The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-12-25

SN3 ""u WIN PtaAhtS dEOSSs FIUUdUiJ
not without cause. A more liberal
spirit has prevailed of late, and its adj
vantages to the prosperity of the town,
at FEAST, are already perceived, in the e.
rection of several new buildings They
have gone so far as to invite young
physician of excellent character, in the
nelghbourhood, to settle amongst them,
although he does not belong TO their
society. Still, these changes cannot be
viewed without mixture of regret,
feeling somewhat like that of Fisher
Ames. who feared that this interesting
society would ere long become lost in the
world, even as the pure waters ola noun
tain brook are lost in the wide ocean.
The Tavern at Bethlehem belongs
to the Society, and the landlord is sal
airy officer. II is commodious, and has
good lodgings for about fifty guests
The fare is simple and substantial
nothing luxurious, and the charges are
proportionably moderate. 1t is very
much thronged during the warm season,
and ne doubt there could be abundant
| support for another establishment of
equal extent. A balcony which extends
the whole length of the house on the
north side, forms an agreeable walk,
and furnishes tablets for the initials of
many name ambitious of being known
to the world. or handed down to pos
terity. A distinguished traveller who
had visited Egypt, and been on the
top of the pyramids, has made severe
remark upon those whose vanity could
so tar predominant over sublimer feel
ings as to induce them to inscribe their
names in such place and this again
reminds one of /" a little statue upon
a mighty pedestal, diminishing by ele-
walton !" But | don't know that the
thing is SO entirely out of character at
a watering-place, or fashionable lounge;
though | must confess, for my own part,
that independent of accident from wags
and personal enemies, who may succeed
you, do think that if the name must
be left behind, it had better be written
In the Album-it is at least more mod
est, and seems less ambitious of the day
light glare of notoriety.
The boarding-school for young ladies
was not part of their original estab-
lishment, and, as am informed, is only
of about forty years existence. 1t has
been quite celebrated, and perhaps the
reason why it is not so much spoken of
as formerly, is the greater number of
excellent institutions of similar kind
now existing. Mr.. Ogden, whose 6 Ex-
cursion," it will be recollected, was
published in 1900, says of the school
=" Improving and cultivating the head
and heart, are attended to as the first
requisites. In due subordination to
Piety aud morality, reading, writing,
arithmetick, drawing, embroidery, and
mnsick, are taught. Dancing, visiting
and sleeping abroad, or having parties
at the Inn during the visits Of friends.
are not agreeable to the Inspector or
instructresses." Some people think
there is too much religion, and too lit
lie dancing taught here and would
not advise those parents who think
more OF the manners than of the
minds and morals of their daughters. 10
send them to Bethlehem. The school
is certainly under excellent superin-
tendence at this time, and no person
who has made the acquaintance of the
interesting teachers, and witnessed the
Sunday exercises Of the pious and elo-
quent Mr. Sidell, their Inspector, can
fail to be deeply impressed 10 its favour.
It's beautiful and healthy situation will
always constitute strong attractions, aud
no doubt, Tor many, many years to come,
Bethlehem will continue to be referred
TO, as the place where some of our
most valuable women have received
their early education.
In speaking of this place. it would
be objectionable not TO notice the sis
ier's house. It is said to be the fault
OF Protestant countries that they have
no establishments like the CathoIicl,
nunnerles, without their fauIts-no pub
lick institutions, where single women
may retire upon a moderate income.
devoting their time to industry, works
OF charity, and TO pious medication
This censure does not attach 10 the
MoraTlans such an establishment is TO
be found at Bethlehem. 10 appear
ance, there are no happier women in
the world, than the inmates of the Sis
ters' house. Every visitor makes some
purchase'of their pretty wares, and the
Il t-AxI
little specimens of their industry aud