hase; next day passed, and he did not ap-golden honors and pride of station could not pear. His family alarmed at his unwonted save from this foul weapon. We see men absence, sought him in different directions elevated to all that a grasping ambition on the mountains, where they at length found him a lifeless and disfigured corpse burned in the most shocking manner! Numerous traces around indicated that death had been slow in coming, and that the unfortunate victim had struggled long in his agony. Adelaide, on learning how fearfully she was avenged, was seized with remorse and immediately gave herself up to justice making a full confession of her crime. DETRACTION. A knowledge of our own defects suggest the possibility of like failings, or worse, in others. Alas, poor human nature, when we get good we want to keep it, we hug it to our hearts, and roll it as a sweet morsel under our tongues, especially if our dear selves are particularly benefitted. But when we feel the blight of some cherished fault, and are sensible of its injurious influence upon ourselves and others, how pleasing it is to know or only hear that one we thought immaculate, has in some manner gone astray. There is no use disguising the fact that in such a case misery loves company, and that all are more or less infected with the disease. But out and out detraction, no one but he whose heart is rotten at the core, will venture to practice. To wield the dagger of calumny is no work for a novice in the school of crime; it must be an adept, one who has conned the lessons of dissimulation well over, one who see all things through the dark moral atmosphere of his own soul. Oh! how many have gone, broken-hearted, to the cold grave, laid their dying heads even upon the bosoms of false friends, and breathed their expiring words upon the ears of those who have grimly smiled to think how truly the poisoned arrow sped to its mark. In reading the pages of history we realize this, and pity the unfortunates whom could desire, plucked down to the low abyss of despair, by a whisper. A little word pointed by the venom of detraction, has made many a palace a living tomb. Could the pale ranks of those royal victims, who have languished in stone dungeons far beneath the waves of the sea, and those who have pined in thick darkness, while yet the beautiful green earth and fresh living nature were around them, without the heavy walls of masonry, they would give a thrilling testimony to the power of that arch-fiend, detraction. Could many a female, sinning only in that she did not know the crooked Iways of the world rise from her obscure grave and throw back the damp tresses from her moldy brow, how mournful would she sing of a broken heart, a friend's faithlessness, and the unkind scorn of her compeers, through the ruthless magic of that terrible detraction. Coull many a prisoner, branded and forgotten, furrowed with sin and age, hardened by daily contact with vice, ruined, lost to mercy and to shame, tell how he fell from the ranks of the virtuous, and became the godless wretch he is, he would whisper one word-with glaring eye-balls and clenched teeth he would utter, "detraction." That was his first incentive to crime; it was that that made the fair-haired youth the guileful man, and the man the criminal, banished for the safety of innocence. We all have the germ of this baleful sin; let us beware, for we are but mortal, how it shows its hated presence in our hearts, and crush it as often as it lifts its venomed head to whisper evil of a brother-Boston Olive Branch. AN ardent sensibility to the impression of great virtues and abilities, accompanied with a generous oblivion of the little imperfections with which they are joined, is one of the surest indications of a generous character. For the Miscellany. NO FICTION. BY MRS. L. F. ALLEN. far from us, does not consist wholly of sweet or painful associations, or reminiscences of the past, but the more we cherish it the more it appears to assume a tangible shape of something that is reality. Who of us that have been separated by the messenger of death from near and dear ones, have not realized often, sweet and present communion, which is near akin to what they enjoyed in their society when living. To those who possess the comforting, animating hope of being reunited to them, in a world exempt from all the "evils which flesh is heir to,” what a delightful fore-taste it affords of the bliss that, ere long, will be complete in Heaven. How little we can understand respecting the law of mind, and how many intricacies in our own, we cannot fathom. The more we make it a study, the more plainly difficulties appear, which prevent our comprehending clearly its depth. We are not aware, perhaps, how much we are indebted to good influence without us, as well as the obnoxious that pushes us onward in our career to futurity. We know the infimte holds converse with the finite, aud that every good man is guided by a spirit as real and holy as As our understandings are so limited with that which dictated to the prophets and aregard to the operations by which mind is postles of old. One experienced in the paths influenced, so we can only partially compreof virtue is just as sure of this communica- hend how and by what it is frequently imtion with the unseen, as of the daily inter-pressed to proceed in a certain course of accourse we hold with friends around us; and tion, instead of another which may be prelike those of old, holds converse with the in-sented before it; and there are some facts visible. Every such one is aware that he is we meet with as we come in conjunction with strengthened in the path of duty, enlighten- mind, in our interchange with other minds, ed in the truth, by this best friend of man, that puzzles, bewilders, and appears quite who sets home the words of inspiration with inexplicable. The following may be includnew and impressive force to the understand-ed as one-a circumstance that took place ing and heart, at the same time imparts as sistance to love and obey them. The Divinity speaks to us in another way constantly, by the faculty he has implanted in every bosom; and all who endeavor to follow the faithful monitions of conscience, may hear that unerring guide speaking in a voice as sensibly, if not audibly, as in the communion of fellow minds with which he hourly comes in contact. some years since, but true in every particu- There is a noun of plural number, Knowing the fact that the immaterial holds converse with the material sentient being, and that all the converse we hold with friends consists of mind with mind, and spirit with spirit, by the aid of our physical powers, who is prepared to say we may have no intercourse with the immaterial we have loved and cherished on earth, who have taken as it were, a part of our hearts with them to the spirit world? Such correspondence with the beloved, Death has removed riddle is the word CARES. A short time before it came to light, or was ever lead in our country, a lady of my acquaintance, an inmate of a family in N It will be remembered that the solution of this York City, where boarded a number of young ladies, who were attending Mrs. Green's school, (so celebrated at that time,) composed and repeated to them one evening the very same riddle, in my hearing. After they had occupied some time in endeavoring to define it, she explained it herself. The lady was not professedly a poetess, but possessing a good, and well cultivated mind Her version was, There is a word that ends with s, To peace and quiet rest, "Twill make a word, that all are glad When they can try the test. The surprise was great, a few years after, on first sight of the same thought from a mind so distinguished. One can imagine some of her thoughts, that she had composed what, as coming from her, would receive not even the slightest notice, and though certainly no great achievement of itself, yet from one among the great and popular of the world, had attracted universal attention. To digress a little. How impossible for us, short sighted as we are, to account for facts like the following: A clergyman, with whom we are acquaintel, was telegraphed that his mother was in a dying state, and requested to hasten to her as soon as possible. He did not arrive until the lapse of forty-eight hours, and on entering the house of her home, immediately enquired how long since she had died; when answered and questioned how he had ascertained the fact of her death, and who had informed him, replied promptly, no one. I knew it was so, for I could not offer one petition on her behalf, since last night, mentioning the hour which was the exact time she went to her rest in another and a better world. Another gentleman of undoubted piety and veracity, and without the slightest tincture of superstition, had contemplated for years a visit to a distant uncle in Vermont, which he had deferred from various circumstances from year to year. Last year it seemed to flash as a sudden impression at once on his mind, I must go now. Ac cordingly he commenced his journey, and arrived just as his beloved relative had died to comfort the bereaved family who were far removed from all their many relatives. Many like instances no doubt are present to observing and reflecting minds. I never recollect of seeing but one well written article on subjects relative to the above, and that was in Littel's Living Age. As they are not by me, I enot say in which number it may be found. Permit me to express a wish that some of your talented correspondents will write an essay which would elicit some new ideas on a subject so interesting but so little understood. NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 1852. For the Monthly Miscellany. MINISTERING SPIRITS. BY MRS. C. H. PARLIMAN. We know not that there is proof sufficient in Holy Writ, to substantiate the beautiful theory of "ministering spirits." From our earliest remembrance, it has ever been a source of pleasure to believe, that the spirits of departed friends, at times are permitted to hover near, and with their angel whisperings, guide us on, in our lonely pilgrimage below. Why should it not be thus? The spirit, when freed from its earthy companion, which binds it to this "cloud girded" sphere mounts upward and speeds its airy flight over the boundless fields of eternity. amid the pauses of heavenly music, may it not stoop to earth, and echo the sweet strains upon the heart-chords of the friends, who listened in love, to tones which still linger in memory's holy cell! There are times, we know not why, that our hearts are as light and joyous as an uncaged bird, and, were it not for the feeble chain which fetters us down, and which we dare not break, our flight, would like his, be up and away. Why How know we that some angel-wing has not passed over our souls, sweeping away the dark clouds which gathered o'er us 1 ing, deceitful blandishments of the other, and turn a deaf ear to the syren song, which would lead us astray. For, as sure as there are good, there are also evil spirits. The more we cherish the heavenly visitants, like our earthly friends, the closer will they cluster around us-while the eyil, like our our enemies, come all unbidden. To cherish the one, and resist the other is the Christian's duty, and the Christian's pleasure. HANOVER, 1852. shutting out the sun-rays of joy and happiness? We feel, at times, our hearts fraught with high and noble aspirations, glowing with pure impassioned impulses to press onward, toward the achievement of great and glorious purposes, to seize upon, and urge forward, the laggard wheels of reform, to relieve the oppressed, encourage virtue, and destroy vice; in short, could we but follow the lightning foot-steps of mind,and achieve the noble deeds which swell our bosoms; this beautiful earth, now the scene of so much misery, would again become a paradise of love and happiness. Why these lofty impulses; these happy, almost entrancing moments? May not spirit-voices, vibrating the air around us, thus nerve our hearts with high and generous resolves? Some spirit-friend, with viewless hand, brush away the dark clouds of doubt and evil which circle our souls, and with thrill-superabundant. No one is born wise.— ing, silent eloquence urge us to pursue the bright and heaven-ward way? Truly, there can be no theory more fraught with pleasing associations! What theory is better calculated to dash down the wine-cup-paralyze the arm up-raised to shed his brother's blood-to restrain man kind from adding to the black catalogue of crimes, beneath whose mountain-weight earth groans, and the pitying heavens echo back the mournful sound; than, the belief, that the pure spirits of the dearly loved, behold with tearful eye, our every deed of evil? What theory, is better calculated to incite and encourage us in every good "word and work;" to refine and ennoble the immortal soul, and render us fit companions of angels: than, that they rejoice in our every effort to rise superior to the temptations which surround us, and boldly tread in the path of virtue. A FATHERS ADVICE TO HIS SON. BY GOETHE. THE time draws nigh, dear John, that I must go the way from which none returns. I cannot take thee with me; I must leave thee in a world where good counsel is not Time and experience teach us to seperate the grain from the chaff. I have seen more of the world than thou. It is not all gold, dear son, that glitters. I have seen many a star from heaven fall, and many a staff on which men have leaned break. Therefore I give thee this advice, the result of my experience, Attach not thy heart to any transitory thing. The truth comes not to us; we must seek for it. That which you see, scrutinize carefully; and with regard to things unseen and eternal, rely on the word of God.Search no one so closely as thyself. Within us dwells the judge who never deceives, and whose voice is more to us than the applausə of the world, and more than all the wisdom of the Egyptians and Greeks. Resolve, my son, to do nothing to which this voice is opposed. When you think and project, strike on your forehead and ask his counsel. speaks at first low, and lisps as an innocent child; but if you honor his innocence he gradually loosens his tongue and speaks more distinctly. He And this is religion. To listen to the low, sweet breathings of the one, following its gentle dictates, in all that is good and noble here, thus making our transitory stay, the Despise not any religion; it is easy to season of preparation, for entering a higher despise, but it is much better to understand and pure existence hereafter; to resist with a Uphold truth when thou canst, and be wil firm heart and stubborn will, all the flatter-ling for her sake to be hated; but know Help, and give willingly when thou hast and think no more of thyself for it; and if thou hast nothing, let thy hands be ready with a drink of cold water, and esteem thyself for that no less. Say not always what thou knowest, but know always what thou sayest. Not the apparently devout, but the truly devout man respect, and go in his WIVS. A man who has the fear of God in his heart, is like the sun that shines and warms, though it does not speak. Do that which is worthy of recompense, and ask none. Reflect daily upon death, and seek the life which is beyond with a cheerful courage; and further, go not out of the world without having testified by some good deed thy love and respect for the Author of Christianity. that thy individual cause is not truth, and as it lengthens. This goes on to a certain beware that they are not confounded. Do point, at which the greater growth is attaingood for thy own satisfaction, and care noted; and then the hair grows fine by degrees what follows. Cause no gray hairs to any and beautifully less; until, if allowed its full one; nevertheless, for the right even gray growth as on the head of a young damsel, hairs are to be disregarded. its point is many times smaller and more delicate than the portion near the centre of its length. Some hair is much rounder more cylindrical than other; some being oval and some flattened. The flat hair it is that curls most. Adonis and the negro are therefore, alike in one point at least. Hairs vary much, both in thickness and in length those on the female scalp being, naturally, the longest of all; and those of the beard of men being next in length, and longer than those of the male head. The hair of the female seal is not only longer than that of the male, but in proportion to its length, is larger in diameter. The thickest of all human hair however is that of the beard of men; and the investigations of this subject tend to justify the assertion of the barbers, that frequently cutting and shaving the hair, has a tendency to make it thicker. Every hair has a stem and a root just as a tree has; the root bedded in the skin just as the tree is in earth. But the comparison does not end here. The tree has bark, medulla, and intervening substance the hair has the same. The bark (or cortex) of the hair displays a series of scales placed one overlapping another, just as we see tiles overlap on a house-top. Immediately below this scaly "The hair may be called the offspring of bark we have a fibrous portion, forming the skin; and in health and disease, youth two-thirds of the bulk of the hair. These and age, there is a close sympathy between fibres are seen to separate when the hair the two. A fine growth of hair, when mag-splits from being left too long uncut. The nified, might be compared to a plantation center of the hair has a little canal, full of an of osiers, when the leaves are off; with some oily, marrow-like substance, containing the difference of course. Human hair is not per- greater part of the coloring matter; black in fectly round, as it seems to be when seen black hair, brown in brown hair, and almost with the naked eye; nor is it of the same absent when the hair has become gray. The thickness through its whole length. At its marrow of the hair, and its two outer coatorigin in the skin, it swells out into a bulb-ings, are well seen in a section of a hair from ous form, like a crocus-root, or the body of a well-shaved chin. The razor, day by day, a young spring onion, before the leaves cuts it across; it cannot grow longer, so it have opened. From this base the hair grows thicker and stronger; and each slice springs forth, and gradually becomes bulkier taken away by the matutinal shave, looks, THE HUMAN HAIR MAGNIFIED. The following, from Dickens' "Household Words," confirms the oft repeated opinion, that it is a violation of a physiological principle to shave the "human face divine." After some very sensible remarks on the skin, and other organs of the body, the writer says: |