The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-11-11
THE INFLUENCE OF WOMAN,

figure which an elegant writer has applied
to another subject. 1t is like the beautify-
ing effect of concealed but bountiful springs,
silently and unperceivedly irrigating the
hill side and the meadow, and making the
landscape smile with power as benef-
eient and silent as il is potent; visible only
in its effect. When we draw woman for
ward into the public eye, and constant pub
lie collision with the stormy elements which
constitute society, the same notoriety which
robs her of her character delrauds her of
her influence. "Monsiers are admired,
and not esteemed" People may like,
from curiosity, or from admiration of tall
ent, wherever it deyelopes itself, to listen
to the language of talented womcn--but
such are not those among whom the wise
look for partners of theirjoys, their cares,
and their sorrows. When we speak thus,
we would not bar from our affections the
female who possesses genius and cultiva-
ton. When she makes her natural and ac-
quired ability the ornament of her fireside,
and the charm of the social circle, woman
is doubly dear, and doubly enchanting.
How blest may be the lot of woman!
Engrossed in cares which carry their own
reward with them, her life should pass, as
all who deserve the name of men would
have it, in quiet and delightful usefulness.
1t is of course, subject to the circumstances
which may mar OF lesson all human happi-
ness-but we are yet to learn that these
may be avoided by forcing her into an un-
natural sphere. Contemplate the 'even
tenor of her way from infancy. The re-
lations Of daughter and sister are among
the most delightful and confding in the
world. Her iather's success is hers-her
brothers fortune is her own property. The
affection which nature has made charac-
teristic of the female mind, identifies her
with the course of those with whom she is
connected. That she shares sorrow as
well as joy, is true; but hers is the power
to pour balm into the wounded spirit-and
successful relief or assuagement of sorrow
conlers reciprocal pleasure. Follow her
to the delightful situation of blushing
bride--thence TO that holiest of all earthly
relations, happy mother. In her hands
are, il may almost be said, the issues ofthe
life and death of her offspring. To herin
an especial manner is confded that most
delightful of all empoyments and priviIe-
ges, the observation of the Development of
mind, and its progress from infancy to ma
turity. New objects of nterest-absorbing
nterest-spring up about her path as life
wanes, and when she herself has arrived at
that point where the pleasures oflife be-
come tasteless by repetition, she may enjoy
them anew by sympathy with herchildren.
The last sweet task remains-the support
of her partner down the declivity of years.
Ii is a wise provision Of Providence that the
fortitude, the patience, the capacity fendu-
rance, in which she exceeds the ruder sex,
permit her to wear longer. In how many,
many instances we may daily see the ivy
which twined around the youthful oak, and
drew its support from it, becoming in turn
no small supporter Of the falling tree.
Yet there are those who hold the doc
trine that woman's sphere is too circum-
scribed.-They would do away the depen-
dence of the weaker sex upon the stronger,
and place woman upon political equality
with the lords Of creation. The thought is
monstrous. Woman was made ''to temper
man." Such a change would rob her of
the gentleness and delicacy which enable
= her to ahaie the rudencss of the other sex.
1t would impart to her perhaps more ener-
gy-but it would rob her of loveliness.
Worse than all, il would divert her attention
from that imperative of all duties, the edu-
cation Of children. Men may teac h-wo-
man educate.
If any change is desirable, it is that wo-
man, instead of being taught to sigh for
? chan0e-to come ont az her retirement and