self. HISTORY OF MATERNAL ASSOCIATIONS. In our next number shall be inserted, if practicable, the Baptist constitution alluded to above. A circular addressed to Christian mothers was issued by the Boston associ ation in May last. A circular of similar import was published in July, by the Utica association. The object in both is to induce mothers in every church in our country, to form similar associations. At a meeting of the Synod of Utica, in October last, a circular was placed in the hands of the clergymen present, and a petition presented to the body, that they would take these institutions under their fostering care, and recommend the formation of similar associations in their respective congregations. The subject was examined, and an unanimous vote was passed in approbation of the petition. The object of this article, addressed to pastors of churches, is to further the views and designs of these associations, as made public in their respective circulars. Designs and RESULTS.-The designs and results of maternal associations here presented, are extracted from the Boston circular. "So inestimable are the advantages afforded by maternal associations-and so pleasing are the results, wherever they have been sustained with interest, that it is earnestly desired that in every church in our country, similar societies should be organized. Surely every Christian mother will listen to the voice that speaks kindness to the souls of her children. 1. Whenever these associations are conducted as they were originally designed to be, they are known to keep in vigorous exercise a spirit of active piety—even in seasons of great declension. There is a chord in every mother's heart which will vibrate when every other is still, and a mutual influence is produced by the unrestrained communications of similar anxieties. 2. These associations are highly beneficial to a numerous class of mothers, whose opportunities for mental cultivation are extremely limited-whose occupations are so constant and pressing, as to allow but little leisure for attending to the careful discharge of maternal duties. In these circles they find the best works on education collected and explained, and are greatly assisted in bringing them to bear on daily practice. 3. Such associations fasten the attention of every mother, whether enlightened or ignorant, on the great and responsible work of educating her immortal children for heaven. 4. In these associations opportunity is afforded to present the united prayer of faith, for the beloved children committed to their care. 5. These meetings are peculiarly useful to young mothers. In them they may learn how to take their infants to the Saviour-how to teach them the love of prayer-of truth-of obedience, and thus prepare them for the Sabbath school, or for the richer blessings of the Holy Spirit, when he shall come to take up his abode in their hearts. As to the results of these associations, "It may be asked, 'Do the children of maternal associations become pious at an earlier period than others?' We answer, so far as our observation has extended, we believe they do." In 8 HISTORY OF MATERNAL ASSOCIATIONS. reference to those whose extreme youth forbids an entire confidence, we have the most cheering and ample testimony in favor of such efforts. In most of these children we observe a habit of prayer, a fear of sin, a tenderness of conscience, an acquaintance with eternal things, most of which, we hesitate not to ascribe to the influence of maternal instruction, suggested at these meetings. Here the weak may come and learn of the wise, and here the wisest feel their need of better wisdom than their own. Many a mother can testify, that at the maternal meeting, she resolved to return and be a better parent." Whether the Mother's Magazine shall hereafter be recorded among the favorable results of maternal associations, is yet to be ascertained. Perhaps we cannot present the subject of our address to ministers in a more forcible point of light, than by giving the sentiments of Mrs. Payson, on the importance of their influence, in her own language. "If our clergymen would take this institution under their fostering care, much might be accomplished. And since they have done with catechetical instruction, it is incumbent on them to do something to aid in our responsibilities. The present is a day of activity, and fathers and ministers have a large field of labor; but all their talents must not be devoted to national societies. "The rising generation are soon to constitute the very spring work of all these societies, and our children must not be neglected'; and Christian fathers and ministers, if they cannot devote time and strength to the disciplining and nurturing these precious plants, can and must lend us a portion of their talents to hold up our hands and encourage our hearts, for it is a great work, and the mightiest mind may find ample employment here." We would affectionately and earnestly inquire, Will not every clergyman in our country immediately recommend to mothers the formation of maternal associations, and urge them to commence such an institution without delay? For the encouragement of mothers, please to say to them in behalf of kindred associations," that while the friends of maternal associations would earnestly invite their beloved sisters to co-operate with them, in these delightful efforts, they would encourage them by saying that a single responsible individual, who will take hold of the object with persevering faith, who will always be at the appointed place of meeting, prepared to conduct the exercises with profit and interest; one, careful to select the most appropriate article to be read, who will stimulate every effort, will rise above every obstacle, can accomplish all that is proposed; and for the want of that one mother, similar associations have been known to wither and die. Is there not, in the bosom of each of our churches, one such mother, ready to go forward in this thing, in every town and parish in our country? Let her who has the ability, and shrinks from the undertaking, inquire at the door of her heart, on whom will lie the responsibility of neglecting special means afforded by the Saviour, to bring his ransomed ones into the "kingdom," in the infancy of their being. LITTLE ANN'S REQUEST. LITTLE ANN'S REQUEST. Will you please to give me some sewing, this morning? said little Ann, one day, to her mother. No, my dear-you are always teazing me for something. But I do not like to be idle, mother, said Ann. I tell you, child, I cannot be troubled by you, now; besides, you so soon get tired of your work, when I do prepare any, that there is no use in preparing any for you. I know, mother, I have had both knitting and sewing, and have got tired of them; but I should not get tired of them now. I say I cannot give you any this morning. I find it more to fit work for you than it is all worth. I had rather do the same work myself, twice over; so don't interrupt me. But, mother, I fear I shall never learn to sew. That indeed you will, my dear, if I can have my own way. I shall never do your sewing for you, with all my other cares. On the contrary, I intend you shall do the sewing for all the family, when you get old enough. In what other way do you expect to pay me for all my care of you? Why then, mother, shall I not begin to learn now? I have told you before that you are very troublesome; but if you will know all my reasons, I must tell you, once for all, that it requires so much patience to teach children to sew, that I shall never undertake the job myself. I had rather hire some one to teach you. When you are a little older, I intend sending you to a sewing school, and as I shall have to pay the teacher, she can afford to exercise patience with you. We believ that there are but few mothers who have not, at times, been thus importuned. Let us endeavor to analyze the above conversation, and ascertain the probable effects, upon the happiness, and disposition, not only of both mother and child, but also of a whole household, of treating the reasonable requests of little children with such apparent, not to say, contemptuous, indifference. What paramount object could have so engrossed this mother, that she could not have attended to the reasonable, yea, delightful request of her little Was she absolutely, or even necessarily engaged? or was it not rather an excuse for her indolence. The mother probably succeeded in deceiving herself; the child was not so easily deceived. Childrenare, not unfrequently, profound reasoners. one. This conversation had scarcely ended, before a friend came in, and proposed to the mother to accompany her in a walk. My dear Mrs. R. said the mother, I had fancied myself exceedingly occupied in the care of my little George, who is not quite well this morning. But, really, your kindness deserves attention. Come, my dear Ann, I think for once you can so manage as to make your little brother comfortable, till mother's return; I cannot find it in my heart to refuse Mrs. R.'s politeness. One cannot always be compelled to stay at home, taking care of children. I will venture to leave the child for an hour or 10 So. you. LITTLE ANN'S REQUEST. Come, sit down, Mrs. R., and I will soon be in readiness to accompany Children soon learn to imitate the example of their mother. It was now Ann's turn to demur. This was done in looks and gestures, rather than in words or positive resistance. Come, dear, said the mother, be a good little girl, and take good care of little brother, and mother will bring you home some cake, or candy, or sugar plums. The two friends had scarcely commenced their walk, before little George catches the infection of discontent from his disappointed sister, and sets up such a scream as drives poor Ann to desperation. The father, happening to return at this moment, finds all in an uproar. Where is your mother, my dear Ann? She has gone out for a walk, father, with Mrs. R. I thought your mother said at the breakfast table, that George was ill. Go and call Ellen, to come and comfort the poor thing. The father has no sooner left the house, than a little girl calls to see if Ann will go with her, and do an errand for her mother. Ann now recollects that such politeness is not to be refused, and is willing, under any pretext, to save herself the trouble of taking care of a screaming child. Indeed, it requires more patience than she can now command; Ellen can do it better, as she is paid for it. Poor Ellen's work is all thrown into disorder. My dinner, she exclaims, cannot be in readiness at the appointed hour; my poor master's business will be interrupted, and my mistress will be very angry. The mistress of the house, on her return, charges all the blame upon Ann and Ellen, indiscriminately. The blame, being mutually divided, is neither felt nor acknowledged on the part of either. Now, had Ann's mother replied to her request-Yes, my dear, it is right that you should be industrious: I am gratified when you try to be useful. Come, you divert little George, and I will soon have some work ready for you. This cheerful compliance, on the part of the mother, charms the heart of little Ann. She is pleased, in her turn, with an opportunity of testifying her grateful obedience to such a kind hearted mother. Come, brother, and sister Ann will tell you a pretty story. The work is soon ready: Ann is so happy in the affections of her mother, and pleased with her smiling brother, for even little George has participated in the happiness of both mother and sister, that but for the real desire of being useful and industrious, she would have found difficulty in abstracting her mind from a scene so sweet-so delightful, and in bringing it down to the sober business of learning to sew by taking very little stitches. What contributes more to a father's happiness, than the pleasure of returning to his own cheerful dwelling, where he is sure to meet her, who is rearing up his dear ones in the paths of virtuous industry; going before them in all the endearments of domestic love; training them up in habits of frugality and economy; and showing them the precious fruits of patient and self-denying efforts, by her own worthy example, A MORNING CALL. 11 A MORNING CALL. A few mornings since I had occasion to call on a friend. My business was of such a nature, and of such importance, that it had given an impetus to family affairs, so that I had unconsciously gained an hour. I rose from the family altar, threw on my bonnet and cloak, and set out in haste, in pursuit of my object. I felt that it was early, but I knew that I should not be met with the cold and repulsive indifference of not at home; or, the mistress of the house engaged. I knew the spirit of my friend was more in unison with that of an American gentleman, while a resident at Paris, who was heard to say, that he always considered a rap at his door as a call from Providence. As I approached the threshold of my friend's mansion, I thought I heard music. I knew that the master of the house kept a house-organ; but these strains were more like the strains of hearts and voices, commingling under the sanctifying and elevating influences of a present Deity.. I almost fancied that it was the music of the upper spheres. I gave a gentle tap at the door. It was opened by a young woman, whose solemn countenance so impressed my own feelings, that I walked silently into an apartment, the door of which she cautiously opened for my entrance, without either of us having spoken. The master of the house, as I entered, politely welcomed me by a silent bow, at the same time motioning with his hand that I should take an unoccupied seat. On observing a numerous family seated around, I suspected at once that they had just entered upon their family devotions, and that the music I had heard, was the commencement of a morning song of praise. I cannot do justice to the scene, or convey my own impressions, without transcribing the song itself. "Time is winging us away To our eternal home; Enclos'd in death's cold arms. "Time is winging us away To our eternal home; A journey to the tomb. The sentiments expressed in this sacred song, reminded me that this was, probably, my farewell call to my friends, as they were on the very eve of a removal. My heart was sad in view of our anticipated parting. The silent tear stood trembling on my cheek; but it was not till all were prostrated, in the act of solemn worship, that my feelings were relieved by a flood of tears. As we rose, I unconsciously exclaimed, If the communion of saints on earth is so sweet," what will it be above!" The course which my friends pursued in regard to myself, was in strict accordance with the injunction, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." One such example as the above, has, in some cases, produced a greater effect than a hundred sermons. I well remember an instance of this kind. Same years since, an old revolutionary officer, tottering under the accumulated |