140 NEWTON MATERNAL ASSOCIATION. this life, and the necessity of diligent preparation for a neverending state of existence. Two of our earliest members have been called to sever earthly ties, and to render their final account, of the manner in which they discharged the obligations those ties imposed upon them. Although the loss has been deeply felt, we are happy in the belief, that in each case the departed were prepared for the solemn summons, and that our transient sorrow is but the commencement of their eternal joy. The bereaved children claim our warmest sympathy, and we have rejoiced, that an ever-watchful Heavenly Father has placed them in the care of pious friends, who will, we trust, so lead them in the paths of holiness, that they may be fitted to join their departed parents, in that home where separations are unknown. But this has not been our only trial. There are those of our number, from whose fond earthly embrace have been removed the objects of that love, which none but a mother can feel. No less than seven of our youthful members, have been taken to the arms of that Savior who has said, "Of such is the kingdom of Heaven." Although the bereaved parents deeply made the aching void which has thus been made in their affections, yet we trust they find consolation, in the happiness of the departed ones, and that they are striving; by diligent preparation, for a blissful reunion beyond the grave. And should we not all regard these repeated admonitions from the tomb, as the voice of God, bidding us to "Watch, lest, coming suddenly, He find us sleeping?" Our number has also been lessened by the removal of four families from the vicinity, leaving us, at present, thirty-eight mothers and one hundred and one children. There is one subject of maternal duty, which, in our earnest desire for the soul's welfare, we may be in danger of overlooking. Physical education has, of late, been the theme of many an able pen, and well does it deserve such attention, when we reflect upon the intimate connection which exists between the soul and its clay tenement, and the great extent to which the former may be incapacitated by any derangement of the latter, it surely becomes an imperative duty to ascertain the best means of rearing sound minds in healthy bodies. The Fourth Article of our Constitution, requires us "to pray for our children daily, and with them as often as circumstances will permit." No Christian mother of course can NEWTON MATERNAL ASSOCIATION. 141 neglect the first of these duties, but it is to be feared that all do not sufficiently avail themselves of the latter privilege. That our children should approach the throne of grace with us, and unite in our petitions, seems not only natural and desirable, but appears to be indispensably requisite to a Christian education. What is better calculated to impress the young with a feeling of dependence upon God, and to form in them a habit of addressing Him in prayer, than the practice of redeeming a portion of each day from worldly pursuits, for the purpose of receiving instruction from the inspired volume, and together asking the Divine blessing upon all we do? Even in cases where the mother must herself conduct the family devotions, no fear of incapacity, no feeling of diffidence, should cause her to shrink from the performance of so obvious a duty. It may be we do not expect, with sufficient ardor, the early conversion of our offspring, and that we are too prone to consider it as something out of the common course of events; but may we not look, with confidence, for the blessing of God upon that seed, which is sown by the hand of maternal faithfulness, watered by the tears of pious tenderness, and invigorated by the breath of prayer and the light of a consistent example? We have all, undoubtedly, felt the management of our children, to be a far less difficult matter, than the government of ourselves. Were our own characters such as they could safely imitate, with what comparative ease could their training be accomplished! It is an inconsistent example, which so often counteracts the efficacy of our most faithful admonitions. Let us therefore strive so to govern our own actions, that they may never be the cause of stumbling to those who lean upon us for guidance in the path of duty. It has been said, that parents are in danger of not giving to conscience, that pre-eminence, among the powers of mind, which it so justly deserves. God has give conscience as a beacon-light to the soul, warning it of danger. How important, then, that we improve this faculty to its utmost capacity. How necessary, that children should be trained to consider right and wrong as the true standard of action; yet, it is to be feared, that we sometimes give to expediency, or to love of praise, that control over the conduct, which belongs to conscience alone. But, time will permit us to consider but few of the topics which present themselves to the mind upon this occasion. The advantages which we enjoy, as members of this 142 THE FAIREST LAND. Association, are, we trust, appreciated by us all. Even the knowledge, that we are in the habit of meeting for such a purpose, invests the subject with greater importance, and causes the mind to dwell upon it more fully, than would otherwise be the case. And if, through this instrumentality, the destiny of even one immortal being should be influenced for good, shall we have spent our time in vain? Who that feels the value of the never-dying soul, can deem any sacrifices too great, any labors too abundant, which may lead to its salvation? It is believed, that this, and similar associations, are the means of strengthening and elevating the Christian character, by continually reminding us of the solemn responsibilities which we have assumed, and of drawing more closely those bonds of love, which should ever unite the followers of a common Savior. May the blessing of God accompany these our humble efforts in His service, and may we, in the great day of account, be blessed with the approving sentence, "She hath done what she could." In behalf of the Association, West Needham, Mass., April, 1943. H. A. D., Sec'y. From the Persian. THE FAIREST LAND. “Tell me, gentle traveller, Who hast wandered far and wide, Seen the sweetest roses blow, And the brightest rivers glide Say, of all thine eye hath seen, "Lady, shall I tell thee where "T is where those we love, abide. Which the loved one's foot hath pressed; NOTICES OF BOOKS. 143 THE SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL-MASTER.-A Manual for the use of Teachers, Employers, Trustees, Inspectors, &c., of Common Schools. This book consists of two parts. The first part, written by DR. POTTER, professor of Moral Philosophy in Union College, is entitled The School, and treats of its objects, relations and uses; with a sketch of the education most needed in the United States, the present state of common schools, and the consequent duties of parents, trustees, inspectors, &c. The second part, written by GEORGE B. EMERSON, ESQ. of this city, treats of the proper character, studies and duties of the teacher, with the best methods for the government and instruction of common schools, and the principles on which school houses should be built, arranged, warmed and ventilated. The synopsis of this work, is alone sufficient to recommend it to the attention of every parent. Could a more important array of interesting subjects be presented in one book? Subjects-upon the due consideration of which, and a proper attention to which, hangs, to a great extent, the destiny of this nation. Our government is strong in the same proportion as the people are intelligent and virtuous; and one of the most powerful instrumentalities to make them so, is the Common School. It is the impera tive duty, therefore, of every parent at least, to make himself acquainted with the moral power of common Schools and their susceptibility of Improvement. In this country, give a child an education, if it is nothing more than the usual English branches of the Common School, and the door to the highest honors and influence is wide open before him. THE HONORABLE JAMES WADSWORTH of the State of N. Y., has generously presented a copy of this work to every school district in that State—– almost eleven thousand in number-and one to each deputy superintendent. Martin Brimmer Esq. of this city has also generously distributed thirty-five hundred copies in this State. Where this work has not already been introduced, can we not persuade some generous individual, who loves to witness the prosperity of the Common School, to purchase a copy and lend to his townsmen, until it has been generally read? We feel assured that great good might be accomplished in this way. LIFE OF WASHINGTON.---Number 10 of this invaluable work has a portrait of Washington from the original picture in the possession of the Atheneum, by Stuart. It carries the history down from April, 1789, to April 1793. Published by Tappan & Dennet, Boston. LESSONS ON THE BOOK OF PROVERBS, topically arranged, forming a system of Practical Ethics, for the use of Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes. pp. 107. Boston: Tappan & Dennet, "It is I, be not afraid." MUSIC WRITTEN FOR THE YOUNG LADY'S FRIEND, BY L. MASON. wa-ters on high; And the faith-less dis- ci-ples were bound in the spell Of mys 2. The storm could not bury that word in the wave, It shall reach his disciples in every clime, 3. When the spirit is broken with sickness or sorrow, The darkness shall pass, and in gladness to-morrow, 4. When death is at hand, and the cottage of clay The gracious forerunner is smoothing the way 5. When the waters are passed, and the glories unknown The compassionate "Lamb in the midst of the throne" And say, "Be not afraid, it is I." |