Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-07-19

olace, and their laudable efforts are de-
serving the warm appreciation Of every
liberal. minded person, We annex an
article on the subject Of Ladies' Fairs,
from the Boston Recorder
LADIES' FAIRS.
These have proved so very popular
and efficient a mode Of raising charity
funds, that it is time the objections to them
were met and answered, and the question
of their expediency settled, for that is a
bad cause which will not bear examina-
tion. Ifthese scruples are groundless,
and may be obviated, Christians should
beware how they hinder, or neglect to
aid so useful labor of love; and we hope
none will say, 81 have nothing to do with
Fairs" unless they can give a reason
,chy they have not.
1t is said that "Fairs are an injury to
work women and to toy-shops, ,"--that
'"the articles bought there, would else be
made by those, or sold at these;" and at
first sight, this objection appears very
plausible. But we believe it is without
foundation; for we have attended several,
and most of the goods consisted Of en-
broidcry, painting, and fancy articles,
which women who work for hire, seldom
if ever make.-Their occupation is plain
sewing, which is far more profitable; and
they very rarely attempt any other.--
With regard to toy-shops, probably they
are benefited by Fairs, las ladies purchase
of them, toys to send to the Tables
Most Of the goods, however, are the
fruits of the industry, ingenuity, and be-
nevolence Of our ladies', and do great
honor to their head, hands, and heart
| The effect on their own characters, OF
thus combining industry, self.denial, and
benevolcnce, with the habit of redecming
time is most auspicious; and for their
sakes, we should regret the abolition OF
] Fairs, since never is woman so lovely as
! when ministering angel.
1t is objected too, "that females have
enough to do at home" We pity any
whose charities not only begin, but END
there, and believe so narrow and selfish
spirit to be inconsistent with Christian
ity.
Again, we are told that "they are too
public for ladies', particularly to young
ones; they are open too all, and such in
discriminate crowds are improper. y
Now if this scruple is well-lounded,
f extends to the Picture Gallery, to the
: rooms of the Horticultural Society, ant
, to every other public resort yet ladies'
r even young ones, may frequent these
, continually, and no one dreams Of impro
| priety. If the object Of the Fair be i'm
= proper, their presence there is; but no
r else; and we rejoice that some who bov
= at the shrine of fashion, will also grace
the room of charity, and minister at he
@ altar.
> But the objections seem to rise, lhs,
. Banquo's ghosts, "another, and another
y and another;" and they are about a
: unsub bstantial; touch them, and they van
= ish into empty air, and we trust Chis
y tians will soon have done with them.
Bur "a Fair involves effort" So doe
S every thing worth having, or doing, il
, this sinful world; but when made for tn
cause of Him who died to redeem it, ca
= we, dare we, shrink from effort? Rattle
= shall we not esteem it a privilege to b
S in labors moro abundant, ,"-and to be a
c lowed to realize, by our own delightfi
g experience, that cit is more blessed
Il give than receivew We hope that c'
l. long there will be an annual Fair IN a
l. our cities and towns for missionary ol
e jects.
al "And she who marks from day to day,
\ With genrous acts, her radiant way;
Or Treads the same path her Saviour trod,
"a The path to glory and to God" X.