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ravages thus produced, have been too often illustrated by dissection, to admit of a doubt.

Habits of tight lacing are the more dangerous, because no one will acknowledge them. Those evils that shun the light, and shelter themselves in subterfuges, are ever the most difficult to remedy. A great part of that energy which might tend to their reform is wasted in hunting them from their hiding places. Has any young lady been known to acknowledge that she was destroying herself, that she was even uncomfortable from tight lacing? Yet the suppressed sigh, the labored ́respiration, the suffused countenance, the constrained movement, confess what the lips deny. Pulmonary and spinal diseases, lunacy and the grave, reveal the rest.

But is it possible, that in these days of improved and diffused education, any young female can stake the well being of her mind, and the duration of her existence, upon a circumstance of dress? Can she impede the functions of these mysterious agents, which the Almighty has put in motion, and make her shortened life a living death? Can she throw a blinding illusion over those who would save her, and like the Spartan culprit conceal the destroyer that feeds upon her heart's blood? We know that is so! And who that has tasted the omnipotence of fashion will doubt it? This is not the only sacrifice of health which she imposes. But it is a prominent one, and let mothers look to it. Let them not be satisfied with testimony, when demonstration is in their power. Let them possess themselves of the rudiments of anatomy. Let them at least be fully aware of the danger of stricture in the region of the lungs and heart, especially during their period of development.

Yet let them not linger till morbid habits have acquired strength. Their ministry is among the elements of character. Let them teach even over the cradle, that "this body is the temple of the Holy Ghost." Let them early

root from the minds of their daughters, that frivolous and mad principle, that the healthful action of their minds, and the perfect use of the organs through which it speaks, are secondary to the vanities of dress. If they have received from the great Creator, the gifts of a "sound mind and a sound body," instruct them that they are to account for both. If they deliberately permit sin to enslave the one, or fashion to maim the other, how shall they answer it to their Judge?

And how shall the mother answer it, who, when the soul was put into her hand as a waxen tablet, suffered folly to deepen its impressions there, and vanity to trace its thousand likenesses, and fashion to puff out her feverish breath on the lines that virtue had written, until what might have been polished for Heaven, was sullied and melted away?

Hartford, Conn., May 11, 1833.

For the Mother's Magazine.

L. H. S.

MOTHERS, LOOK TO YOUR EXAMPLE.

Mrs. W.-One day, as I sat sewing in my room, my little daughter came in, bringing her doll, a rag baby which she had just completed, and a few toys and

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broken chinas, and requested permission to make her a "baby house," as she styled it, in two of the chairs. When her things were arranged, she commenced house keeping. Her doll was her daughter. At that time I had a little servant girl, and the baby which she had made was hers. All her arrangements were made as I had been accustomed to make them. The servant girl had her business for the day planned out for her; her little daughter had her lessons and some sewing assigned her.

When I saw what she was doing, I turned my back upon her that she might suppose I paid no attention to what she said. The time for reciting the lessons, and for examination of the work soon came; then followed a scene exactly similar to one which passed between us sometime previous to this; and what was my surprise, to hear my own words as accurately repeated, as if they had been written down at the time, and read; and not only my words, but the tone and manner in which they were spoken, were imitated. She said to her doll, "my child, your lesson is very poorly said, your work is badly done; you have been idle, and you have been obstinate. I have been telling you for several days, if you did not do better I should be obliged to correct you; now I must. Mama would rather be corrected herself if it would do you good; but it is my duty, and I must do it." She then corrected her doll.

I was too much agitated to listen any longer, and silently exclaimed, “is it possible that all my words are set in a notebook, learned and conned by rote?" This little affair, trivial as it seemed, made a more indelible impression on my mind, than reading a volume on a mother's influence and responsibility.

I now saw my influence. I had confirmations, strong as proofs of holy writ. I now solemnly inquired of myself, what kind of an influence have I been exerting? Have I been exerting an influence calculated to promote the happiness of my children, and of those with whom they now associate, and with whom they may be hereafter connected? From what I had heard from my child, I was convinced that my influence was not ephemeral; but would in all probability affect future generations, not only in this world but in another. Solemn and momentous thought, that the eternal destiny of my children depends in any degree upon my influence and example! I may give them line upon line and precept upon precept, but all would lose its effect unless there be a corresponding example on my part. There may be so great a contrast between my instructions and practice, as to give their young hearts a disgust and hatred against those truths which I might wish to inculcate. But if my life be holy and consistent, and my daily walk and conversation accord with the truths which I profess to believe and teach, then I can consistently hope that they will be led to embrace them. Then I can go to God with confidence and faith in the name of Jesus, and entreat him to bless my efforts, and answer my prayers for their conversion. Then too, I may hope that my children may do as I have done; and that holiness and the love of God will be perpetuated from one generation to another. While a contrary course, I may expect, will lead my children to eternal misery, together with those who may succeed them.

I have been led too to inquire what kind of government I have been exer

cising over my household; whether it is not capricious, and whether I am not sometimes more actuated by the impulse of the moment than guided by reason or a conviction of duty. I was sensible that it ought to be mild and affectionate, calculated to secure the love and confidence of my children, and, at the same time, firm and inflexible. I am sensible too, that it ought to be founded upon the Bible; that if I were ever under the necessity of chastising them, I ought to show them from the book of Proverbs, that it is a command of God; and to tell them of God's indignation against, and overthrowing the house of Eli, because "his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."

In view of these momentous truths, I was led most fervently to implore the guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct me in the all important duties of a mother. I send you this little narrative, hoping that it may meet the eyes of some mother, who is as unconscious of the force of her influence, as I was previous to the circumstances to which I have alluded.

For the Mother's Magazine.

THE PENITENT CLARA.

The following recent fact may, perhaps, aid some mother in subduing an irritable, obstinate child; for such tempers are in every family, and many mothers have frequently to encounter trials of a similar kind.

Clara is over thirteen years of age, and possesses a disposition in which self will and irritability are strongly prominent; she has, however, many amiable qualities, as redeeming traits of character, which, if rightly directed, will make her a very useful woman. One day this self will had been indulged in a most unbecoming manner, and the whole mind of the little girl was inflamed with its poison. She rebelled against her mother, resisted her father, set at naught the authority of her elder sister, and treated her younger sisters with marked unkindness. "My child," said her anxious mother, "this course of conduct must not go on; for a whole day you have indulged in it; you have retired to rest without repentance, and consequently without forgiveness, and you have arisen this morning with the same wicked feelings. Clara, I am very seriously displeased with your faults, and deeply grieved by your conduct. I have kindly admonished you, and expected some acknowledgement; disappointed all day yesterday in this expectation, you must now come to your duty immediately; any further delay would be in me a tacit acquittal, which you well know is contrary to my principles. Now, my child, I cannot suffer you to come to the table and eat and drink with your mother while you show these ugly tempers. Whenever you give evidence of genuine sorrow, my forgiveness will not be withheld."

Clara gave an angry glance at her mother and left the room; but in a short fime returned, and with a most humble manner and broken voice, while sobs and tears almost choaked her utterance, confessed her faults and humbly entreated to be forgiven. "Are you really sorry, my child?" inquired her

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now weeping mother, " or is it merely lip confession? Do you feel sensible that in resisting my authority, you have resisted your heavenly Father's?" "Oh yes, yes, mother!" (replied the little girl,) throwing herself into her mother's arms, pray forgive me, and ask the Lord to forgive me, for I have sinned against him, as well as against you."

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The mother threw her arms around her penitent child, and bending down with her at the footstool of mercy, sought forgiveness through that purifying blood which cleanseth from all sin.

Whenever the Bible becomes the mother's manual, the work of early subduing our children will appear our most prominent duty. Bible views of sin, Bible views of duty, Bible views of self knowledge, one of the most important, yet neglected lessons we have to learn, can alone guide us aright in every thing. When we cultivate the young conscience by the Bible, it can be moulded and fashioned, and stamped with much moral excellence; and the seal of divine grace is generally set on such, with an early stamp, which the world can never efface. Let Bible principles be instilled in the nursery, let Bible motives be applied to the school girl; let Bible examples be held up to the young lady, and Bible life and Bible immortality will be the result of Bible training. Mothers, study your Bibles daily; apply them on every occasion; use them for "reproof, rebukes, correction, instruction," and in short, for every thing; for when we have a "thus saith the Lord," it is worth ten thousand arguments; and the mouth of the Lord hath said " my word shall not return unto me void, it shall accomplish that whereunto I have sent it." Heart cheering promise! Oh! mothers, take hold of it.

MONICA.

LETTER FROM THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

In this land of Sabbaths, and Bibles, of literary institutions, and Sunday schools, and Bible classes, do Christian mothers realize the darkness which broods over the pathway of their sisters in heathen lands? to say nothing of the grosser darkness which still rests upon the habitations and hearts of pagan mothers.

If members of maternal associations, favored as they are with privileges heaven-born and inestimable, sigh over their own ignorance and indolence, and the consequent waywardness of their children, can they, after reading the following letter recently received from the Sandwich Islands, can they turn away with indifference from the appeal that is made to their Christian sympathies? Will not their prayers be more frequent and importunate in behalf of maternal associations in foreign lands? Another letter from the same mission, and relating to the same subject, has recently been received by a lady in New York. We regret that we are not able to make extracts from it. Its contents are highly interesting, and some facts stated are truly appalling to the parental bosom. They go to substantiate the belief which has long been vacillating in the public mind, that the children of missionaries ought to be educated in Christian lands. Cannot maternal associations,

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which are now every where rising up in all the freshness and healthful vigor of youthful enthusiasm, extend their aid across the intervening oceans, and grasp, with Christian sympathy and affection, these precious victims to heathen example. If mothers, surrounded as they are with all the endearments of home, often find it a trial to be separated, even for a few months, from a little son or daughter, about to join a neighboring academy, how must the missionary mother feel, when, to avoid the greater evil of paganism, she imploringly turns, not only for the education, but the salvation of her offspring to the land of her fathers?

In view of this alternative, the missionary mother must look away from a probable separation from her child for life, from the perils of the deep, from a conviction that it must be placed under the care of strangers; she must learn to forget the sweet kiss and the innocent prattle of her tender babe. And when the parting hour arrives, this affectionate mother, probably for the last time, lays her hand upon the head of her little one; her heart, too full for uterance, breathes forth the melting petition, "God be gracious to thee, my child;" who can imagine the conflict that agitates her bosom, as the mission ship, freighted with this "pearl of great price," is wafted upon the bosom of the mighty ocean ?

HONOLULU, Nov. 3, 1832.

My dear Mrs. C: It is five years to-day, since we left beloved America and embarked on the stormy ocean, with our faces toward the Isles of the Sea. I have not forgotten the emotions that agitated my bosom as I placed my foot on the deck of the Parthian, (whose sails were already filled to the breeze,) and turned away my eyes forever from the land of my fathers, (and the world would say)" all that renders life delightful." O the struggle-the anguish of the moment when the spell was broken-and oh the grace-the precious" oil and wine," that sustained me in that trying hour. I would not forget the hand that wiped away my tears and cheered my sinking spirits with the gracious promise, "lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world." In reviewing the past, and inquiring what prompted me to such a step, I find great comfort. I was not banished hence for crime, neither was I urged by the love of gold, or thirst for fame, or a desire to see new and foreign countries. No; the bright, the glorious "star of Bethlehem led the way;" its hallowed twinkling guided our pathway over the ocean, and I feel a consciousness that its mild influence still attends us and rests on our dwelling.

In all the vicissitudes of the five past years, I have not for a moment desired to retrace my steps; to be obliged to do so would be my greatest earthly affliction. I only mourn my exceeding unfitness for the work, and unfaithfulness in the cause of my blessed Master. I am sometimes greatly pained at the thought that I am occupying the ground almost as a cumberer, for which so many are panting, with the love of God and the heathen, "like a fire shut in their bones."

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Still I am not without evidence that my efforts, poor and feeble as they are, are not altogether in vain. I do not know that I have been the means of saving ene soul. I do not feel greatly desirous of such evidence in this world,