR'S TABLE. HERE is much that we wished to say in this the opening number of our new volume, but unexpectedly, our contri mentioning. In it, we have endeavored to show what is the true foundation on which the "reformed man" must base his hope of being sustained to the end. Many who have taken the pledge, have, alas! violated their solemn contract with their fellow men, and gone back to their old habits; and many who butors have crowd-still hold on faithfully, are, at times sorely tempted, and are led, in very bitterness of spirit, amid these temptations, to exclaim "What shall I do?" The answer to that earnest question, we have endeavored to give. We hope every reformed man will read it. We are sure that it will do him good. Other articles we might specify, but it is needless; all will be found excellent. Our poetical contributors have done well. The number contains many gems. We present it to our readers with confidence. ed us nearly out of our usual place. Perhaps this is no loss to the reader, however much the He could have laid over some one of the articles included in this number, as he has been compelled to lay over many that he wished to insert, in order to give place to his remarks on literary and other matters; but he was unwilling to leave out any one of the excellent papers that now grace its pages, and preferred saying less himself, believing that his contributors could speak to more purpose. In this, the reader will doubtless agree with him. In making up the opening number of a new volume, we have studied to present a fair specimen of what our magazine will be throughout the year. We think we my safely say, that not a single number will be inferior in interest; many we are sure will be still more attractive. Our resources are ample, our affections in our work, and our control over its pages entire. These are absolutely necessary in order to attain any degree of excellence; with these, we know that we can fulfil every promise here made. Of the articles in this number, we would particularly call attention to "The Woodcutter," a fine German story, from that admirable writer Caroline Pichler. Professor Frost's paper on "Richard the Third" will strike almost every reader with surprise. He will hardly credit the fact that Shakespeare's portrait of this king is as unlike the original as can well be imagined. It will be almost impossible for him to realize the fact, that Richard the Third was a man well formed, and elegant in his person, courteous in his bearing, and honorably spoken of by all cotemporary writers. And yet, this seems to be the real truth. "The Sewing Society" is well done. It would be a grave face indeed, that did not open into a smile at the account given of what was done at one of the sittings. The view taken of the subject is the right one. Such hits will do good, even if they are felt, in certain quarters to be rather hard. "What Shall I do?" a temperance sketch from our own hand, is an article that we must be excused for 1 THE AMERICAN WOMAN.-A weekly paper with this title has recently been started in our city, published and edited by ladies. We have looked through a few numbers, and find that it is conducted with vigor and ability-masculine vigor, we might almost have said, notwithstanding its rather low opinion of the masculine mind, as exhibited in the current literary productions, of our country. Certain it is, that "The American Woman" is edited with no mean ability, and it is also certain that it cuts right and left at the "lords of creation" who rule in the literary world, with a keen edged and glittering Damascus blade. Some of its thrusts are well made, and strike home in the right quarters. Fearless and independent it has begun, and fearless and independent may it continue. But, let it not waste too much time in exposing the glaring deficiencies on our side, but, rather strive to develop its own truth, power, and beauty. Let us find in it the sweet odor of the rose and violet, rather than the thistle's sting. Woman's influence upon society is strongest when it comes in gentle and affectionate incentives to virtuous actionswhen it shows forth the purity of truth and the beauty of goodness. But, if she chide too strongly, or sneer too bitterly, her end will rarely be attained. We find enough of this among our own sex, and can bear it but illy from them; but when we see beautiful woman's lip disfigured by a sneer, we turn away with regret. She has lost her power over us! The talented ladies who preside over the columns of the "American Woman," will pardon us for these remarks. They truly express the feelings awakened by a perusal of some of their articles, and we utter them with the freedom that we hope they will speak of our work, it they should feel called upon to do so. To the enterprise, we wish the most perfect success Let American women subscribe for it, and write for it, and stamp upon it the true character of their sex, that it may bear with it wherever it goes, a healthy influence. NEW PUBLICATIONS. The works of the Rev. William Jay, of Argyle Chapel, Bath, comprising matter not heretofore presented to the American public. In three vols. } New York, Harper & Brother. These are bulky volumes, containing sermons, daily reflections, biographical sketches, &c. Mr. Jay is a man of piety, benevolence, and ability; although so eccentric as frequently to appear of widely different character. His writings are of necessity more interesting to those of his own religious persuasion than to the general reader; yet there is much food for thought in them, and many passages wherein striking and original views are displayed that must please and interest all classes of readers. Mr. Jay's mind is analytical, and his analysis of any subject is sure to be rigorously scrutinizing. In a preface to the biography of a friend, Rev. C. Winter, after showing the advantages of biography in general, the author goes on to inquire what particular kind is most useful, and takes occasion to object to distinguished characters as unfitted to excite emulation and imitation from the fact of there being little hope to ordinary personages of getting into similar situations in life. He then adds a truth that we think cannot be too widely spread. "Neither," says he" are eccentric characters the best suited to instruct and impress. These can be easily made to awaken notice, and therefore their lives are often written and greedily read, but, as the former subject} cannot be imitated, so these ought not. Eccentricity is sometimes found connected with genius, but it does not coalesce with true wisdom. Hence men of the first order of intellect have never betrayed it; and hence also men of secondary talents drop it as they grow wiser; and are satisfied to found their consequence on real and solid excellency, not on peculiarity and extravagance. They are content to awaken regard, and obtain applause by the rectitude and gracefulness of their going, rather than to make passengers stare and laugh by leaping over the wall, or tumbling along the road. True greatness is serious: trifling is beneath its dignity. We are more indebted to the regular, sober, constant course of the sun, than to the glare of the comet: the one indeed occupies our papers, but the other enriches our fields and gardens; we gaze at the strangeness of the one, but we live by the influence of the other." We regret that our space will not allow of further extracts from this admirable chapter, which abounds in passages equally clear and forcible. In the present rage for biographical writings, Mr. Jay's essay on that order of composition, may be read with advantage. provided the perusing bee can extract the honey. Books to men, should be like flowers to the bee; none so worthless but that some good may be gleaned from them. "Littel's Living Age," has reached the twentyseventh number. Its rapidly increasing circulation may be considered the surest proof of its continued excellence. At any rate, it is the most satisfactory proof that can be afforded to the publishers, and we sincerely hope that it may continue to increase in proportion to the merits of the book, feeling sure that in such a case, its circulation will be immense. --- Harper's Pictorial Bible, and Hewit's Illustrated Shakespeare, and Tales from Shakespeare are continued in their usual style of elegance and beauty. The same is true of E. Ferrett, & Co.'s fine edition of MRS. S. C. HALL'S Sketches of Irish Character. Of this last work the New York Tribune says. "It is one of the finest specimens of printing that we have ever seen. Of the sketches themselves, it is unnecessary to speak, since they are universally acknowledged to be among the most attractive to be found in the language." A History of Greece, by Right Rev. Connop Thirlwall, Lord Bishop of St. Davids'. New York, Harper & Brother, 1844. This work appeared originally in Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia in 8 volumes (cost $16). It is now printed in 8 numbers at 25 cts. each. It is universally admitted by European critics to be the ablest and most learned history of Greece which has ever appeared. Mitford's was written with tory prejudices. This work is liberal, and does justice to the Grecian republics. A Treatise on the forces which produce the organization of plants. With an appendix, containing several memoirs on capillary attraction, electricity, and the chemical action of light. By John William Draper, M. D. Professor of Chemistry in the University of New York. Harper & Brothers, 1844. The title of this work will at once attract the attention of scientific men. It is elegantly printed in quarto form, and contains over two hundred pages of reading matter. It is a valuable addition to that branch of literature to which it belongs. This book is worthy the attention of all who desire to improve their style of speaking and writing. The author expresses himself with clearness, and furnishes an abundance of hints to those engaged in literary pursuits. If our writers would study more carefully than they do works of this kind, we should have "Tales from the German," « The Natural History of Courtship," The Physiology of the Lon-fewer offences against the English language than now don Medical Student," by Punch; "Attila," by James, and a troop of other cheap publications may be used for amusement, not unmixed with instruction, occur. The volume is handsomely got up, as are all books by the Harpers. All the above works for sale by E. Ferrett & Co. attractions are nothing, without food for the mind that is nourishing, piquant, and healthy. Beauty and excellence shall ever be our aim. The commendation our work has received from all quarters, acts as a stimulent to renewed exertions. We shall strive hard to merit the approbation so freely bestowed. BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.-From Messrs. J. H. Carter & Co. of Boston, we have received several excellent juvenile books in addition to those which were noticed in our November number. All the children's books that are published by this house, are got up under the direct supervision of Mr. Samuel Colman, to whom the little folks have been indebted for the last few years for some of their choicest holiday presents. To know that he has issued a juvenile book, is always a sufficient recommendation. It is sure to be beautiful without and attractive within.beauty. A specimen number will be sent to any Those that we have received from Messrs. Carter & Co. are The Pretty Alphabet for good children, forming Little Thomas. By Mrs. Barbauld, forms one of the numbers in the same series. As does also Little Maria. By Mrs. Barbauld: Useful Stories for Little Folks is excellent : New Stories for Little Girls, edited by Miss Colman, is very neatly embellished, and bound up in fine colored muslin with gilt stamps and gilt edges. The merit of these stories lies in the fact, that they inculcate goodness, and thus aid the earnest efforts of parents to cultivate right affections in the minds of their children. We would refer to the advertisement of Mrs. Hall's admirable SKETCHES OF IRISH CHARACTER, to be found on the cover It is a work of great one who will write us free of postage. PREMIUMS.-To any one who will obtain for our magazine three subscribers, with the money ($6) in advance, we will send Mrs. Hall's beautiful work, now appearing in numbers. Or, the same premium will be given for a club of seven subscribers to the magazine, and $10. Or, for $5 sent free of postage, two copies of the magazine will be sent, and one copy of Mrs. Hall's Sketches. OUR PLATES FOR THE PRESENT MONTH.-This number contains two superb plates-Joan of Arc and the Bridge of Doon, besides one of the most beautiful title pages that has yet appeared in any magazine. "Good wine needs no bush." A bad plate requires a little bolstering up-a few kind words said in its favor, in order that those to whom it is presented may not turn from it with displeasure. But such engravings as this number contains need no formal and apologetic introduction. They carry in their face their own warm welcome. --- OTHER EMBELLISHMENTS.-The handsome vignette and ornamental letter with which this number opens, we are sure will please our readers. They are neat and appropriate. The Monument to Joan of Arc at The Child's Gem for 1845. Edited by Mrs. S. Colman. The elegant binding of this little volume fitly encloses and decorates the fine-toned stories within. Many of these last are of the true stamp, and teach not only love and obedience to parents, but that filial "fear of the Lord," which "is the begin-Rouen is well engraved, and forms a very attractive ning of wisdom." embellishment; the same may be said of the Ruins of Kirk Alloway. Besides these, the number of beautiful initial letters that grace the pages work, and will continue to grace them throughout the volume, cannot fail to gratify every reader of taste. All who take this magazine may depend upon the publishers doing every thing to give it all the literary interest, and artistic beauty that lie in their For such juvenile books as the above, every parent must feel deeply indebted to the publishers. Most freely do we recommend them to notice, and endorse them as good. All of them are for sale at E. Ferrett & Co.'s store, 101 Chestnut street, where a fine assortment of annuals, gift books, and juveniles will be found. Kriss Kringle's Christmas Tree, Philadelphia, E. Ferrett & Co. This is one among the most beautiful gift books for children that have appeared this season. It is full of attractive stories and little poems, just suited for the young folks, and has plenty of pictures and every thing to make it attractive. We have read it through and know it to be a good book, as it is a very handsome one. PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. We enter upon our new volume, with a determination not to be surpassed in beauty of typography or artistical embellishment, by any cotemporary. This is our business as publishers, and we shall look well to it. The literary department of our work is in the hands of one who will take care that every article published is good. In this we rest, mainly, our claims to public favor. Pictures and external power. of our ORIGINAL VIEWS OF WESTERN SCENERY.-We have engaged an artist of much talent to furnish us {with a series of pictures of Western Scenery, from which we shall have engravings made for our magazine. These views will be of places interesting in the history of the West, or remarkable for their great beauty. NEW VIEWS OF NIAGARA.-Besides the views of Western Scenery, we have contracted with the same artist, who spent two months at the Falls of Niagara, and sketched views of it from more than thirty different positions with great accuracy, for three pictures of the Falls, the most spirited of any we have yet seen. These will be speedily engraved for our magazine. Two of them are already finished and ready for the engraver. ID you ever see this?" said a man named Harvey, as he leaned upon a fence, and looked over a broad field of wheat, nearly ready for the sickle. He spoke to a neighbor with whom he had been to an adjacent town on business. were worth the money, I'd give Peterson fifty dollars an acre for it to-morrow." "There are four hundred acres. That would be twenty thousand dollars." "Yes. And it would be cheap at that." "Peterson farms it well." "Yes. But I understand as much about farming as he does, and a little more too. Give me the soil that he has, and I'll make crops at least one third larger, or I 'm mistaken." "I do n't know exactly what I could do in the way of increasing the yield, but I do know, that I would consider myself a rich man if I "The best in the district, Harvey. If I owned Peterson's farm." |