Take no thought, according to the significa tion of the original word, should be rendered, be not anxious; thus, take no thought for the 'morrow'-be not anxious for the morrow.

Offend as our translators use the word,

means to cause to sin; 'whoever shall offend one of these little ones." that is,cause them to sin; if thine eye offend thee,' that is, cause thee to sin. Conversation-applics not merely to language and speaking, but the whole manner of life and conduct; thus, Paul speaks of his conversation in the Jews' religion, meaning his manner of life while a Jew.

Fellow-as we use the word, often implies contempt the word man, or equal, must be understood, when it occurs in the Bible: thus, 'Jehovah's fellow,' is, Jehovah's equal.

Beast-as applied in the Apocalypse, were liv. ing creatures.

Juvenile Miss Intel.

AN INTELLIGENT MULE.

CHANGING HUSBANDS.

As two ladies were coming out of one of our fashionable churches the other Sunday, they husbands-a inistake which, as both parties some how or other had the misfortune to change discovered. Each of the ladies, as soon as she were going the same way, was not immediately had got her gentleman by the arm, naturally began to talk with all her might, in order to make up for the silence she had been obliged to main. tain in church.

Mrs. A. addressing Mr. B. began-'My dear, what made you get asleep in the middle of the sermon ?—I am actually ashamed of your conduct.'

My conduct, my dear,' said Mrs. B., I'm sure I did'nt get asleep.'

'Not get asleep! How can you tell such a monstrous fib, and on Sunday too? Did'nt I have to jog you half a dozen times before I could awake you?'

himself"

With that, Mrs. B. gave the bell a violent ring, and while waiting for the servant, she that she had got the wrong man; and he per chanced to look round, and just then discovered ceived also that he had got the wrong woman. They of course gave a mutual explanation of surprise, and began to look about them for their legitimate partners, when up came the other 'By no means--I hav'nt been asleep to-day.tual apologies took place, and each lady de odd couple. A hearty laugh now ensued; mamy dear. Surely, your thoughts must have been strangely wandering from the purpose of worship, to have taken such a fancy into your head. What made you imagine I was asleep?"

you snored so loud as to wake up half the con-
gregation; then you began to talk in your
sleep-and if I had'nt waked you up just as I
did, I don't know what would have been the
consequence. Fie! my dear, I'm really shocked
at you !'

M. de Cambolas, the head of an old parliamentary family of Toulouse, which had long been distinguished for learning, integrity and freedom from party spirit, resided about as far from the Palais de Justice, as the Port Saint Denis is distant from the Carrasal. M. Cam. •Imagine, sir !—there's no imagination in the bolas, who being the senior president of the Par-case; it's all matter of fact. Why, man alive, liament, was called the Doyen, proceeded regularly every morning at 6 o'clock to the Palais de Justice, mounted on his mule, which was a fine animal of the limsisin breed. This important parsonage, before whom the inhabitants of Toulouse bowed their heads and trembled, trotted to and from the house to the Palais, unaccompani ed by a valet or attendant of any kind. The feeling inspired by M. le Doyen was not unming led with fear, for he was a severe judge, inflexible to vice, and merciless to the infringers of the law. On arriving at the inner gate of the Palais, M. de Cambolas was met by the usher, who placed a stool for him to step on, and helped

him to alight. The mule then, at the signal of a gentle tap of the usher's wand, turned round and set off at a trot to the stable adjoining his master's hotel, where his provender was in readiness for him. At precisely ten minutes before twelve, the mule again started from his restingplace, and trotted back alone to the Palais, in

'At me! I'd have you know, Mrs. B.’—————
'Mrs. B.! who's Mrs. B. Why, the man is
crazy! Let me tell you, Mr. A., this conduct
is very unbecoming. Yes, Mr. A., I will just
inform'-

but the different partics, it is said, were not a parted with her husband to her own home;little chagrined at the exposure of their particular foibles, which took place in the conversation

above related.

The Inscriptions of Dighton Rock have been to the multitude a matter of great curiosity, and to the antiquarian a ‘stumbling block,' for cen turies. Some have supposed that they were the work of the rod inen, while others are of o. pinion that wo are indebted to the Northmen for these enigmatical byeroglyphics. The Society of Antiquarians at Copenhagen, who have for a few years past been busily engaged in col. ||lecting and decyphering musty Icelandic manuscripts, have, it is well known, published an es laborate work containing many of these ancient Who the devil is Mr. A.? Why, Mrs. B., || records, which leave but little doubt that the you must be crazy instead of me! New World was discovered by the hardy navi. gators of the frozen North, as early as the 11th century; that colonies were established by them in what are now the states of Massachu setts and Rhode-Island, if not other parts of the continent, and that Christian missionaries from thas country proclaimed the Gospel in those colIn the mean time, Mrs. B., before she had onies. But to return to the Rock: The Antigot fairly over the threshold of the church, af. quarians of Copenhagen have made up their fectionately pressing the arm of Mr. A., began-minds that the inscriptions upon it 'were carved My dear, what a beautiful bonnet Mrs. Twitch-by the Northmen; but Gov. Everett has satisfi ell has got! Did you notice it ?'

By this time the gentleman and lady began to be mutually suspicious of the soundness of one another's intellects; and looking in each other's faces to confirm their suspicions, they at the same time discovered that each had got the wrong partner.

ed his own mind that this is not the case. In that Mr. Catlin, in answer to a question from his lecture at the Warren street Chapel,he stated him, (Gov. Everitt,) whether he had ever seen

the court yard of which he never failed to arrive just as the clock struck twelve. The venerable Doyen then bestrided his faithful limoisin, and returned home; to the mule, the business of the day was then over; though only half ended to his worthy master. This routine had been kept up for the space of thirty years, uninterrupted by any accident. The mule passed and re-passed the-by, my dear, what are you going to have that he had seen hundreds of them on white

every day twice with the Doyen and twice without him, and with such undeviating punc. tuality with regard to time, that clocks and

'No, I did not,' replied Mr. A., but dare say it must be handsome, since you commend it-1 always rely upon your taste, you know. By

for dinner?'

"Why, a piece of roast mutton.'
'Roast mutton! exclaimed Mr. A., turning

such an inscription in the Indian country, said

quartz rock, and that if he had copied all of than a thousand pages. He had seen a high them. they would have filled a volume of more

watches were regulated by his appearance, and up his nose; I'd as lief eat a piece of tom-cat. wall of this beautiful rock, of some miles in

many a rendezvous was fixed with this formula: Rely on me, I will be as punctual as the mule of Mr. de Cambolas. The mule was known to all the inhabitants of Toulouse, young and old. He shared no small portion of the veneration which was 1 endered to his master-and none of the boys of Toulouse, though certainly not less mischievous than those of Paris, would have ventured to tease or annoy the privileged mule.

Prince Cambaceres.

I never could endure roast mutton; the only de.
cent way of cooking mutton is to boil it, and set
it on the table, with plenty of drawn butter and
parsley?'

'Indeed" said Mrs. B., somewhat contemptu-
ously; where did you learn all this knowledge
of cookery, my dear?

'Where did I learn it? Why, hav'nt I always told you never to roast mutton? I'm surprised you should be so obstinate.'

A SEMI-MONTHLY LITERARY JOURNAL.

VOL. II.]

DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF POLITE LITERATURE.

POUGHKEEPSIE, MARCH 23, 1839.

Rammohund

BIOGRAPHY.

For the Poughkeepsie Casket. THE RAJAH RAMMOHUN ROY.

[NO. 25.

ty-five, sole master of immense possessions. He immediately returned to the home of his ancestors, and gave himself up to the study of the Hindoo theology. He at once observed the purity of the doctrines of Deity, and the Divine union of the holy Three therein taught, and saw with disgust and grief the painful contrast between those precepts and the idolatrous practices of those who were devoted to the prevailing polytheism of his own country. The generous spirit of philanthropy and patriotism stirred within him, and with a view of reclaiming his countrymen from that moral pestilence that pervaded the land, he wrote and published a pamphlet entitled 'The Idolatry of all Religions. Both Hindoos and Mahommedans were incensed at this publication, and Rammohun Roy went to Calcutta, where he studied the English, Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages.

These studies enabled him to delve deeper into the buried religion of ancient times, and he also became well acquainted with all the fundamental principles of the Christian religion. He compared the morality of the Christian sys. tem with that of his own country in the patriarchal days of Abraham, Job, and others, whose names are mentioned with reverence in the sacred books of the Indians. An ardent seeker after truth, he studied the Gospels with untiring zeal, and found the doctrines of the Epistles to accord with the convictions of his own mind, and unhesitatingly he became, and openly avow. ed himself a Christian. His influence was con siderable, and he stood up, a bright and shining light amid the gloom of pagan idolatry.

Firmly believing in the doctrines of the newly embraced religion, Rammohun Roy sought to impart the blessings of instruction therein to his benighted countrymen. He wrote and published a pamphlet entitled 'The Instructions and Precepts of Jesus, the Guide to Peace and Happi. ness,' but those deep-rooted prejudices in favor of the superstitious customs of his country rendered this appeal almost powerless. Even his mother, a woman of strong mind, could not yield to his persuasions. When he was about to leave his country, and he again appealed to the reason and conscience of his mother, she replied, 'My son, your are right-but I am a ancient observances, which are a comfort to me.' weak woman, and am too old to give up these In 1833, Rammohun Roy was sent by his gov

give, and he very early became a close student of human nature. He was taught the Persian and Arabic languages, and by the study of Euclid and Aristotle, became a good mathematician The above engraving is a correct portrait of and sound logician. So powerfully did the works one of the most extraordinary men of the age, of Aristotle operate upon his mind, that his great if we consider the circumstances of his birth reasoning powers soon became fully developed, and education, as well as other and multifarious and a spirit of inquiry not only concerning the causes which were hostile to his advancement philosophy of nature, but the hidden mysteries ernment on a mission to England, where he in that path of reform which he fearlessly trod. of Deity, took complete possession of him.-mingled in the society of the first men of the RAMMAHUN ROY was a Hindoo or Indian Brah- Prompted by this spirit, he went to Calcutta to realm. He was everywhere received with the man, and being the son of a civil and ecclesias- study the Sanscrit, in order that he might read greatest respect, not only on account of his civil tic dignitary, and a man of wealth, was early and examine the ancient Scriptures of the Hin- rank, but for his literary attainments, and other and carefully instructed in all the mysteries of doos, wherein were recorded the notions of morexcellencies of character. About a year after that dark polytheism which enshrouds in moral ality and religion of those who had been buried his arrival there, he sickened and died; and, as gloom the 'country of the Ganges.' A native for more than three thousand years.

of Bengal, he had every advantage which inter- He had scarcely completed his studies, when

course with business men upon the coast could his father died, leaving him, at the age of twen.

he descended into the tomb, a radiant star, that

seemed destined to shed its moral effulgence over the peninsula of Hindostan, disappeared forever.

B. J. L.

TALE OF TRUTH.

The following humorous story is no fancy sketch, but a veritable tale of truth.' We heard a verbal relation of it a day or two after the occurrence, and if any of our readers have ever visited the hotel of Mr. BRADSHAW, at Harlem, they may have seen an 'old clock,' very much like the one here spoken of.

THE OLD CLOCK.

Oho! I understand-no, you don't come over this child!-Waiter, another bottle of champagne.' The servant left the room, and our heroes inclining themselves over the table held a long conversation in a low tone, when the elder of the two raised his voice, and with an air of satisfaction exclaimed,

'Clocks always go it!

table. All was silent. The dapper man at length exclaimed

'Shall I deposite the money in the hands of the bar-keeper ?'

'Here she goes, there she goes! was the only answer.

One of the Yankees left the room. The land. lord heard him go down stairs, but he was not to be disturbed by that trick.

Then both cautiously rose from their chairs,
and advancing to the clock, turned the key of
the door, and looked within, the elder, in a half-ing him upon the shoulder, asked-
inquiring, half-decided manner, saying,
'Won't it?'

Presently the bar-keeper entered, and touch

The waiter was on the stairs, and they returned to their seats in a trice, as if nothing had happened-both scolding the waiter, as he entered, for being so lazy on his errand.

'Mr. Bdoing?"

are you crazy? What are you

'Here she goes, there she goes! he responded, his hand waving the fore-finger as before.

said

Mr. Bdown stairs. here?'

do not sit here. Come come What can possess you to sit

The bar-keeper rushed down stairs; he called one of the neighbors, and asked him to go up, Having heard the clock strike one, they were They ascended, and the neighbor seizing hìm shown to their beds, where they talked in a sub-gently by the collar, in an imploring voice, dued tone, and finally sunk to sleep. In the morning, they were early up, and ordered their horse to be harnessed and brought to the door. Descending to the bar-room, they asked for their || bill, and with becoming promptitude paid the amount due, over to the bar-kceper. The elder perceiving the landlord through the window, placed his hands upon the bar, and in a serious tone inquired of the bar-keeper if he would dis. pose of the old clock. The young man hesita ted-he knew not what to answer. The old

'Here she goes! there she goes!'-Some years ago there came to this country a family from England, which settled on the upper part of this island, (New-York,) and opened a public house. Among their chattles was an old family clock, which they prized more for its age than its actual value, although it had told the hours for years on years with the most commendable fidelity. This clock is now situated in one of the private parlors of the house, and many a time has it been the theme of remark in consequence of its solemnly antique exterior. A short time since, about dusk, a couple of wags drove up to the door of the hotel, seated in a light and beautiful wagon, drawn by a superb bay horse. They sprang out-ordered the ostler to pay every attention to the animal, and to stable him for the night. Entering the hotel, || they tossed off a glass of wine apiece, bemouthed a cigar, and directed the landlord to provide the best game-supper in his power. There was a winsome look in the countenance of the elder-clock seemed to him such a miserable piece of ■ bright sparkling in his eyes, which occasionally he half-closed in a style that gave him the air of 'a knowing one,' and a slight curving of the corner of the mouth, that showed his ability to enjoy, while his whole demeanor made every acute observer sure of his ability to perpetrate, a joke. Now and then, when his lips parted, and he ran his fingers through his hair with a languid expression, it was evident he was eager to be at work in his vocation—that of a practical joker! The other was a dapper young man, although different in appearance, yet with fea. tures which indicated that his mind was well fitted to be a successful copartner with his mate, and a dry pun or gravely-delivered witicism was frequently worked off with an air of philosophy or unconcern that gave him at once the credit of being a first-rate wit. Supper on the table, these two Yankees were not dull as a couple generally will be at table, but made mirth and laughter and wit their companions, and as Wine in his parti-colored flowing robes presided, there was a set out,' fit for a prince and his associates. The Yankees ate and drank and were right merry, when the old family clock whirred and whizzed as the hammer on the ball struck one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve! The elder looked up at the old monitor before him, stuck his elbow on the table and looked again steadily for a minute, and then laughed out heartily,| awakening the waiter, who was just dozing by the window sill.

furniture that he had an impression that it might as well be his as his employer's-yet he could not comprehend why such a person should want such a hideous article. While he was attempt ||ing to reply, the good-natured landlord entered, and the question was referred to him for an answer.

What in the name of Momus are you laugh. ing at ?' asked the dapper Yankee, as he cast his eyes now over the table, now over and around himself, to ascertain where the nest of the joke || was concealed. The older winked slyly, and yawning lazily, slowly raised the fore-finger of his right hand and applied it gracefully to his pose. The dapper man understood the hint.

'I wish to purchase that old clock up stairs— will you sell it? asked the elder Yankee, while the younger lighted a cigar, and cast his eye over the columns of the Weekly Messenger, which lay upon the table. The landlord, who had set no great value upon the clock, except as an heir-loom, began to suspect that it might possess the virtues of Martin Heywood's chair, and be filled with dollars; and almost involuntarily the three ascended to the room which contained it.

'Here she goes, there she goes was the sole reply, and the solemn face and the slowlymoving finger settled the matter. He was mad!

'He is mad,' whispered the friend in a low voice; 'we must send for a doctor.'

The landlord was not to be duped; he was not to be deceived, although the whole town came to interrupt him. You had better call up his wife,' added the friend.

'Here she goes, there she goes! repeated the landlord, and his hand still moved on.

In a minute his wife entered, full of agony of soul. 'My dear,' she kindly said, 'look on me. It is your wife who speaks!

'Here she goes, there she goes!' and his hand continued to go, but his wife would'nt go; she would stay, and he thought she was determined to conspire against him, and make him lose the wager. She wept, and she continued

"What cause have you for this? Why do you do so? Has your wife'

'Here she goes, there she goes! and his finger seemed to be tracing its airy progress, for anything she could ascertain to the contrary. 'My dear,' she still continued, thinking that "The fact is,' said the Yankee, I once won a the thought of his child, whom he fondly loved, would tend to restore him, 'shall I call up your hundred dollars with a clock like that! daughter?'

'A hundred dollars!' ejaculated the landlord.
'Yes!-you see there was one like it in a room
over in Jersey, and a fellow bet me he could
keep his fore-finger swinging with the pendulum
for an hour, only saying, 'Here she goes, there
she goes! He could'nt do it. I walked the
money out of him in no time.'

'You did! You could'nt do it our of me. I'll
bet you fifty dollars I can do it on the spot!'
'Done! cried the Yankee.

The clock struck eight, and with his back to
the table and the door, the landlord popped into

a chair.

'Here she goes, there she goes! and his finger waved in a curve, his eyes fully fixed on the pendulum. The Yankee behind him interrupted-Where's the money ?—plank the money! The landlord was not to lose in that way. His fore-finger slowly and surely went with the pendulum, and his left disengaged his purse from his pocket, which he threw behind him upon the

'Here she goes, there she goes! the landlord again repeated, his eyes becoming more and more fixed and glazed, from the steadiness of the gaze. A slight smile, which had great effect on the minds of those present, played upon his face, as he thought of the many unsuccess. ful resorts to win him from his purpose, and of his success in baffling them. The physician entered. He stood by the side of the busy man. He looked at him in silence, shook his head, and to the anxious inquiry of his wife, answered—

No, madam! The fewer persons herc, the better. The maid had better stay away. Do not let the maid

'Here she goes, there she goes! yet again, in harmony with the waving finger, issued from the lips of the landlord.

'A consultation I think will be necessary,' said the physician. Will you run for Dr. W

-ms ?'