understanding." All ye that love the Lord, praise the name which binds me to the rest of creation, by opening my ear and of the Lord. "Praise the Lord, O my soul." my heart more than ever to the language of universal nature. While this sublime science has been perverted (as in the But I often wished to have you with me, that you might French school of philosophy) for man's contemptuous rejec- hear how much pains the birds are at to charm us with their tion of his Maker, it is most refreshing to observe the magni-warbling. It is pretty also to hear the young birds comficent illustrations, by which "the heavens," viewed through mence their small and faultering strains, which grow clearer the medium of Christian philosophy, "declare the glory of and louder, till they are no longer to be distinguished from God." In this field of elevated contemplation the eye of the rest. True, it is their profession, and we have many faith "leads us up from nature," not only to nature's God," other things to think of; but what time we do give to the but to the Christian's God--the God of his salvation. Here study of music, we should give it with our hearts, as they we discover what the "eye" of reason "has not seen, nor do.' hath ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man,'

66

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For effective playing she gives the following sensible rules,

taught by God. If, as our poet of the Night has decided, interspersing them with her own happy illustrations: 'an undevout astronomer is mad,' even the devout man of 'I have told you that to play a piece effectively you must science is not in the full possession of his faculties, nor in the comprehend it well. You must also feel it deeply. It is enjoyment of the clear perception of the objects of his delight-impossible to excite lively emotions in another's breast, while ed observation, except he has been instructed in the higher your own remains untouched. There are two rules, which school of Divine science, and enabled to trace in the Maker may assist you to attain quick perceptions of what is correct of the starry frame his God and Saviour-his faithful, un- and beautiful; and (with the help of the mechanical rules I changeable, Almighty friend. have given you) to bring those perceptions out in your own

We pass to another field of science of more general inter-performance. The first is, to cultivate a constant habit of listest. Miss Graham's Musical Tract, already referred to, ening to natural sounds. Every thing in nature has a melody will, it is believed, be found to give an accurate sketch of the which goes to the heart, and from which we may gain some principles of its own department of the science. Its style is new and delightful ideas. I have called your attention to buoyant with life, beauty, and power. It occasionally mounts the song of birds. Then there is the bleating of flocks, and almost to the magnificent prose of John Milton or Jeremy the lowing of distant herds, and the busy hum of insects. Taylor. Take the following as a specimen : Above all, the modulations of the human voice afford us a Speaking to her young pupil of the importance of practis- perpetual source of observation. From thence we may ing, she sends her to the woods and groves for a stimulating gather the expression of every stormy passion which agitates, example of industry. and every tender affection which sooths the heart. Nor can 'I can tell you that the little musicians of the grove do not we listen to the fairy tones of children, their light-hearted attain their wild and delicate modulations without practice. carols, their bursts of tiny merriment, their mimic griefs, and When I lay in bed last summer, unable to speak or move for simply told stories, without imbibing some new and charmmany hours in the day, the song of the birds furnished me ing combinations of harmonious expression. If music brings with an inexhaustible source of amusing observation. I could no lovely thoughts and associations to your mind, you are not but feel grateful to the melodious little creatures, who be-learning it to very little purpose. If it does, an intimate acguiled me of half my pain, and made the weary hours of sick-quaintance with the music of nature will invest the expressness fly away upon wings as light as their own. As if led ion of those thoughts with a grace and refinement, which by an instinctive sympathy, numbers of blackbirds and the most persevering practice will fail to impart. Take lesthrushes came to build their nests round our garden; and the sons of the winds and of the waters, and of the trees; of all wood pigeons, which had been silent the year before, renewed animate and inanimate nature. So shall the very spirit of their soft notes in the high trees by the parsonage lawn. sweet sound and expression enter into your bosom, and lie However, they were shy, and I thought myself fortunate, if once there, ready to pour itself forth upon the otherwise low and or twice in the day their gentle cooing found its way to my ear. mechanical music, which the pressure of your hands produces But there was one thrush, whose notes I soon learned to dis-on the instrument. One of Handel's finest pieces is said to tinguish from all the other thrushes; indeed his skill seemed have been suggested by the labour of a blacksmith at his to exceed theirs as much as Cordoba's* exceeds yours or anvil; so successfully did he watch for the harmony, that mine. Every morning I listened for his voice, which was lies wrapped up in the commonest sounds. sure to precede the matins of all the other birds. In the day 'The next rule I shall give you, is to listen attentively to skiltime, his brilliant tones were mingled and almost lost in the ful performers; noticing particularly what emotions are exgeneral melody; but as soon as the sun was preparing to set, cited in your mind by every passage; and by what means when the blackbirds had either sung themselves to sleep, or they contrive to produce the effect which pleases you. The were flown off to keep up their festivities elsewhere, then was gratification we derive from listening to music, is similar to my thrush's practising time. He was kind enough to select that which poetry imparts to us. Both these delightful arts a tree not far from my window, while the other thrushes call into being a thousand beautiful imaginations, tender feelplaced themselves at a respectful distance, and edged in a ings, and passionate impulses. But in reading poetry, we are note here and there as they could. He opened the rehearsal delighted with the thoughts of another person; and though with a number of wild trills and calls, which I could not well a beautiful idea will give us new pleasure every time we reunderstand; only they were very sweet and cheering to me; cur to it, still this pleasure is little varied, and depends on and he would pause between each, till a soft response was the conformation of the poet's mind, rather than of our own. heard from some distant bough. But when he had fixed upon The delights of music are of own creation. We become for a little cadence which pleased him, it became a more serious the time poets ourselves, and enjoy the high privilege of inbusiness. Strange to say, I could always tell when this venting, combining, and diversifying, at pleasure, the images would be; for what pleased me particularly was sure to please which harmonious sounds raise in our minds. The selfsame him; so true is it that nature has given the same perception melody may be repeated a hundred times, and inspire each of melody to man and to birds. He would chant it over in a time a train of thought different from the last. Sometimes low tone two or three times, as if to make himself sure of it; it will call forth all the hidden stores of memory-absent then he carolled it out with triumphant glee; then stopped friends, voices long silent in the tomb, lovely scenes, pleasant short on a sudden, as much as to say to his rivals- Which walks, and happy hours, come back to us in all their freshof you can imitate my strains?' Their notes sounded most ness and reality. Then the future opens its dreary prospect, sweet at various distances during these little intervals; but gilded by hope, and chastened by a mournful tenderness. they seemed conscious of their inferiority to my favourite, who The exile is restored in glad anticipation to his country; the would suddenly break out into the very same melody, upon prodigal sobs out his penitence on his father's bosom; the which he had doubtless been musing all the while, enriching child of affliction is safely lodged in that mansion where it by some little note or trill, the wildest and most touch-sorrow and crying are unknown. Sometimes the past is foring that ever came into a thrush's heart. I needed neither gotten, the future unheeded, the mind wrapped up in the concert nor music-master, while I could listen to the untaught, present consciousness of sublimity or beauty. Forms of but not unpremeditated, harmony of this original professor; delicate loveliness, things such as dreams are made of, float nor could I quarrel with the sickness which had been the before the mental vision, shaped into something of a walking means of developing another link in that mysterious chain, distinctness. Thoughts too noble to last, high and holy re

* An eminent musical professor among the Spanish refugees, to whom she expresses herself indebted for much valuable instruction.

solves, gushings of tenderness, alternately possess our minds, with emotions all equally different, and equally delightful. The poetical inspiration of Alfiori seldom came upon him, but when he was under the influence of music.

Haydn's symphonies were all composed so as to shadow upon the connexion of poetry and music alluded to in her forth some simple and affecting story, by which the author tract. It was written in the form of a letter to her cousin, excited and varied his own feelings, and wrought them up to for the Italian master then in attendance upon them. As she that pitch of solemn pathos, or animated gayety, which to wrote Italian with considerable spirit, and took some pains this day inspires all who hear his music with corresponding with the composition, it may have slightly suffered in a transemotions.' lation.

The Christian tone and descriptive beauty of the concluding paragraphs will be generally admired. They are in the style of her favourite writer, Jeremy Taylor.

1824.

'My dear Friend-Yesterday I was told of an observation The expression of sacred music comprehends every emo-you had made in the conversazione of Mr. B., (where unfortion that can agitate the human heart, and must be felt rather tunately I could not meet you,) and as I do not agree with than described. The subdued tones of awful adoration; the you upon the interesting subject then discussed, I will make impassioned fervour of desire; the humility of prayer; the it the subject of this letter, begging you to excuse all the dulwailing of penitential sorrow; the glad notes of thanksgiv-ness, which you will certainly find in my composition. Is it ing; and the loud chorus of praise; all these have their own possible, that you have conceived so low an opinion of the peculiar utterance, and must be pervaded by a depth and pleasures derived from harmony, that they do not appear to solemnity which shall distinguish them from the meaner af- you worthy of being compared with those of poetry? I canfections of humanity. not let you rest in this opinion. Allow me to impart to my

I am fearful of touching too lightly upon this hallowed friend some of the delight which I find in this enchanting subject. Many young persons, when their feelings are ex-art! Not that I wish to say a word against poetry-that cited by sacred music, imagine themselves to be bettered by purest and most sublime delight of the human mind. Too such feelings, and to be under the influence of genuine reli-dear to me are its sweet illusions, in which the usual sense gious sentiments. But if the plain majesty of the word of of the ills of the present life is lost, whilst the soul lives in a God does not suffice to kindle an equal fervour within us, world properly her own, and sports with beings created and when we are reading it silently and alone; we may be sure adorned by herself. My intention is only to show you that that the emotions excited by the lovely songs and pleasant the pleasures derived from music are not inferior to those of instruments of men are the mere ebullitions of natural feel- poetry, that both proceed from the same source, and mutually ing, and have nothing to do with religion. Those who would assist and heighten each other. You will perhaps remind sing the praises of the Lord, must" sing them with under-me of the great antiquity of poetry, and that from the most standing." The undying torch of truth must be lighted up remote ages it has been the solace of the wounded heart. in that faculty, before it can set the heart in a flame. There But this I cannot yield to you. Indeed it appears to me, that exists not a more dangerous delusion, than to mistake the music had an earlier birth, and was the mother of poetry. A feverish excitement of the imagination for the cheerful and shepherd one day discovered the flute, which nature has steady glow of a rational devotion. formed in the waving reed. Applying it to his lips, he is

But while I so anxiously guard you against this pernicious struck with the beautiful sounds which issue from it, and be error, do not for a moment suppose, that I would shut you endeavours to imitate them with his voice, in simple songs out from the privilege which all creation enjoys, of sounding celebrating the beauties of his shepherdess. By degrees its Maker's praise. Oh! there is a harmony in nature, in-the cadences of the harmony suggest to him the idea of rhyme conceivably attuned to one glad purpose! Every thing in and metre, and thus these two beautiful arts are formed toge the universe has a voice, with which it joins in the tribute of ther, with so perfect a sympathy between them, that the one thanksgiving. The whispers of the wind playing with the cannot be outraged without the other also suffering. Let us summer foliage, and its fitful moanings through the autumnal however leave this discussion upon the origin of these arts, branches; the broken murmur of the stream, the louder gush-(for it would be tiresome for us to search into the records of ing of the waterfall, and the wild roar of the cataract, all past ages,) and turn our attention to what is more interesting, speak the praises of God to our hearts. Who can sit by the the effects which in every age they have produced on the heart. sea-side, when every wave lies hushed in adoration, or falls I wish to search a little into your motives for giving to poetry upon the shore in subdued and awful cadence, without drink-so vast a superiority; and the secret spring appears to me to ing in unutterable thoughts of the majesty of God? The loud be this. The charms of harmony cause a pleasure perceptihosannas of Ocean in the storm, and the praises of God on ble to the senses, and for its enjoyment require a certain phythe whirlwind, awaken us to the same lesson; and every peal sical conformation, a fine and exact ear, and other things, of the thunder is an hallelujah to the Lord of Hosts. Oh! which seem to have a connection with the material part of there is a harmony in nature! The voice of every creature man. You have therefore persuaded yourself, that it is a tells us of the goodness of God. It comes to us in the song thing delightful indeed to the senses, but which has little inof the birds; the deep, delicious, tones in which the wood-fluence upon the mind and upon the heart. I flatter myself dove breathes out its happiness; the gracefully melting des- that I shall be able to convince you of the injustice of this cant of the nightingale; the joyous, thrilling melody of the idea. Not only does music give us many ideas, but they are lark; the throstle's wild warbling, and the blackbird's tender of the same description with those inspired by poetry, and whistle; the soft piping of the bulfinch; the gay carol of the sometimes even more delightful to the soul. I allow that the wren; the sprightly call of the goldfinch; and the gentle sweet harmony enters by the ear.

But thence it diffuses it

twittering of the swallow. Even now, when every other self through every part of the mind. It moves every passion, bird is silent, little robin is pouring out his sweetest of all softens every affection, and creates a thousand delightful imsweet notes upon yonder rose-bush; and so distinctly does he aginations, a thousand divine projects, which excite to all thank God, who made the berries to grow for him upon the that is noble in resolve, and worthy in art. If I might draw hawthorn and mountain-ash, and who has put it into the heart a distinction between music and poetry, I should say, that of man to love him, and strew crumbs for him when the ber-the former brings us pleasure of a higher degree; the latter ries fail, that my soul, too often insensible to its own mercies, of a longer duration. Equally do they inspire soft affections is warmed into gratitude for his. The very insect tribe have and noble ideas.' Then, after following the same train of entered into a covenant, that God shall at no season of the thought and imagination as in her Musical Tract, she adds in year be without a witness amongst them to his praise. For her fervent glow And shall not a science, capable of prowhen the hum of the bees and the chirping of the grasshopper ducing these sentiments, be reckoned among the noblest dehave ceased to enliven us, and the gnat has laid by his horn, lights of the human mind? I have not time to continue this then the little cricket wakens into life and song, and gladdens interesting subject. But I cannot conclude without observour hearth with the same story till the winter is past. And ing, that the poets themselves owe their finest ideas to music. so all nature praises God, and is never weary. If then you Do you recollect the power which it had over the mind of are able to make melody in your heart to the Lord," let your our favourite Alfieri? He could scarcely compose without hand and your voice make melody too; and let the faculty its help. Many of his noble tragedies were conceived at the which infinite benevolence has created for your enjoyment, Opera. But do thou, divine Petrarch, come to my help, and be converted, as all your other faculties should be, into the show her who admires thee so much, that without the music instrument of praise. To know that you make this worthiest of nature, the song of birds, the murmur of the stream, thou use of your musical acquirements will indeed rejoice the heart of your affectionate Friend and Cousin,

MARY.

The following exercise throws out some additional thoughts

Wouldest not have been able to enchant her with thy delicious rhymes. With these beautiful verses I conclude my letter, already too long, entreating you to yield to his representation of the effect of fine sounds upon the mind.

'Se lamentar angelli, o verdi fronde,' &c.

You know the rest. I have only time to say, that I am[ always "Your very affectionate

'MARY.'

We add one further quotation from Miss Graham's manuscript upon a subject not wholly unconnected with the preceding-works of imagination in a more legitimate, though still a questionable, form-Religious Novels. Observing, that the taste of the serious public is lamentably vitiated-she Without pronouncing upon the contending claims, (which adds, probably may still be a matter of dispute,) the exercise is not The press teems with religious novels, from the long unworthy of the intellectual character of the writer, and is eventful story to the ephemeral trifles which eke out the specially interesting, as a burst of that vehemence approach-pages of the spruce magazine. The greater part of these are ing to ecstacy,' which, as Mr. Cecil keenly observed the feeble to a degree that would render them harmless, were world will allow on almost every subject, but that which, there not a large proportion of readers, whose sickly appetite above all others, will justify it.' If, however, Miss Graham hankers after such unwholesome food. A few of them, I seems here to contend for the precedence of music, she was own, stand out from the rest, and compel our admiration. no less warm a votary of poetry. Though she was no poet Yet I must be permitted to say, that the very interest excited herself, and never till the close of her last illness did she ex-by these superior productions increases their bad tendency. ercise even a rhyming propensity, yet her perception of the How strange a medley of sensations agitates the heart, that true genius of the science was lively and accurate, and her is fluttering between the emotions excited by the well-picenjoyment of its delights proportionate. We have already tured charms of religion, and the love-scene that is better seen her high zest for Milton. Wordsworth was among her pictured still! How shall the young and inexperienced dischief modern favourites; and even Lord Byron detained her tinguish between earthly and heavenly feelings! How shall for awhile the victim of his fascinating enchantment. We they determine whether their agitation arises out of romance subjoin a letter of a very early date, descriptive of her feel-or religion; a heated imagination, or a heart warmed with ings, with much discrimination of taste, and with all the glow divine love? of her characteristic enthusiasm.

'I cannot conceive the use or propriety of introducing this kind of sentimental narrative into works professedly of a reliJuly 15, 1822. gious nature. Truth is not adorned but disguised, by being 'I have not seen the Fourth Canto of Childe Harold. Ithus tricked out in false glitter and tinsel ornament. There am ashamed to say that I like Manfred. Diabolical as the are but two classes of readers; the converted, and the unconsentiments of it are in many parts, yet there are some passages verted. Those of the former description would derive more of such exquisite beauty and sublimity, that it seems as if a benefit and pleasure too from praying over one verse of the human pen could scarcely have traced them. All the time 1 Bible, than from reading a whole library of the above-menwas reading it, I felt I was doing something wrong, yet I tioned performances. They will neither assist him to underread some of it over and over again, particularly the part stand the word of truth himself, nor to explain it to others. where Manfred is upon the point of dashing himself over the It may be truly affirmed of the decided Christian, that for precipice. The description of darkness did not please me. his own sake, the less he reads besides the Bible, the better. I thought it rather horrible than sublime. But I am just But for the sake of his fellow-men, his reading must be more now in love with another poct, who is as fond of clothing his extensive. He must seek to enlarge and confirm his general pictures with the sunny radiance of happiness and benevo-knowledge; must be prepared to meet inquiry, to cope with lence, as Lord Byron is of spreading over his darkness and prejudice and error; to recommend the cause of religion; to desolation. If you have read any of his trifling poems, you "become," with the Apostle, "all things to all men." It is will smile when I mention Wordsworth. But some of his not, however, by giving his time to the works in question, poems are so beautiful! We have just now been reading that he will attain this desirable object. His mental characthe Excursion. It is tiresome in many parts. But every ter will only be deteriorated by their enervating influence. now and then you meet with something so strikingly fine, or They will tend to impair both the inclination and capacity for So unutterably tender, that it is impossible to go on. You solid intellectual exertion. It has been urged in their demust lay down the book till the ferment it occasions has fence, that they will open to him a more extended view of subsided.' human nature. But this will be much more effectually obShould Miss Graham's delight in Lord Byron's writings tained by comparing the Scripture statement with his own be a matter of surprise, it may be observed, that her letter daily experience and observation. Another argument in their distinctly records the rebuke of conscience in her moments favour is, that they afford an useful key to the character and of self-indulgence; and we doubt not but her inattention to manners of society. These, however, for the most part, are this rebuke subjected her to the secret frown of her jealous sketched with no very skilful hand. They might with greater God. We may also add that shortly after the date of this accuracy and less expense of time, be collected from some of letter, she readily made the sacrifice of her taste (which to the master-pieces of authors not professedly religious. In her fervid mind required no ordinary effort) in the total relin- short, considering that the Christian part of the community quishment of this source of deleterious pleasure. Whatever has so much to do, and so short a space to do it in, it must weight may attach to her judgment will therefore decidedly ever be matter of regret, that so large a proportion of their be found on the side of self-denial, not of self-gratification. time and talent should be expended in making idlers and casIndeed familiarity with works of poison, whatever be their tle-builders.

literary charms, seems inconsistent, not only with Christian But we turn our regard to the careless and gay. We are simplicity-but with a common regard to our personal wel- called upon to observe the effect of these publications upon fare. To a pure mind we might have supposed that a rich their minds. We are reminded, that many young persons of and splendid fancy would be spoiled of all its attraction by lively imagination and warm feelings, who would scarcely its frequent connexion with licentious profaneness and im-look into a serious book, may be tempted to peruse these piety-moral deformities sufficient to cast the most exquisite lighter works, and derive benefit from the perusal. I admit beauties of power and genius into the shade; and the con- the first part of this proposition, but deny the conclusion that templation of which must be injurious to the best sensibilities is drawn from it, except in a few, a very few instances, which of our nature. Even the instruction resulting from the unveiled are to be regarded rather as exceptions than as a general rule. features of human depravity is obtained-if at all-at consid- Rare, however, as these instances are, they are by no means erable hazard. For let it be remembered-as Miss Graham to be despised. They indicate that every narrative of this has shown-that the direct influence of poetry plays upon the description must not be included in one sweeping condemnapassions, and thus tends to produce a corresponding habit of tion, nor pronounced entirely useless, since the sovereign the mind. The evil propensities therefore pourtrayed by this grace of God will occasionally use even them for its purpose. master-mind with such awful exactness, and embracing every But they do not prove the necessity of sending forth such imform of malignity than can darken the heart of man, naturally mense shoals of these productions, that one would think they excite the working of those passions, which it is the grand were designed to supersede and swallow up every other. A design of the gospel of Jesus Christ to restrain and mortify. few would answer the purpose just as well. Even while I Whether therefore the infidel poison acts with vindictive ac- concede thus much, I am inclined to ask- Do you not in a tivity, or with searching subtlety, its pervading influence is measure create the taste, to which you profess only to accomequally to be dreaded. We believe that many Christians, modate yourselves? Will not this indisposition to all solid especially in moments of temptation, are reaping the bitter and valuable reading be exceedingly encouraged by your infruit of former indulgence; and we are persuaded that none dulgeut connivance?' I much doubt both the lawfulness will ultimately have reason to regret the sacrifice of the high and expediency of this mode of decoying people into relipleasures of taste to the far higher claims of their own spirit-gion. I fear that the quantity of good which flows from it is ual interests. greatly overbalanced by the quantity of evil.

The religion inspired by such reading is of a doubtful na-est, your's is a charge of souls. The spiritual welfare of ture. There is more of earth in it than of heaven. A young your pupils is subordinately committed to your care; and person, whose tears flow over a professed novel, is in no at your hands will the neglect of this solemn trust be redanger of mistaking the excitement of feeling for the fervour quired.'

of devotion. Not so with these ambiguous compositions. In this first preparatory letter she is chiefly occupied in Romance and Religion are so allied, that we may suppose the inculcating upon her cousin the Christian principle of faith latter to be embraced, when in effect her presence is only tol-in Christ, in all its detailed application to the circumstanerated for the sake of her fascinaiing companion. Dressed ces, trials, and encouragements of the situation of a govin the sober garb of truth, she will too probably be rejected erness.

by those who permitted her to court them under the be- I can only offer my advice to you as a Christian. I know witching veil of fiction. And is it for the sake of exciting but of two states to which children can be brought up; for this spurious devotion, that we run the hazard of destroying heaven or for hell; for time or for eternity. I am departing the correct and simple feeling of the rising generation, and en-out of time; and knowing that for you and them too, time courage the prevalence of a style of writing which can never soon shall be no more, I dare not go upon any system but rise into genuine sublimity, nor fix itself upon a basis of na-one fitting for souls born for immortality. Every word then tive solidity and strength?" that I write, must be on the supposition, that the glory of

This extract will be generally admitted to mark consider-God, and the eternal happiness of your pupils, are your first able power of writing and of thought. The subject demands aim; and that every other object, however praiseworthy in much accuracy of discrimination to place it in its true light. itself, is only secondary and subservient to this one grand To proscribe works of imagination in the mass would include a object of a Christian teacher's existence. much wider sweep of condemnation than novels religious or 'I exhort you to enter upon the new and arduous duties of irreligious. It would banish form our reading much that is your situation," looking to Jesus." Remember that he is "the not merely purely innocent, but intrinsically valuable; and author and finisher of your faith;" that you cannot stir one seal up the fountain of much elegant and instructive litera-step without his aid; and the moment you begin to look off ture. We might indeed adduce Dr. Chalmer's writings for from him to any other object, that moment will your steps the proof, that the corruption is in the application-not in the begin to slide. Fix your eyes then steadily upon him. "As faculty-of the imagination, which was given, like every the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and other faculty, for the service of God and of his church. But as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so let an infinitely higher authority meets us in the Divine parables your eyes be upon the Lord your God," in all times, in all of our Great Teacher, immediately acting upon this most val places, and in all circumstances. uable faculty for the illustration and enforcement of his im- And first, I earnestly recommend you to “look unto Jesus,” portant truths. And this example is the more to our purpose, in your choice of a situation. Pray constantly for Divine asas fixing the limit and direction, as well as legitimating the sistance and direction on this most important subject. This employment of fiction. The imagination is placed in imme- implies that you intend to seek for a situation among God's diate contact with plain and sober truth; while it derives its people; for I suppose you will hardly ask God to give you primary interest, not from its own representations, but from any other. You may deem it unlikely that you should obtain the truth which it was intended to exhibit. a situation in so limited a sphere. But your dying friend

With all these allowances, however, the general introduc- would remind you: "The God, who has led me all my life tion of fiction into the cause of truth, is, as Miss Graham long," never forsook me upon any occasion, when I put my observes, of very doubtful benefit; or, even admitting the trust in him. The word of truth assures you, that “He has prospect of usefulness to be more determinate, it has proceed-never forsaken any, who put their trust in him." Nor will ed very far beyond the necessity of the case. Minds formed he forsake you, if you commit your way to him on this imfor effective usefulness need to be conversant with the solidi-portant occasion. From Abraham's time until now, the ty of truth, not with the visionary atmosphere of fiction; Christian's motto has ever been: "The Lord will provide." while the indulgence of this artificial character fosters a bane-Only "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him; fret not ful spirit of excitement; generates a distaste for well-regulated thyself in any wise to do evil. In all thy ways acknowledge studies; creates a taste for moral reading of a more detrimen- him, and he shall direct thy paths." I charge it upon you, tal character; weakens the habits of self-controul, so essential beloved as my dying, earnest wish, that you take every to the strengthening of the intellectual and moral principles; proper means to obtain a situation among decided Christians; and brings a habit of sentimentalism into the religious profess-and that, as far as it may be in your power, (for I know that it ion, in the stead of simple and practical spirituality. may not be always possible for you to direct your own conduct,)

The most effectual remedy against this existing and un-you join yourself to those who "are not of the world," and fruitful indulgence, is to fill up the time with those solid to no others. An established Christian might go in faith pursuits which leave no room, while they mortify the taste, under the clear guidance of providence, into a worldly or for works of doubtful utility; and to bring our intellectual irreligious family; and (if the parent would allow of her inrecreations to the test of the Scriptural rule, which Miss Gra-terference) she might be made a blessing to the whole family. ham on a former occasion so justly inculcated, for the proof But such a step, wilfully taken, would be a serious, perhaps of the legitimacy of our principles and enjoyments: "Whether a fatal, injury to an undecided Christian. In a vast multitude ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of of cases, the natural consequence of choosing a lot among the God." children of this world has been, that indecision in religion We conclude this selection from Miss Graham's writings has become indifference; indifference has terminated in aver and correspondence, with an abstract of Letters on the Duties sion; and the wretched professor has shown herself openly of a Governess,' a series of which she had contemplated for on the side of the world, tormented with the sting of her the use of her young cousin, then looking forward to this im-former convictions, and vainly contrasting her worldly mirth portant and most responsible situation. She commenced her with "the voice of rejoicing and salvation," which she had plan during her last illness, and with great difficulty wrote heard "in the tabernacles of the righteous." two letters in pencil from her dying bed. Though too incom- 'On the other hand, a situation in a truly Christian family plete in thought and style for publication, yet her manuscript will cover you from many worldly temptations, and afford will afford some interesting illustration of Christian principle, you many important opportunities of marking the beauty and and many valuable suggestions of general instruction for the happiness of religion. Under a kind Christian mother, you use of those young persons, who are now filling, or who are may be directed and encouraged in extensive usefulness to prospectively anticipating, this interesting station in the do- your pupils, while at the same time you are receiving valemestic economy. able advantages for your own mind. Under all circurustan

These letters appear to have been one of Miss Graham's ces, be assured that you will find the blessing of taking this last efforts for one, whose best interests formed one of her first great step of your life-"looking unto Jesus." most tender ties to life. After commencing with the most "Look unto Jesus" also for strength to perform the duties affectionate expression of her deep-toned anxiety for her, of your situation. These you will find to be many and arshe thus proceeds to remind her of her Christian responsi-duous, such as in your own strength you can never rightly bility. perform. The more correct and enlarged your view of those "The great wish of my heart for you,' she writes, 'is, not duties, the more readily you will sink under them, unless yoa that you may be a very learned or accomplished governess, can "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (though these are highly valuable considerations in their But remember you can do all things through Christ which place,) but, that, possessing as large a measure of these strengtheneth you." His "grace is sufficient for you;" and things as your means and abilities will allow, you may be his encouragement is-"Ask, and it shall be given you." truly and decidedly a Christian governess. For, oh! my dear- Let a sense of your continual need stir you up constantly to

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apply to him for his aid, not only in your spiritual duties, but ness will in ordinary cases succeed to a very considerable in your teaching, in your studies, in the very least and mean- degree. And though divine grace only can subdue their evil est of your employments. Thus "out of weakness you will be tempers and dispositions, human means may do much tomade strong." You will not soon "be weary in well-doing; wards retraining that outward violence, which so often makes for they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." young people not only wretched in themselves, but an occaLook to him for counsel in the difficulties of your situation. sion of sorrow to all connected with them. The same advanRemember that he is not only your strength, but your "wis-tage is connected with Christian grace and improvement. dom." When your path is so intricate and perplexed, that The minister preaches with holy earnestness to his adult conyou know not which way to turn, then ask the Lord to "lead gregation: but it is to the young of his flock, not yet hardened you in a plain path," to "order your steps in his word." In in sin or in worldly habits, that he turns with peculiar hope every little as well as in every great perplexity, follow David's and encouragement. To this comparatively tender and unocrule to inquire of the Lord." The advice of friends is ever cupied soil, he consigns the seed, in the cheerful confidence to be sought and valued; but that of the kindest and wisest that it will spring up, and bring forth fruit to perfection. may sometimes be insufficient or erroneous, or given in a harsh These are the hopeful beings with whom you will have to injudicious manner. But the Lord giveth not only advice, deal; and as youth is the season of hope and expectation, so is but "wisdom, liberally and without upbraiding." your task peculiarly one of hope and glad anticipations. "Look unto Jesus" for comfort and encouragement in the In the attachment of her pupils, a kind governess finds trials and disappointments of your situation. The life of a another perpetual source of pleasure. This you are almost governess is peculiarly subject to little daily crosses and sure to obtain by a habit of considerate and affectionate interrexations. These, as well as greater ones, are to be borne, by course with them, especially if they come under your care at laying them upon Jesus. No burden is too great or too little an early age. It is delightful te be beloved by those, whom to be cast upon the Lord. A cheerful looking unto Jesus, an we have thus bound to us by the cords of gratitude and love. assurance that he ever loveth and ever careth for us, will For the justness and clearness of most of their notions; for bear us through many petty annoyances, which sometimes their ability to discern what is good, and to enjoy what is dewear health and spirits much more than real and great griev-lightful and intellectual; for all their knowledge and many of their pleasures, your pupils will probably (if you conduct

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not."

Lastly, "Look unto Jesus" for a certain reword upon your yourself according to my hopes) be indebted to you. They labour. You have a promise "Train up a child in the way will scarcely ever fail to manifest warm attachment to one, he should go, and, when he is old, he will not depart from it." who has so many claims on their gratitude. They must love Ask for patient earnest faith, to plead this promise importu- their faithful adviser, their kind and intelligent teacher, their nately, incessantly with him. "All the promises of God are cheerful entertaining companion, and their affectionate and yea and amen to us in Christ Jesus;" and while we pray for, sympathizing friend. we ought to expect their fulfilment. "He is faithful that The improvement of your own mind is also a source of inpromised." The great Sower will assuredly watch over the expressible delight. A conscientious governess will be perseed that is sown in faith, and will bring it to perfection. petually and delightfully improving herself. While explainYou may labour day after day for the souls of the children ing subjects to her pupils, her own views become clearer; under your care, and yet see them as careless and unconcerned while she is teaching them facts or words, her own recollecas ever; but look steadily unto Jesus; tarry contentedly the tion of them is refreshed and strengthened. The arrangeLord's leisure; "for in due time you shall reap, if you faint ment of her knowledge for the use of her pupils is of the highest advantage to herself. She must learn to think clearly, In her second letter she enters into a detail of some of the that she may be able to express her meaning clearly to her pleasures and discomforts of the life of a governess. Under young and ignorant auditors; and if her own acquaintance the former head she remarks:· with the subject be obscure, imperfect, or superficial, the at"The life of a governess, however dull and monotonous it tempt to teach will soon discover it to her, and compel her to may sometimes be thought, has many pleasures of a very re- correct it. Thus her previously acquired knowledge will be fined and superior nature. Among the first of these I reckon more solid and permanent, while she will be continually addthe usefulness and importance of the task in which she is daily ing to its store. Often she may not be able readily to answer engaged. Compare the recollections of a day spent to some her pupils' questions. Further researches therefore on her valuable purpose, with the reflections which follow one that part are necessary; and thus the demands of her teaching has been frittered away in trifling and vanity, or absorbed in stimulate to perpetual increase of her attainments. selfish gratifications; and you will see at once, if you know it I mention one more privilege connected with the life of a not already, how great the pleasure of usefulness must be to governess. Next to the improvement of her own mind, and every rational thinking being. But to the Christian, this is indeed because of the improvement that it yields to her own not only pleasing but necessary. It is his pleasure and de- mind, is the pleasure of gaining an insight into the minds of light to lay himself out for the glory of God, and the good of others, into the human mind in general. In cultivating a his fellow-creatures. For this he is content to "wait all the flower garden there are few pleasures equal to that of watchdays of his appointed time;" and much as he longs for the ing the tender buds, as they unfold one by one their beauteous pleasures that are prepared for him above; yet if his abiding petals. How delightful is it to admire the wisdom of God, in the flesh be needful for the sake of one living being, he who teaches them to peep in due season from their mantle of would not "depart," even "to be with Christ." I know of green; bids the sun to clothe them in all the colours of the no employment in which a Christian woman can be more rainbow; and endues them with shapes so varied and so perprofitably engaged, than in watching over the spiritual and feet, that the little flower has been the joy and solace of man's mental improvement of children. The young beings entrust-breast in every age! But what is this to the pleasure of ed to her care may form the comfort and delight of parents, watching the mind of a little child, as those faculties which brethren, husband, friends, children. They may grow up to lay wrapped within its tiny folds, begin gradually to expand, be happy in themselves, and blessings to society. Above all, each in its order; every day witnessing the drawing forth of they may be so many "jewels" added to the Redeemer's some new idea, or the unfolding of some latent power? And crown, and may themselves "turn many souls unto right- at a later age to watch those powers and faculties, as they eousness." To be the instrument, (under God,) of the small-daily improve and strengthen: to see the unformed and unest particle of this good, must be inexpressible delight. taught child, grow up before your eyes into the graceful, re

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Nothing invigorates our progress so much as encouraging fined, and intellectual woman; to mark every step by which prospects of success. This is the undoubted privilege of a it is effected, and to be yourself employed as an instrument in teacher of youth. Not to speak of those promises of God, effecting it; all this is a source of such continual and ever mentioned in my last letter, and which of themselves suffice varying delight, that to my mind it amply compensates for to make us against hope to believe in hope;" the human the tediousness and fatigue of teaching. And then there is probabilities of moral and intellectual improvement, from the pleasure of watching, not only different faculties, but difwhich God permits us to draw encouragement, are most en-ferent minds; of comparing their several degrees of developlivening. To reform the manners, to eradicate the prejudices, ment, and the peculiar combination of faculties, which conto correct the tempers, of those whom age has matured, and stitutes the formation of each peculiar turn of mental tempeset as it were in the form which they must afterwards retain, rament. You may probably find among your pupils many is indeed a most difficult task. But with the young, where instances of this endless variety; the more quick and ready we have to form instead of to reform, to prevent rather than mind; the lively and imaginative; the clear and decided; to eradicate: patient instruction, and unremitting watchful-the solid and steady; the strong, the deep, the energetic, the VOL-II-2 E